“I am not dying from cancer. I am advancing through cancer.” Helen’s Journey To Ovarcome.

Our OvarCare recipient from University of Kansas Cancer Center, Helen Carroll’s journey with ovarian cancer began with her diagnosis on Black Friday. Otherwise a healthy woman, Helen worked in retail and loved being able to visit with so many people during the course of the day, while at work. Helen has stayed active all her life, and never even had many instances of cold or the flu – in most cases her minor ailments got better with home remedies.

Helen started to experience some symptoms in her abdominal area, including hardening. She felt unusually lethargic and weak. When she went to the Primary Care physician, she was initially diagnosed with constipation and treated for it. However, Helen remembers during Thanksgiving, that she couldn’t even stand up to do dishes – she had to sit down for twenty minutes to catch her breath before getting to the next set of dishes. Being used to 10 hour work shifts at Hobby Lobby and the busy life of a Retail Store, Helen realized this was unusual. She continued to feel unwell and started experiencing breathing problems and her right leg and abdomen started to swell. Initially Doctors assumed she was at risk for congestive heart failure, but additional scans revealed stage IV ovarian cancer. Her heart was indeed in good condition. She received her diagnosis on Black Friday.

Helen hasn’t yet undergone Genetic testing, but plans to consider it. Her cousin has also been diagnosed with cancer. Helen’s 85 year old Mom is alive and still very active – she gives Helen a lot of support through her treatment. She has four very supportive brothers and sisters – her sister retired last October. Helen mentioned to us that her sister tells her she didn’t initially like the idea of retiring, but now she is thankful she did, so she could take care of Helen. Helen’s husband stands by her as a rock as she undergoes her treatment – taking her to all her appointments and being her primary caregiver.

Helen has stayed strong through her treatment. She travels 1.5 hours to the hospital for her treatment each time. A people person, Helen enjoys the drive and in getting to the hospital. With her immune system compromised, she has had to be otherwise home bound for a while – very seldom visiting the Church or the grocery store. Sometimes the enormity of the diagnosis makes her feel depressed, but she holds on to her faith in God and healing.The surgery was difficult for her and the chemotherapy treatments were initially troubling, but it has gotten better since then.

Helen loves to sit at her front porch and watch the world go by. She knows she can Ovarcome, and that God and her Guiding Angel will help her get through this journey and will heal her. She said to us: “I am not dying from cancer. I am advancing through cancer. I will Ovarcome.” We love Helen’s spirit and wish her the very best as she continues her journey – Together, We Can Ovarcome!