How a routine doctor visit ends in a cancer diagnosis…
This is a really hard topic to put on paper, but I do hope that my story helps in some way to encourage others to be proactive. Ovarian cancer was not something that ran in my family or was necessarily on my radar at all.
Other than some bladder pressure and minor pelvic discomfort, I didnt have any real signs that something serious was going on. So on a routine exxam, my doctor felt a mass on my ovary. I had no idea how much my everyday life was about to change. They sent me first for an ultrasound which confirmed that finding. I was then referred to an oncologist, had ct scans and it was determined that I had a very large mass on my right ovary that needed to come out asap. They said that it was presumed to be cancerous, ran labs and scheduled surgery all within two weeks time. At that time the oncologist said that chemotherapy and radiation would likely follow. I remember being very scared but also relieved that things were moving so quickly and I felt like I was in really good hands.
On April 19,2023 I was admitted to Upstate hospital and underwent a full hysterectomy to remove the tumor on my right ovary. It was determined to be a pretty rare, cancerous granulosa cell tumor and because of the size and nature of it, rather than just remove the right ovary and tumor, they also removed my uterus, both ovaries, fallopian tubes, cervix….all of it. Because of the large size of the tumor and the need to remove it in one piece, the surgery required a full abdominal incision, and staples to close it. I spent almost a week in the hospital then went home to process so many emotions. The wait was long to find out if the cancer was anyplace else, and the time passed slowly. A couple weeks later we had all the pathology back and the cancer was isolated to the tumor itself. I wouldnt have to go through chemo and radiation. We would do pelvic exams every 12 weeks and wait and watch.
It was a really difficult time honestly. Despite having an incredible community of people, friends, and family supporting me, it was a long and difficult recovery period. I missed my routine, being at the gym, training my clients, teaching yoga. I was basically sitting in my “cancer” chair with my “cancer dog” (stitch) and grieving the loss of all normalcy.
Prior to the surgery I hadnt experienced any menopause symptoms. The procedure catapulted me right into active menopause with hot flashes that were actually kind of painful, night sweats, etc. Because the tumor was estrogen positive I couldnt use hormone replacement therapy to help minimize these symptoms, and it really had me all out of sorts. Its amazing to me how one life event can completely change your whole trajectory.
He will forever be my cancer dog….never left my side…or my lap!
I was so thankful for all the love….flowers, meals, Adrienne’s homemade granola and candles, bone broth deliveries, jewelry, phone calls,emails and texts . My people rallied behind me and truly got me through the hardest of those days…they all know who they are and I am so grateful for them!
It wasn’t long before Jason ( my husband, best friend, and biggest supporter) loooked at me and said enough of this …..”Olivia is leaving for Denver for grad school, you should go with her, help her get settled and enjoy a change of scenery for a little while. I can hold down the fort here”.
And with that this new chapter of my life began. I am thankful to report that so far cancer free and feeling well. The healing process was long and my mental fortitude was tested every step of the way, but I will never stop counting my blessings….and taking the lessons as they come.
I would be remiss not to mention how my husband and four kids are truly the ones that got me through it. There were many very special celebrations…senior days…graduations, etc that they had to get through either without me or patiently accomodating me. I would never have gotten through without their love and support! XOXO JP,OP,OP,AP,CP
