Survivor…yeah that’s me!

Dictionary.com defines survivor as a person who continues to function or prosper in spite of opposition, hardship, or setbacks. For some cancer patients the word survivor does not do justice to the power they felt fighting cancer. They want words that evoke the newfound power they attained since being diagnosed. They want words like slayer, warrior or fighter. Also some in the cancer community say survivor does not pay homage to the ones who succumbed to cancer.

I have a hard time understanding why it is a big deal for some. In my opinion I’m living after fighting this deadly beast so I am…surviving. So for me, the term survivor is more than just a catchphrase; it’s a call to action, a way to establish some sense of power in a situation where losing control can happen very quickly. So call me what you want warrior, fighter, slayer, princess, queen or bitch.

But what I am truly is…a person who continues to function or prosper in spite of opposition, hardship, or setbacks. A true SURVIVOR!

Are You at Risk?

While the presence of one or more risk factors may increase a woman's chance of getting ovarian cancer, it does not necessarily mean she will get the disease. A woman with one or more risk factors should be extra vigilant in watching for early symptoms.
Risk factors include:

• Genetic predisposition
• Personal or family history of breast, ovarian or colon cancer
• Increasing age
• Undesired infertility
Facts
• All women are at risk
• Symptoms exist - they can be vague, but increase over time
• Early detection increases survival rate
• A Pap test DOES NOT detect ovarian cancer

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Recommendations

Current recommendations for management of women at high risk for ovarian cancer are summarized below:
• Women who appear to be at high risk for ovarian or breast cancer should undergo genetic counseling and, if the risk appears to be substantial, may be offered genetic testing for BRCA1 and BRCA2.
• Women who wish to preserve their reproductive capacity can undergo screening by transvaginal ultrasonography every 6 months, although the efficacy of this approach is not clearly established.
• Oral contraceptives should be recommended to young women before they embark on a planned family.
• Women who do not wish to maintain their fertility or who have completed their family may undergo prophylactic bilateral salpingooophorectomy. The risk should be clearly documented, preferably established by BRCA1 and BRCA2 testing, before oophorectomy. These women should be counseled that this operation does not offer absolute protection because peritoneal carcinomas occasionally can occur after bilateral oophorectomy.
• In women who also have a strong family history of breast cancer, annual mammography screening should be performed beginning at age 30 years.
• Women with a documented HNPCC syndrome should undergo periodic screening mammography, colonoscopy, and endometrial biopsy.

Sources
1. American Society of Clinical Oncology. Statement of the American Society of Clinical Oncology: genetic testing for cancer susceptibility. Journal of Clinical Oncology, 1996; 14: 1730-1736.
2. NIH Consensus Development Panel on Ovarian Cancer. Ovarian Cancer: Screening, treatment, and follow-up. JAMA, 1995; 273:491-497.

What a walk!! 2010 GOCA Overcome Ovarian Cancer 5k

The walk was awesome, over 700 walkers and $120,000 raised!!!

Rantings of a ovarian cancer WARRIOR!!!

I couldn't think of a nice title for this since its a rant!! Ovarian Cancer lacks the trendy factor, we don’t have a three day run/walk; we don’t have a screening tool. Ask a bunch of women what to look for with breast cancer and most will know at least a little. Ask them about ovarian cancer and the majority won’t even have heard of it, let alone know what the symptoms are. There are NO tests for ovarian cancer that are more than 50% accurate. There is no way to positively detect ovarian cancer that is why it is the deadliest gynecological cancer. By the time most women find out about it, it’s often too late. Know the symptoms! BEAT ovarian cancer

B=Bloating
E=Eating less/feeling full qiuck
A=Abdominal pain
T=Talk to you PCP, GYNE or Gyn OC

Silent no more!!!!

September is National Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month "Silent No More"!!

Ovarian cancer can no longer be called "The Silent Killer." Symptoms are often subtle, but they are not silent. Women with ovarian cancer DO have symptoms, even in the early stages.

