Editor, Commonwealth:
The month of September is the month nationwide to raise awareness of ovarian cancer symptoms. I am trying to help spread awareness of the symptoms of ovarian cancer to as many women as I possibly can.
Ovarian cancer is known as the “silent killer.” By the time a woman gets diagnosed with ovarian cancer, she is pretty much in late stage. I was diagnosed with Stage IIIC ovarian cancer in February 2014. It took me seven months, one surgery, four tests and five doctors before the cancer was found.
I did not know the symptoms of ovarian cancer. No one had ever brought this subject to my attention. The most common symptoms of ovarian cancer are bloating, urinary frequency or urgency, difficulty eating or feeling full quickly, and pelvic or abdominal pain. Additional symptoms that could possibly point to ovarian cancer are fatigue, indigestion, back pain, pain with intercourse, constipation and menstrual irregularities.
If any symptoms persist for more than two weeks, make an appointment to see your gynecologist. Ask your physician for a CA 125 blood test, a pelvic/rectal exam, and a transvaginal ultrasound.
A Pap smear does NOT test for ovarian cancer. Most of us believe we are “good to go” for another year when we receive our clear Pap smear report in the mail. Not true! A Pap smear has nothing to do with ovarian cancer testing.
Ovarian cancer is quiet and can progress very quickly. If ovarian cancer is diagnosed in an early stage, you have a better survival rate. Even women diagnosed with late-stage ovarian cancer can possibly live longer than the five-year mark, considering the fact that there is a variety of chemotherapy available. When or if your body starts rejecting one type of chemotherapy, your physician can try another. Plus you may have to go through surgeries as well. You just keep fighting.
Sandra Perry, a friend of mine, has been battling this disease for approximately 13 years. We recently talked about this disease and how your whole life changes. I am just now getting a taste of what she has had to endure for many years and continues her fight to this day. I also am presently taking treatments for my second recurrence.
We discussed that you have to be a strong person, keep a positive attitude, accept the physical changes you have to endure, and readjust your life to do things around your treatments and side effects and just keep living life to the best of your ability. Sandra and I talked about the side effects of the chemo, which can include hair loss, and the importance of looking our best to make us feel better. We both have had to accept the loss of dear friends who lost their battle to this terrible disease.
Every year there are approximately 22,000 new ovarian cancer diagnoses. Also, ovarian cancer does not discriminate by age. There was a 16-year-old girl this year on “The Voice” singing her heart away on “This is My Fight Song” and sharing her story about her battle with ovarian cancer.
Last September, Sandra and I did a story for the newspaper to spread awareness of ovarian cancer. Please join me and Sandra to continue to bring awareness of ovarian cancer symptoms. Tell your family and friends about the common symptoms. Also, tell them the tests to request from their gynecologist if they are experiencing these symptoms for more than two weeks. Together, we can make a difference. Together, we can break the silence on ovarian cancer. Together we can possibly save someone’s life.
Janet Young
McCarley
