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| Sun, 11-12-2006 - 9:48am |
Someone I knew and highly respected was diagnosed with stage 3 ovarian cancer. She was initially diagnosed with severe cervical dysphasia- that is the last phase before cervical cancer. After her first surgery, she had frequent doctor visits every three months to monitor her progress. She was in a lot of pain after the surgery. She wanted the doctor to do a more thorough examination. The examination, which was an ultrasound, revealed that she had a tumor on her right ovary.
Before the more thorough examination, her doctor would assure her that she was alright. It was just because she was 40-something and had surgery that she was fatigued and in pain. She was in so much pain that sometimes she couldn’t walk. And, once her teenage daughter found her on the floor in so much pain that she couldn’t talk.
After the finding of the tumor, her doctor told her in these words, “It’s all coming out. All of it.” A surgery was scheduled. But, she decided that it would be good to have a second opinion. So, she visited a physician in a larger city. It was determined then that the cancer had been growing for a year. She also had additional tumors elsewhere in her body.
I have learned from her true story that ovarian cancer is hard to detect. The symptoms can be vague. But, did you know that the CA-125 blood test can detect cancer in the blood? You can request that test at your annual exam, especially if you feel you are at risk. I also learned that a gynecologist oncologist specializes in disease and can better diagnose symptoms than a regular gynecologist.
Listen to your body. Do research. Learn all you can. Get a second opinion.
She is fighting this cancer hard. I know she’ll win. I wanted to share this story because through other people’s stories, we can learn. When I first heard of her fight, so many women I know and care about flashed through my mind. I couldn’t rest until I shared the story. It is about us all- our mothers, our daughters, our sisters, our friends- the people we love.
More about the CA-125 Test:
http://ovariancancer.jhmi.edu/ca125qa.cfm
Edited 11/14/2006 5:48 pm ET by mac_dreamy

Thanks for sharing your special story, mac_dreamy, and reminding us to listen to our bodies. I hope your friend will make it through ok.
Welcome, btw!
Thank you for your kind words. She is fighting hard. She has such a positive attitude. She is also surrounded by people who care about her. Her doctor has put her on a special diet. She works hard on researching foods, etc. She is an amazing person.
Hugs,
mac_dreamy
Well ~Thank You Mac_dreamy for sharing this with us..You are right.. It does help others to have it shared.. It reminds us..
I will say a prayer for her that she will have strength and get through this and {{{{Positive
C >^. A .