Ovarian Cancer Survivor

Deidra
M.
Missouri

May 31, 2000 started out innocent enough. I was undergoing surgery to remove a 17cm endometriosis tumor from my left ovary when my cancer was discovered. Not only found but it had burst open during its removal. The day after surgery, the surgeon came to my bed to let me know of his discovery. A week later, he phoned with the diagnosis I was dreading all along. It was ovarian cancer.

I was 34 years old, never been married, no children, taking care of my 72 year old mother, had a great paying job as a Store Manager and my whole life ahead of me. I began losing weight quite rapidly but, I thought it was due to the physical activity I exerted at work. I was tired more often which I attributed to work as well. I had been feeling out of whack for a couple of months and ignored what my body was telling me. If it hadn't been for the huge bump swelling up on the left side of my abdomen, I wouldn't have gone to the ER to find out what was wrong with me. That huge bump literally helped save my life.

Second look surgery was scheduled in to make sure the cancer hadn't spread to my other organs. As you can imagine, two surgeries within 3 months made my recovery time longer and more difficult than I had wanted but, you do what you have to do for survival’s sake. Concerns about its attachment to my uterus and colon led my Gyn/Onc to category me Stage I-C and to schedule me for 3 rounds of chemotherapy.

Needless to say, I got angry and I certainly blamed God, a lot. I wondered if it was worth fighting cancer when I had already lost so much - my job, my hair, my ability to have children, my pride. I felt sorry for myself and then it struck me. I was lucky.

I'm here today telling you my story because I was confident to go find out what was wrong with me! Something began to change in me and slowly but surely, things began looking up. All it took was a little faith.

Today, I'm 9 years cancer free, married to the most amazing man, have a wonderful job decorating cakes which I always wanted to do and 3 furry 'kids' that are the loves of my life. In a sense, cancer gave me new life and a fresh start.

I agree

Comments

Submitted by ramkee on October 15, 2009 - 03:26.

Yes, it is very true that one needs to accept the fact that this dreadful disease has come in. But it requires lots of gut to fite against it. Firstly, we need to be confident that this is a phase which has can be overcome if we have the wil power to fight against it. The more we get scary about this disease, it spreads faster.

Secondly, the support from family and friends is a must. Only support makes the person stronger. My mom had stage 4 ovarian cancer. But it was too late before even we went to a doctor. But she fought this disease and she lived with us for 5 years. She had to go thru a very vigourous Chemo with 6 cycles and a surgery inbetween. We as her children cared for her 24x7 for all the 5 years.

The general rule one has to definitely follow is to take two or three opinions from a professional body before going ahead with surgery or chemo. In India the situation is very strange and alarming. Doctors just take patients for granted. With no proper guidance.

Therefore, source for all possible information about the disease one has and then proceed with treatment.

Don'tpanic. Trust GOD. Hold his hand. He helps his special kids.

Submitted by Anette on October 20, 2009 - 12:14.

Thank you for sharing your story, Deidra. My story is very similar to yours. I didn't notice anything was wrong with me until I felt a hard lump in my belly. Periods were on time and normal. Turns out the lump was ovarian cancer. I had a total hysterectomy in June 2009 and will have my 6th round of chemeo this Friday, October 23rd. I was staged at 1C because my tumor burst before it was removed which sent the cancer cells everywhere in my abdomen. Everything on the internet (even this Cancer Shmancer website) suggest that I only have a 30% chance of living more than five years. I am so grateful to know you're going strong 9 years out from diagnosis. Thank you for sharing your story. Blessings on continued your surviving and thriving.

Submitted by Darlene Englis on October 30, 2009 - 09:10.

Thanks for your story. I was just diognosed with ovarian cancer last month after surgery for an ovarian cyst on my right ovary. The dreadful news was given to me Columbus Day. I am going in for cancer surgery on Monday 11/2. I will find out what stage, they do tell me it is early. Your story gave me hope.

Thanks!!

Submitted by Guest on July 31, 2010 - 14:56.

Wow, Thank you soo much for your story..
I'm too an Ovarian and uterine Cancer survivor.. I too was Dignosed at 34 yrs old..
It is 7yrs for me.. I know what you went throug. I too never had childeren.. but now
I'm happy! and healthy.. again Thank you for your story.
Noelle

Submitted by Limey Lou on April 20, 2012 - 15:04.

I have just been diagnosed with late stage ovarian cancer at 58. Any survivors out there?

Submitted by Barbara Ryan on June 3, 2012 - 10:13.

@Limey Lou:
if i can do this, you sure can! and I have crohns too.
Keep the faith, girlfriend...
write to me of ya need an ear.

Blessings, Barb
booop1022@aol.com