Sunday, September 15, 2013

We'll carry on...


In July 2009, my grandmother was diagnosed with ovarian cancer. Just two years later, in July 2011, she was gone.

We knew nothing at all about ovarian cancer when she was first diagnosed. Then we learned more than we ever wanted.

She had complained of symptoms for months, and we had all thought they were something else. Had we known then...

We have no way of knowing what could have happened. But the fact is, when my grandma was diagnosed, she was already in Stage IV. There are millions of women in America today who still have misconceptions about ovarian cancer, its symptoms and how it's detected.

On Friday, I discovered one of my coworkers held the #1 misconception - I had to let her know there is currently no screening test for ovarian cancer.


Three things to know:
  1. They do NOT screen for ovarian cancer during a pap test. 
  2. It can be hereditary. It can be linked with breast cancer. Know your family history.
  3. Symptoms: bloating, feeling full, abdominal pain, frequency of urination - if they last longer than two weeks, see your doctor immediately.
I don't want anyone else to go through the pain my grandmother went through, or the pain we felt as we watched her slowly slip away. Please communicate this information with your loved ones; please help beat this terrible disease.

14 comments:

  1. It is a good service you do, to have posted those symptoms. My sister-in-law succumbed to O.C. 7 years ago and we are ever alert for its signals. Thank you.

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    1. Oh Geo., I'm sorry for your loss.
      Yes, I would like for everyone to eventually know what to look for some day...knowledge is everything.

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  2. Cancer is an awful piece of crap no matter where it hits, but yeah lots of misconceptions about. Not to mention the stupid drug companies who want to keep business flowing.

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    1. Oh I know...they'd rather treat than cure. That's infuriating.
      I really hate cancer.

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  3. Cancer is a such a heartbreaking thing.

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    1. It's such a small word for such a terrible thing that has affected so many people. I feel like we're just *this* close to finding a cure...

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  4. Cancer leaves tragedy in its wake. This post was an eye-opener. I think awareness saves lives. Thank you for this.

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    1. I agree with you, Keith, awareness is key.
      Cancer is terrible, and until a cure is found, the next best thing we can do is be proactive and know what to look for.

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  5. I am officially aware. *salute* Thanks for the heads up.

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    1. Crystal,
      Alright then, mission accomplished! LOL
      You're welcome,
      Michelle
      :)

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  6. Thank you, Mitch.

    (And I'm sorry for your loss.)

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  7. Thank you so much for sharing this, Michelle. I'm so sorry for the loss of your grandmother to this horrible illness.

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    1. Hi Elsie, thanks for visiting; and thank you so much. :)

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