MENUMy Journey with Ovarian Cancer
Contributed by Pam Roselle
Retroactively I can see the early warning signs, but in the beginning all I knew was that something wasn’t right. I had lost weight, but my abdomen felt bloated and different. To me, it felt like there was a discrete mass when I lay on my back. I thought I might have a urinary tract infection or blockage, but lab tests came back normal. One weekend I couldn’t even get up off the couch because of lower back pain. I was fatigued, and my thyroid levels were spiking high without apparent cause. I reported these symptoms to my endocrinologist, twice to my primary care physician (PCP), and to my gastroenterologist during a routine colonoscopy. No one seemed terribly concerned. If I knew then what I know now, I would have immediately seen a gynecologist.
In 2015 on Mother's Day I tripped and fell in the driveway. I hurt my leg and needed an x-ray. I called my PCP for evaluation, but she wasn’t available so I saw another doctor in the practice. During my visit I said, “It’s probably nothing and I’ve reported this many times before, but my belly feels bloated”, and I described to her my other symptoms. The doctor performed a pelvic exam and said, “I see what you mean”. She then ordered not only an x-ray of my leg, but also a pelvic ultrasound and blood test. These tests showed that my leg was fine, and that I had a very large pelvic mass and elevated CA-125 marker suggesting that the mass might be ovarian cancer. I was so lucky to have fallen and hurt my leg that fateful day. It triggered actions that may have saved my life.
Shocked and in denial, I started researching the literature to better understand my options. I learned that survival rate and outcomes are significantly better when gynecologic oncologists treat women with ovarian cancer so I advocated for referral to this type of surgeon. Fortunately, a talented gyn-oncologist at the U of M Rogel Cancer Center picked up my case and surgery was scheduled in the last week of June. Based on physical exam, I was told there was an 80% chance the mass was benign, but I agreed to have a total hysterectomy performed if cancer was diagnosed during surgery. I woke up to learn I had been debulked. Pathology results showed I had advanced clear cell ovarian cancer (Stage IIIa). Six rounds of IV/IP chemo treatments were scheduled, and I bought a wig.
Listening to guided imagery and affirmations helped me heal and stay positive throughout treatment. Proactive symptom management gave me a sense of control and the ability to manage the side effects like a rock star. Friends joined me at the Infusion Center for what I referred to as "high tea", a two-hour affair where we shared stories, laughed, and enjoyed a cup of tea and snacks while I hydrated. Rather than despair at yet another trip to the Rogel Cancer Center, I looked forward to visiting with my dear friends. Cancer is not something I would wish on anyone, but I can say it has filled me with gratitude for every day I have on this good earth and made me mindful to cherish the gift of life and friendship. Today I have no evidence of cancer.
If you think ovarian cancer can’t happen to you, think again. Learn the early signs of this disease and see a gynecologist if you have concerns. It just may save your life.
Autumn Sunshine, Pam Roselle