In August 2018, I was diagnosed with ovarian cancer, Stage III. I was experiencing “abdominal bloating,” which I had thought was lactose intolerance. I had eliminated dairy from my diet, but the symptoms continued, with a remarkable “weight gain,” which turned out to be malignant ascites. I went to my internist and he sent me for a series of labs and a CT scan. Both confirmed the diagnosis. I was sent immediately to URMC GYN Oncology. There, I met with my first oncologist, Dr. Dubeshter. I was placed on chemo therapy for 6 months. After 4 months of chemo, my body responded well to the treatment and I was scheduled for a robotic radical hysterectomy and BSO in December 2018 at Highland Hospital. The robotic surgery went well under Dr. Dubeshter’s care. After surgery, I completed my chemo therapy. I rang the bell and had a year free of cancer. Then, in May 2020, my CA 125 was no longer in normal limits and rising. I returned to chemo therapy for another six months. Once again, the chemo worked, giving me another seven months. In May 2021, the CA 125 begin to rise. Dr Dubeshter asked me to consult with Dr. Turner, who became my primary oncological physician, due to her expertise in chemo therapies and immunology. Since July 2021, I have been in chemo therapy, with some good and not-so-good results: CA-125 numbers fell to normal range; then began to rise, again.
Over the past four years, I have continued to work in full time capacity. I am a teaching artist (writer) in the schools and a college (English) instructor and active creative writer. In August 2021, I retired from St. John Fisher (College) University after 24.5 years; yet, I continue to teach at SUNY Brockport. I think my continued teaching and writing has kept me “looking forward.” Cancer is mentally consuming. Best to surround one’s self with all the things that bring joy, rather than suffering with what one does not know.
Consequently, during the year I was “in the clear,” I found the Breast Cancer Coalition. I began attending the brown bag lunch via Zoom. The women, who attend these meetings, are an inspiration in their quick wit and knowledge. I have learned a lot about breast cancer. In particular, I appreciate the long-term survivors. I believe their presence gives newly diagnosed members the confidence that they will be successful, too. I have attended many Zoom lectures and alternative health practices, such as acupressure tips for neuropathy in hands and feet, or forest walking, or meditation—all of which I practice on a daily or weekly or monthly basis. In 2021, I became a PALS mentor which, for me, has everything to do with friendship. I am grateful to all the women that I have met over the past four years; I know that it’s their courage and honesty that has given me the courage to carry on.
