Education = life...

Ovarian Cancer is scary I'll admit that. Whenever I tell someone that I had it, the look on their face tells it all. They are scared to death. It's a household name that's often referred to as the "silent killer". Great, I was diagnosed with a disease that's often referred to as the silent killer. Talk about unlucky...what are the chances of that? They say about 1 and 55. About 22, 000 people are diagnosed with Ovarian Cancer each year, about 15, 000 of those people will die. Ovarian Cancer is an aggressive disease in itself, but what compound's the situation is that it is often diagnosed in the later stages quickly diminishing your chances of survival.

Over time what I've realized is that yes it's scary as all illness' are. We're afraid of the unknown, we're afraid of the treatment's, surgeries, loss of control, employment , friends, family and everything else that comes along being sick. What most don't realize is that taking a pro-active stand with your body and health care can save your life. It will make that big, bad, scary disease...not so bad.

I won't sugar coat things, Cancer is awful!!! Every one's journey is different. Many will undergo surgery, chemotherapy, radiation...sometimes all three. In most cases you lose your hair, appetite, weight, and your zest for living. Because your bodies immune system is greatly compromised during treatment, you are susceptible infections and other illness'. It's not an easy battle and for many it's a battle that they will face for the rest of their lives. There's no magic pill that can stop you from getting sick but there are preventative measures that you can take that will help you in your fight.

I now realize that although I knew about Ovarian Cancer, I was never clear about how it was detected and diagnosed. I've been going to the gyn for half of my adult life and I had no idea how things worked. Since my diagnosis, I've met a number of woman who join me in that club. I can't think of how many times someone asked me if my cancer was detected through a pap smear. A pap smear is used to detect Cervical Cancer. I too was always under the impression that if my pap smear came back okay then I was set to rock and roll until my next exam...silly me.

There is no one test to determine if you have Ovarian Cancer. The symptoms are very vague. How vague you say? Try these on for size...bloating, frequent or urgent urination, pelvic pain, abdominal pain, gas, back aches. See what I mean? These are all symptoms that women feel at any given time of the month.

If you are feeling any of these symptoms persist it's important that you are able to articulate that to your Dr. A trans-vaginal ultrasound is then performed to see if there are any abnormalities. That's how the mass on my right ovary was located. There's a blood test called a CA125 that is given in conjunction with the trans-vaginal ultrasound when Ovarian Cancer is suspected. Surgery is often confirmed after these steps are taken, which is where you get your true diagnosis. In my opinion a trans-vaginal ultrasound should be performed during every gyn exam....unfortunately insurance company's(don't get me started on them) won't pay for it unless it's warranted(whatever that means).

I had no control over getting cancer. But I had control over my body and how to respect it. Keeping up with my check-ups saved my life. We don't have to be victims. Arm yourself with knowledge. We have to educate ourselves, no one's going to do it for us. Dr.'s are often in a rush, but who cares. Know your health history when you go to the Dr., ask them exactly what they're testing for, let them know if you might be at risk for any hereditary illness'. My best advice is go to a Dr. you like and trust. Don't be afraid to go to someone else if you don't feel like you're getting what you need. Last thing, don't be afraid to talk to other people. Share your story and share your story often. Don't forget to listen when other's share theirs.