In February 2016, I finally went to see my regular doctor as I hadn’t been feeling like myself. I was bloated, although I didn’t really realize it (just figured I was putting on holiday weight.) I had been practicing yoga and wasn’t able to do any poses where I had to be on my stomach, but I didn’t know why. I also couldn’t eat very much without feeling full. My regular doctor and I talked for a while, and then as she started my exam, she could feel a mass in my abdomen. She immediately sent me for a CT scan, and when the results came back later that day, she called to tell me she was getting me an appointment with a gyn-onc. The craziest part is that she had just seen me for an exam in the fall – and she felt nothing at that time.
In March 2016, I had the tumor and my left ovary removed. Unfortunately, the pathology wasn’t clear during the surgery, otherwise, a complete hysterectomy would have been done then. Instead, after the results came back, a second surgery was scheduled for April. I was classified at Stage 3C.
Because I was “young”, only 39 at the time, my gyn-onc put me through a pretty extensive chemo regimen for 18 weeks. It was a long, grueling process. There were times I wanted to quit. By September 2016, I was finished with treatment, and have had no evidence of disease since then – with my CA-125 holding steady.
I never imagined (no one does) that it would be cancer. I remember clearly after my CT scan, my husband searching online and he said it couldn’t possibly be ovarian cancer because it’s so rare. I don’t consider it a rare disease anymore!
Through this process, I have met some absolutely wonderful people! From the doctors and nurses who cared for me throughout treatment (and now at check-ups) to my fellow survivors who I now consider dear friends.
I had been told about MOCA right away but was not able to process going to support group meetings at the time. Once I completed treatment, I looked into it. And now, I try to go every month as my schedule allows. The support and resources provided by MOCA are amazing! I genuinely look forward to the support group meetings. It is so comforting to be able to share experiences and help others who may be newly diagnosed. Being active with MOCA is a big part of my life now, and I sincerely appreciate all of the work they do to fund research and help families who are going through this cancer-walk.
Throughout this journey, I’ve realized how important my faith, family, and friends are to my ultimate survival. And now, I consider MOCA part of that group as well.
The information enclosed in Survivor Stories should not be considered a substitute for the opinion of a qualified health care provider. MOCA does not recommend or guarantee any product mentioned. Please use this information to assist you in obtaining further information and in making your own health care decisions.
