Meet Valentine, our OVARCOMER Extraordinaire! She was diagnosed with stage lllC HGSC Ovarian Cancer in January 2019 and has been NED since completing treatment. Hurray! Val is an active Ovarcomer, passionate about Ovarian Cancer awareness. She has joined TEAM OVARCOME to show the world she Cares A Latte about Ovarian Cancer Awareness. She is distributing our B.E.A.C.H. Symptom cards to get the word out on ovarian cancer, and to make every woman and families aware. Thank you Val!
This is her inspiring story of OVARCOMING.
Q: How did your ovarian cancer get diagnosed? What were the symptoms you experienced?
A: I began experiencing symptoms in the early fall of 2018. I experienced the frequent urge to urinate, bloating and abdominal pain. After some irregular lab results and fluid in my left ankle, I consulted with my oncologist as I am also a 20 year breast cancer survivor. Even though my PCP had discounted my concerns, the oncologist did not hesitate to order imaging. Both ovaries along with my fallopian tubes, two peri-rectal lymph nodes and omentum were involved. Thankfully, I was able to have surgery just 10 days later.
Q: What message of hope would you like to share with a fellow survivor?
A: We go to bed each night without an assurance of being alive the next morning, but we still set our alarms to wake up-that is hope. We plan things for tomorrow in spite of zero knowledge of the future-that is confidence. I am in the process of learning how to be okay with the unanswered questions and the embodiment of realizing that whatever happens, whether I wanted it to happen or not, if I remain in God’s perfect will, it is much better than anything I could have planned for myself.
Q: Why is ovarian cancer awareness important? How do you plan to share the B.E.A.C.H. symptoms?
A: The symptoms mimic so many other gastrointestinal issues. Be safe, not sorry. You know your body better than anyone. Do not allow any medical professional to “explain away” your concerns.
I have handed the BEACH cards out to my co-workers and include them in cards that I send occasionally to other women. I am even considering including them in my Christmas cards this year. What a gift that could be.
Thank You Valentine for sharing your light! THIS is how We Ovarcome Together! 💙
September is ovarian cancer awareness month. Talk About Ovarian Cancer. Give this “Silent Disease” your STRONG VOICE! Together We Ovarcome!
September may be ovar soon, but we will continue to Talk About Ovarian Cancer – every single day. If you’d like to share your story, please reach us at info@ovarcome.org – we would love to feature you!
