About half of the women diagnosed with ovarian cancer are over the age of 63. However, my best friend Lili was only 28 when she was diagnosed with stage IVb low grade serous ovarian cancer.
According to the American Cancer Society, an estimated 21,410 cases of ovarian cancer will be diagnosed in 2021 and nearly 14,000 of those women will not survive.
There is a lot to write about this disease, but in this blog I am going to focus on 3 things:
1) Understanding ovarian cancer
2) Signs and symptoms of ovarian cancer
3) My personal thoughts on cancer, Lili, and her fight against ovarian cancer
Understanding Ovarian Cancer
Vaginas have been in the news a lot lately (mostly because politicians want to regulate our reproductive health), so let this be an addition to the conversation.
Let's start with the ovaries. They are the small, almond-shaped organs located on both sides of the uterus. They produce eggs (germ cells) for reproduction and produce the two female hormones estrogen and progesterone.
Ovarian cancer is when cancerous cells grow in, near, or on the outer layer of one or both ovaries. When these cells develop into tumors, they can spread to other parts of the body (metastasize) and can be fatal.
The Signs and Symptoms of Ovarian Cancer
The National Ovarian Cancer Coalition uses the word "silent" to describe the signs and symptoms of ovarian cancer.
The 5 year survival rate is over 90% when ovarian cancer is diagnosed and treated in it's early stages (stage I or II). However, only 20% of cases are found early because the signs and symptoms often go unnoticed until it has progressed to stage III or higher. The survival rate of a late diagnosis can be as low as 28%.
Ovarian is a very scary cancer. It ranks 5th in cancer deaths among women. There are a number of studies, research and clinical trials being done to prevent and treat ovarian cancer... but there is no cure. (At least, not yet).
Here are the signs and symptoms to look out for:
Bloating
Frequent urination
Pelvic or abdominal pain
Trouble eating or feeling full quickly
Back pain
Upset stomach, heartburn or constipation
Fatigue
Pain during sex
Menstrual changes
"Looking back, I did have these symptoms but thought nothing of it.
Even less than 3 months before diagnosis, I had a normal pelvic exam, Pap smear and IUD insertion along with a quick ultrasound of my cervix.
Most likely the cancer was there but never detected.
Make sure if you have these symptoms you advocate for yourself.
Get a CT scan, a pelvic ultrasound. That is what detected my masses at the hospital".
My Thoughts on Cancer, Lili, and Her Fight
If you know me well enough, or read through the post announcing my upcoming run across the Grand Canyon, you will know that I lost my father to cancer this past March (2021). He was diagnosed with lung cancer in late January after surviving both melanoma and prostate cancer.
The sudden passing of my father was the biggest heartbreak I have ever experienced.
Lili has been helping me through the grief and pain by sharing her personal journey with me and allowing me to fundraise for her through my running. Although my dad had a different type of cancer, Lili sharing her experiences, thoughts, and reality with me helps me understand more about what my dad might have gone through.
Lili doesn't sugarcoat it... but she doesn't let it stop her either.
Often times, when talking about her latest Disney World shenanigans or the new Stoney Clover collection, I will completely forget that this is a woman with stage IV ovarian cancer. She is not even 30 and she has already gone through menopause. She wears a stoma (I plan on writing a blog on this very, very soon). She has been through a number of major surgeries. She moved from Denver, CO, to Miami, FL to be a patient at the University of Miami's Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center - a NCI-designated cancer center.
(My family pushed HARD to get my father to Sylvester but he wasn't a candidate).
As much as I want to work with her on writing blogs about ovarian cancer, I have to be mindful of the fact that it is probably exhausting for her. She wears her diagnosis (like her gorgeous make up, jewelry and colorful outfits) so incredibly well, you wouldn't think she was battling something fatal.
So, I am doing my part to do the research. And let me tell you... it's a tough pill to swallow. I'm actually nervous about her reading this blog post because some of the statistics are really upsetting. (I know Lili already knows... but she doesn't need to be reminded).
My intention here is to spread awareness and education the way I know Lili would want me to. First, understanding what ovarian cancer is and why the early detection rate is so low. Then, highlighting the signs and symptoms that could lead to early detection.
As hard as it is to accept the statistics and hard truths around Lili's disease, I am constantly reminded of how important and special she is. That every day I get to speak with her is a blessing and I am so grateful for her existence in my life.
Lili faces every single day with courage in her soul and love in her heart... I find that so inspiring.
There will be more blogs on this topic to come.
I am running Rim-to-Rim-to-Rim across the Grand Canyon (~50 miles) & raising money for Lili’s fight against a rare form of Stage IV Ovarian Cancer. PLEASE DONATE!!
This is being done in memory of my father who passed away from cancer on March 8, 2021.
You can support by donating to the #GoFundMe campaign (Lili receives 100% of the donation) and/or purchasing from my Etsy shop! I am donating 10% of monthly profits to Lili.
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