Tag: symptoms

MEET A ONE-YEAR OVARIAN CANCER SURVIVOR

karenringalls4 Comments

My special guest today, Dorine Olive, a one-year survivor of ovarian cancer. She is a high-energy, personable, and positive thinking young woman. Her diagnosis of Stage IIC cancer was unexpected. She has no family history, and her only symptom was a slight hardness in the side during a “twisted lunge and bow” yoga pose. She has been practicing yoga for many years, so this new discomfort was unusual. She also thought she was gaining weight.

Ms. Olive went to a gynecology-oncologist who she had known for several years. A hysterectomy was performed. Unfortunately, a cancerous tumor was discovered.

Like many of us, Dorine thought it was a pulled muscle and waited several weeks before seeing a physician. Gynecology-oncologists recommend that if any symptom lasts for 2 weeks, to see their gynecologist immediately. It may well be something benign and easily treated, but it could also be more serious.

Six rounds of chemotherapy caused a common complication, known as neuropathy due to damage to the nerves of the hands and feet. Many diabetics often experience this same condition. Dorine has suffered with this painful condition for the past year, which is described as burning pain, weakness or numbness, and extreme sensitivity to touch.

When she finished her last round of chemotherapy, it was not enough to ring the brass bell in the chemo room. She rang a large bell in front of a local church with her friends and family there.

  • There are over 250,000 ovarian cancer survivors in the United States. Early detection is very important for any disease, particularly for ovarian cancer. The average length of time between symptom and diagnosis is 5-6 months.
  • Stage I: 92% survival of 5 years
  • Stage II: 76% survival of 5 years
  • Stage III & IV: 30% survival of 5 years.

Please leave any questions or comments below. If you want a free paperback copy of my book, Outshine: An Ovarian Cancer Memoir, please leave your name/address in the “contact” section. I can also provide pamphlets and symptom cards at no cost to you.