As informed to Jacquelyne Froeber
June is National Cancer Survivors Month.
“You appear to be you’re pregnant,” my roommate mentioned.
We each laughed as a result of we knew there was zero likelihood that I used to be pregnant. However my abdomen was spherical, swollen and arduous — and I didn’t know why. I wasn’t doing something completely different or consuming new meals. In truth, I’d been consuming rather a lot lower than standard — feeling full after just some bites.
Perhaps it was all of the weight loss plan soda I’d been consuming?
No matter it was, I couldn’t button my pants and I used to be having abdomen pains, so I drove myself to the emergency room. The ER physician ordered a CT scan. He was type and candy, and he nodded together with my soda idea. However when he returned with the outcomes, there was no sugarcoating the information. “You might have ovarian cancer,” he mentioned.
I stared at him in disbelief. He mentioned there was a tumor inflicting the swelling, and I wanted surgical procedure immediately.
I used to be shocked. Granted, I didn’t know the signs of ovarian cancer, however how did I am going from Weight loss program Coke to most cancers?
The subsequent morning I had emergency surgical procedure to take away the granulosa cell tumor (GCT) — a uncommon sort of ovarian tumor. The surgical procedure was successful, however I nonetheless wanted chemotherapy. My plan was aggressive: I’d go 5 days per week for one week, sooner or later per week the following week and repeat the cycle for 3 months.
The primary day of chemo wasn’t too unhealthy. I used to be mildly nauseated and drained. However from the second day on, nothing went my means. I saved getting infections that may ship me to the ER on a weekly foundation. I used to be exhausted and sick to my abdomen on a regular basis — even on the times I didn’t have therapy. I misplaced a lot weight that the pants I couldn’t button earlier than wouldn’t keep on with a belt.
After I ended up within the ICU with no white blood cells, my oncologist mentioned we wanted to cease therapy. “The chemo is killing you,” he mentioned. I used to be terrified that stopping early meant the most cancers was going to come back again, however he was proper. I had no selection.
Earlier than I may get too slowed down by the what ifs, my check outcomes got here again and confirmed no proof of illness. I used to be cancer-free. The load and the chaos of the final three months had been abruptly lifted, and I sobbed with aid.
2025, Jeanette along with her canines Zara and Lola
Over the following eight years, I continued getting checkups and every thing was good. Then, in 2022, my bloodwork confirmed elevated ranges of the cancer antigen 125 (CA-125), which is a marker for ovarian most cancers, so I used to be involved that my most cancers was again.
I introduced up the elevated numbers throughout my go to with my oncologist, and he brushed it off. He mentioned the numbers weren’t too excessive, so he wasn’t frightened. I requested him if I ought to get a CT scan simply to make certain, however he mentioned it wasn’t essential. He did, nonetheless, need me to go to a dermatologist to verify the small bumps that had fashioned on my legs. I didn’t suppose the hardly noticeable bumps had been as essential as my elevated ranges, however I did what he requested.
After I went to the dermatologist, a biopsy confirmed that the bumps weren’t most cancers or something to be involved about, however the dermatologist did advocate follow-up testing. “I believe there’s one thing occurring along with your physique,” he mentioned. “It’s best to get a CT scan.”
I felt the hairs on the again of my neck arise. I informed him I’d already requested one from my oncologist, however he didn’t suppose it was essential. The dermatologist referred to as my oncologist, and he lastly ordered the CT scan after the decision.
When the imaging outcomes got here again and I noticed the cluster of tumors, I used to be so mad I couldn’t see straight. I knew my numbers had been elevated for a cause. I knew I wanted a scan.
Abruptly it hit me: That is my physique — my home — and I’m the one answerable for retaining it secure. I made a promise to myself to at all times hearken to my physique and by no means take no for a solution.
I had surgical procedure to take away the tumors and, then, some extra chemotherapy. I used to be extremely nervous about getting chemo once more, however my unwanted side effects had been nowhere close to as horrible as they had been the primary time.
Every part was good for some time, however three years later, my bloodwork as soon as once more confirmed elevated ranges of CA-125. And like a foul most cancers model of Groundhog Day, my new oncologist mentioned she wasn’t involved. “You’re not having any signs,” she mentioned.
I stood my floor. “I do not care if I’ve signs or not. I need a CT scan.” She pushed again and wished to verify my ranges once more first, which I mentioned was advantageous, however I used to be getting that CT scan.
Certain sufficient, the imaging confirmed I had 10 tumors on the liner of my abdomen. The plan was to do surgical procedure and probably chemotherapy like earlier than, however since this was my third time having most cancers, and I wasn’t feeling 100% about my oncologist, I wished to get a second opinion.
I’d seen an interview on-line with an oncologist that makes a speciality of treating GCTs, so I emailed him.
To my shock, he emailed me again inside an hour. He mentioned he would make the time to see me — I simply needed to get to San Diego. My pleasure started to fade as I researched the associated fee. I didn’t have the cash for an impromptu journey to California. However one thing informed me not to surrender. A couple of Google searches later, I realized I may apply to have my airfare, transportation, lodge — even some meals — coated by numerous nonprofits and organizations.
I ended up getting just about the whole journey coated. The generosity of others nonetheless brings tears to my eyes. After I met with the oncologist in San Diego, he seemed over my well being historical past and my therapy plan and informed me I used to be heading in the right direction. He wouldn’t do something in a different way. I immediately felt lighter and extra confident. Getting that second opinion gave me confidence and power I didn’t even know I wanted, and allowed me to belief my healthcare workforce. After I received again to Texas, I had the surgical procedure and didn’t want chemotherapy, which was a pleasant shock for as soon as.
I do know there’s an opportunity the most cancers will come again once more, so I keep updated on my blood work and scans and I’ve made a vow to myself to at all times hearken to what my physique is telling me. Every single day, I do every thing I can to guard my home — and I couldn’t be happier.
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Our Actual Girls, Actual Tales are the genuine experiences of real-life ladies. The views, opinions and experiences shared in these tales aren’t endorsed by HealthyWomen and don’t essentially mirror the official coverage or place of HealthyWomen.
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