My cancer journey began back in January, 2019. For 2 months I had symptoms of fatigue, indigestion, feeling full and extreme bloating. I knew something was not right but kept thinking I would feel better. At that time we did not have health coverage. I remember feeling so scared the morning I went to urgent care. The nurse looked at my bloated belly and immediately sent me to Highland Hospital. After bloodwork and a CT scan, I was diagnosed with Ovarian Cancer (Stage IIIC grade 3 serous carcinoma of ovary/fallopian tube). I was told it would take 6 months of my life but it would not take my life. Once I met my doctor and team, immediately the fear was replaced with hope. To this day whenever I leave my appointments I have a strong sense of calmness and safety.
The next 6 months of treatment, I had a total hysterectomy and lost my hair but always remained very positive. I set up times for my friends and family to visit, and they were an incredible source of comfort and support. Throughout my treatment, I continued to surround myself with positive energy, prayers and good friends…even wearing my power socks to every treatment. I never showed my vulnerability to my kids. Instead, I made a very conscious effort to let them know that “I got this!” I HAD to beat the Beast. I quickly grew to trust my medical team and the course they have created for my healing.I am forever grateful for their support.
After my first 6 month scan I was given the news that there was no evidence of disease. I was put on a maintenance pill and went about living life, all with a new-found appreciation for the smallest little joys. Then, that summer I lost my dad and 4 months later my mom passed. It was the hardest time in my life, as my mom was my best friend. But I knew she needed to be with the love of her life. The following year Covid hit and we were faced with yet another family loss. My amazing brother in law passed away, very quickly, from t-cell lymphoma. He was known as the ‘Greatest Man on Earth’. Throughout these painful losses, I learned more on the value of living each day with gratitude and appreciation. Life is short and you must make the most of every day!
In January of 2021 I had a maintenance scan and it showed the cancer had come back. I went through 6 more months of treatment and lost my hair again. This time I bought myself a pair of teal cowboy boots and wore them to every infusion. (My mom had always told me to get myself a pair of ‘shitkickers’!) I started attending the Brown Bag lunches at the coalition around this time. I knew I needed to surround myself with other women going through similar issues. I met a Teal Sister, Shelli, and we became immediate close friends, as our stories were similar.
Together we created our team, The Marvelous OVengers. Shelli and I completed our first walk together in the Pink Ribbon Walk, in 2022. We were so proud to be one of the top fundraisers that year, representing women who had Ovarian Cancer. The coalition changed the fundraiser name from the Pink Ribbon Walk to the Pink and Teal Challenge the following year. Shelli sadly passed away in 2023. We have continued to honor Shelli, with a growing number of our friends and families participating in the past 2 walks. I am so proud of our team and the fundraising that we are fully committed to continuing. The staff at the coalition has always welcomed me with such love. Continuing to support them gives me a purpose to help other women facing this horrible disease.
The BCCR is a wonderful resource in our community. From their peer to peer program, luncheons and seminars, to their attendance in Washington to advocate for more funding, their work is invaluable. It’s a safety net for so many and I am very grateful to be able to give back to them.
My recurrences continue, yet my medical team is with me every step of the way. I don’t wear my power socks or my teal boots. Instead, I wear my own badge of honor. Knowing all along, I have always had the power within. I keep moving forward, cherishing every single day and living life to the fullest. Thank you, BCCR, for all you have done to help me in this journey.
I am not giving up … because this fight ain’t over!
Cancer is the Beast and I am the Beauty.
October 2024
