Tag: survivors

It is a common myth the ovarian cancer is only for us old folks! How very wrong! Ovarian cancer rates are highest in women aged 55-64 years. The median age at which women are diagnosed is 63, meaning that half of women are younger than 63 cancer and half are older.

McKenna “Kinni” Shea Xydias, at age 2, was diagnosed with ovarian cancer.  A fever and bloated abdomen were her symptoms. The 14-centimeter tumor was found over her right ovary, among other smaller cancerous tumors near her liver and abdomen. She is now cancer-free. https://www.goodmorningamerica.com/family/story/year-diagnosed-rare-ovarian-cancer-now-cancer-free-63781490

Desolina was six-years-old when she had symptoms that are typical of many, less serious childhood maladies— abdominal pain that was sometimes severe. But soon her parents started noticing more unusual signs, such as mood swings, early development of breasts and other evidence pointing to an unusually premature onset of puberty. http://ovarian.org/component/content/article/33/394

Nine-year-old, Kaylee Tolleson had stomach cramps. Ultimately, an ultrasound revealed a soft-ball sized cancerous tumor. She was diagnosed with Stage 3 ovarian cancer. https://abc7ny.com/kaylee-strong-kaylees-journey-ovarian-cancer-tolleson/5579407/

Doctors missed Kayleigh’s ovarian cancer TEN TIMES before discovering a 12 inch tumor. At just the age of 13, the cancer had already spread to her liver, spleen, bowel, and pelvis. As of this writing she is doing well. https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-5433719/Doctors-missed-13-year-old-girls-ovarian-cancer-TEN-times.html

Cristalle Wang was diagnosed with Stage 2 ovarian cancer when she was just 15. Ms Wang was given five months to live. “When the doctor said I had cancer, it felt so unreal. It didn’t occur to anyone that I would get this disease,” said Ms Wang, who has no known family history of the cancer. She is now cancer free and advocates for ovarian cancer research. https://www.clearityfoundation.org/15-year-old-battled-ovarian-cancer-and-won/

Three important messages to be learned from these five young girls. One, parents need to question if the symptoms that last 2 weeks could be ovarian cancer. Secondly, younger girls usually have a better chance of survival. And finally, there is the risk of damage or loss of certain organs (spleen, liver, colon, etc.), and the ability to get pregnant.

“Life is 10% what happens to us and 90% how we react to it.”
— Leslie Medley-Russell, teenage ovarian cancer survivor

“I think of how one day my life could possibly be normal, my life could possibly one day be cancer free. I will fight, and I will defeat this.”____16-year-old.

September is National Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month. There are many events and fundraisers being held virtually this year. Awareness and funds for research are the primary intentions. Thank you for your interest and taking the time to read today’s blog.