These can include (but are not limited to):
Urinary symptoms (urgency or frequency)
Bloating
Eating less or feeling full quickly
Abdominal or pelvic pain or discomfort or heaviness
Terrible back pain
Additional symptoms may include:
Fatigue
Indigestion
Pain with intercourse
Bowel changes
Menstrual irregularities
Loss of appetite

Increasing abdominal girth

TAKE ACTION: See your doctor, preferably a Gynecologist, if these symptoms are unusual for you and occur or increase in intensity over two-six weeks. Experts suggest a combination pelvic/rectal exam, a trans-vaginal sonogram, and a CA-125 blood test. And, any woman at risk, suspected of having or diagnosed with Ovarian Cancer should consult a Gynecologic Oncologist.

EARLY DIAGNOSIS IS THE KEY.

****NOTE: Pap smears DO NOT detect Ovarian Cancer.****

Again "The Reason Why I Tell My Story”

As September (Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month) is only nine days away I have decided to retell “The Reason Why I Tell My Story”.

I share my story because I have joined the sisterhood of ovarian cancer survivors. I share my story because I like so many other women who have endured the shock of having cancer, battling cancer with the surgeries and chemotherapy treatments and the continual fear of cancer recurring have a story to tell. I share my story so that women of all ages are reminded of how important it is to always be aware of the very subtle warning signs of ovarian cancer. I share my story in the hope that you do experience unusual symptoms (bloating, pelvic, or abdominal pain, difficulty eating, feeling full quickly, and feeling a frequent or urgent need to urinate); you will seek medical attention even though you might be fearful of the results. I share my story so that we as a community can become better educated regarding the facts and correct treatments so that unnecessary risks are avoided. I share my story in the hope that these, actions offer you the opportunity of dramatically improving your chances for survival.

I share my story because after being diagnosed with ovarian cancer and enduring three twenty-one day rounds of chemotherapy (three different drugs everyday), which I completed on July 11, 2006, I am cancer-free. I share my story so you can see that the check-ups every three to six months are still nerve-wracking. I share my story because it is comforting to know that I am being followed very closely. I share my story so that you will know that throughout this experience, there were so many things in my life that helped me to remain strong and positive; support from friends, family, co-workers, doctors, nurses, and a husband who never left my side were the most significant.

I share my story so that people will know that I have gained so much. I share my story because I am excited about the new research in ovarian cancer which is leading us towards more effective screening tools and better treatment. I share my story because of the pain and sadness I have felt when I hear about sisters who have lost their battle against this disease. I share my story because I have been overcome by fear and anxiety as I await results of blood work every six months, wondering if my cancer has come back. I share my story because as horrible as this disease is, I wouldn't trade anything for this journey. (I know that sounds cliché coming from a survivor, but it is true.) I share my story because I will continue to fight this monster called ovarian cancer and share my story so maybe someone else will have a chance of an early diagnosis, which will lead to a very long remission.

The Fruit of the Spirit

LOVE
His command is that you walk in love
2 John:6
JOY
For the joy of the Lord is your strength
Nehemiah 8:10
PEACE
Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts
Colossians 3:15
PATIENCE
Be patient with everyone
1 Thessalonians 5:14
KINDNESS
Be kind and compassionate to one another
Ephesians 4:32
GOODNESS
As we have opportunity, let us do good
Galatians 6:10
FAITHFULNESS
A faithful man shall abound with blessings
Proverbs 28:20
GENTLENESS
Let your gentleness be evident to all
Philippians 4:5
SELF-CONTROL
To live self-controlled, upright and godly lives
Titus 2:12
AGAINST SUCH THINGS THERE IS NO LAW
Galatians 5:22,23

RIP Ginger Ackerman

Ginger Ackerman, founding member of Georgia Ovarian Cancer Alliance, past President (2005-2006) and board member of the Ovarian Cancer National Alliance passed away July 30, 2010 after a 14 year battle with ovarian cancer. Our thoughts and prayers go out to Ginger's family and friends. Ginger was a tireless advocate and activist for ovarian cancer. She will be missed by all who knew her, but her spirit well live on in our hearts.