Ovarian cancer is a diagnosis that catches many by surprise, and for me, it was no exception. At just 30 years old, with no family history and no known risk factors, discovering that I had stage 3 ovarian cancer felt like a nightmare come true. In this article, I’ll walk you through my journey—starting from the early signs that most people ignore, to the tests that eventually led to my diagnosis, and the steps I took to overcome this life-altering disease.
Living an Ordinary Life—Until Something Changed
At the time of my diagnosis, I was living what seemed like an ordinary life. I was in a loving relationship with my fiancé, who is now my husband, and we had just purchased our first home. In September, we got married—a beautiful fall ceremony surrounded by family and friends. Life felt great, and I had no reason to think anything was wrong.
After our wedding, my husband and I went on a two-week honeymoon in Italy and Greece. We indulged in all the culinary delights these countries are famous for—pizza, pasta, and wine. After the honeymoon, I noticed I had gained a few pounds, likely from the overindulgence in food and drink. While it didn’t seem like anything major, I couldn’t shake the feeling that something was off.
The First Symptom I Missed—Weight Gain and Persistent Heartburn
As weeks passed, I couldn’t lose the weight I’d gained, and to make matters worse, I developed relentless heartburn. I had never experienced heartburn before, so this was unusual for me. I had to keep Tums in my desk at work and in my hospital bag, as I couldn’t go a day without them. At first, I brushed it off, thinking it was just a minor issue, but deep down, I knew something wasn’t right.
Eventually, I visited my family doctor to get a prescription for the heartburn. She ran a few tests—starting with a pregnancy test (which was negative) and a blood test for ulcers, which also came back negative. Since nothing seemed conclusive, she suggested an ultrasound to check for any growths on my ovaries, like cysts or fibroids.
The Shock of a Lifetime—My Diagnosis
It was 5 p.m. on a Friday when my doctor’s call came through. I was standing in my kitchen when I heard her voice: “You have a tumor on your ovary, and it measures 21 centimeters by 10 centimeters. I’m sorry, but you have cancer.”
I stood frozen, trying to comprehend what I had just heard. How could this be possible? I was only 30 years old, healthy, and had no family history of ovarian cancer. Just six weeks earlier, I had worn a fitted bridal gown and felt perfectly fine. A tumor the size of a football was growing inside me, and I didn’t even know it.
The reality of stage 3 ovarian cancer was terrifying. With a survival rate of around 39% to make it five years, I was faced with a grim prognosis. It felt unfair—I was just getting started with my life. I couldn’t fathom how this had happened to me.
Why Heartburn Was Actually a Red Flag
One of the most unusual symptoms I experienced was the heartburn. It didn’t seem like something that would be related to ovarian cancer, but the size of the tumor was pressing against my intestines and stomach, causing acid reflux. In fact, heartburn was my body’s way of signaling that something serious was happening inside me. It was a symptom that I, like many others, had dismissed as nothing more than occasional discomfort.
At this point, I was in complete denial. I insisted that my doctor redo the scan, thinking that it was a mistake. However, after a second CT scan, the diagnosis was confirmed: I had a tumor the size of a football growing on my ovary.
The Start of My Battle—Research, Surgery, and Chemotherapy
Once I had come to terms with my diagnosis, I knew that I had to take action. I started researching everything I could about ovarian cancer. I spent hours reading medical journals and searching for the best surgeons, treatments, and clinical trials. My background in cancer care helped me access information, but it was still overwhelming. I needed a real-life perspective, someone who had been through cancer treatment.
One cold winter day, I ran into an old friend who had gone through cancer treatment years ago. She looked incredible—healthy, vibrant, and full of life. I bombarded her with questions about what cancer treatment was really like. Her advice was eye-opening: while much of the focus is on beating cancer, there’s very little support for the recovery process after chemotherapy and surgery. Surviving cancer doesn’t just mean getting rid of the tumor—it’s about learning to live your life again.
Surgery and Chemotherapy—A Tough Road Ahead
My surgery to remove the tumor was scheduled in two weeks. The tumor had to be removed, and I was ready for that. The surgery was extensive, and I came out of it with 33 staples holding me together. But surgery, as it turned out, was the easy part. Chemotherapy was next, and I was terrified of the side effects.
The side effects of chemotherapy were brutal. I had witnessed many people struggle through nausea, mouth sores, hair loss, and exhaustion, and now it was my turn. There were days when getting out of bed felt like an insurmountable task. I had to rely on my husband for everything—he was my rock through this journey.
But the hardest part of chemotherapy came when my oncologist increased the dose for my final round. He wanted to hit the cancer hard, and I agreed. The nausea and exhaustion became even worse, but I was determined to see it through. And I did.
Recovery—More Than Just Surviving Cancer
When I finished my last round of chemotherapy, I expected to feel relief, but instead, I felt like a stranger in my own body. The weight gain, hot flashes, and exhaustion were constant reminders that cancer treatment doesn’t end once the tumor is gone. Recovery is an ongoing process, and I had to learn to care for myself in new ways.
It was months before I started to feel like myself again. I dedicated myself to a new journey—cancer recovery. I learned that there are few resources to help cancer survivors transition back to their normal lives after treatment. The weight gain, hot flashes, and exhaustion often become the new “normal” for survivors, but this doesn’t have to be your reality.
A New Beginning—Living Cancer-Free and Embracing Life
It’s been six years since my diagnosis, and I’m still cancer-free. With only one ovary, my husband and I were blessed with two beautiful children—Maximilian, born on St. Patrick’s Day, and Madeline. We feel incredibly fortunate, and I’m living proof that you can thrive after cancer.
Having survived cancer, I’m now dedicated to helping other cancer survivors. I want to be the mentor that I didn’t have during my recovery. You don’t have to feel alone. With the right support, you can become the healthiest, fittest, and strongest version of yourself after cancer.
What You Should Know as a Cancer Survivor
Becoming cancer-free is a huge accomplishment, but it’s just the beginning of a lifelong journey. Recovery is a challenging, often misunderstood process, but it doesn’t have to be a lonely one. Reach out for the support you need, and start taking steps to rebuild your strength, health, and life after cancer.
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Top 10 Best FAQs – Frequently Asked Questions
- What are the early symptoms of ovarian cancer? Early symptoms include bloating, pelvic pain, difficulty eating, and changes in urinary habits.
- Can you survive stage 3 ovarian cancer? Yes, with the right treatment, survival rates can improve significantly.
- What tests help diagnose ovarian cancer? Ultrasound, CT scans, and blood tests (like CA-125) are commonly used to diagnose ovarian cancer.
- Is ovarian cancer genetic? While genetics can play a role, many women diagnosed with ovarian cancer have no family history.
- What is chemotherapy for ovarian cancer like? Chemotherapy for ovarian cancer often involves several rounds of powerful drugs to kill cancer cells.
- How can you recover after cancer treatment? Recovery involves physical rehabilitation, emotional support, and proper nutrition.
- What is the survival rate for ovarian cancer? The survival rate varies, but early diagnosis improves outcomes significantly.
- Can I get pregnant after ovarian cancer treatment? Many women can still conceive after treatment, especially if one ovary is left intact.
- What lifestyle changes can help after cancer treatment? A healthy diet, regular exercise, and stress management are key to recovery.
- What are the long-term side effects of chemotherapy? Long-term side effects may include fatigue, fertility issues, and menopausal symptoms.