And I’m living with a constant ‘what if?’ hanging over me – every ache and pain you wonder if it’s come back. Site Links At first my GP thought it might be asthma, then I got prescribed medication for nasal drip but no change. A month later I started six rounds of carboplatin and taxol. Legacy Giving See the latest estimates for new cases of ovarian cancer and deaths in the US and what research is currently being done. I was on the high dependency unit for several days and then I was allowed home. Ovarian cancer didn’t even occur to me as a possibility but that cough wouldn’t go away. I am: Mom to 3 beautiful girls ages 15, 11 & 8. The American Cancer Society couldn’t do what we do without the support of our partners. Contact Us. In November 2018, I had another ultrasound but this time they also did an internal ultrasound too and that’s when they found a complex mass on my ovary. I was sent home with antibiotics but a week later I was still too ill for surgery. We can even find you a free ride to treatment or a free place to stay when treatment is far from home. Available Every Minute of Every Day. This annual family-friendly event is held annually in September, the Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month, on the Sunday after the Labour day weekend. Mum-of-three Angela was diagnosed with ovarian cancer in 2003 at the age of 46. Fundraiser Login We’ve invested more than $4.9 billion in cancer research since 1946, all to find more – and better – treatments, uncover factors that may cause cancer, and improve cancer patients’ quality of life. Learning some basics is a good place to start. Find out how you can join her and help raise awareness of ovarian cancer. The cyst ruptured during surgery. Cancer Information, Answers, and Hope. All so you can live longer — and better. Fiona was with diagnosed with Stage 4 ovarian cancer in February 2016 at the age of 30. It was a persistent cough that kept taking her back to her GP. My doctors weren’t sure I could tolerate surgery so as I walked down to theatre I was saying my goodbyes. About BC Cancer Find a Clinical Trial When an individual shares their story it can transform another person's life. "With hindsight I had had some of the classic symptoms but I assumed they were down to something else. Take action with us now and transform the lives and prospects of women today and for the generations to come. Survivor shares her early warning signs of ovarian cancer. Home A sample was sent to pathology and the results showed I had clear cell ovarian cancer, which was eventually categorised as stage 2B. I started to go downhill very quickly. Imagine a world free from cancer. Support My bowels were a bit funny but I’d just started a diet so I thought maybe I wasn’t getting enough fibre. The next theory was that it was caused by acid reflux but I reacted so badly to the drugs I was given that I needed to see the out of hours GP. Angela Walker: "I'm still going strong 10 years after my last chemotherapy session", Fiona Munro: "I want to raise awareness that young women are also at risk of ovarian cancer". The early warning signs of ovarian cancer are often extremely subtle, which is why most women aren’t diagnosed until the disease has advanced to stage III … Name: Amanda O’Brien Date of Diagnosis: November 15, 2018 Age at Diagnosis: 37 I live in: New Brunswick, Canada I am: Mom to 3 beautiful girls ages 15, 11 & 8. Fundraiser I saw my doctor who ran a bunch of tests and everything came back normal. Amanda was diagnosed with ovarian cancer aged 42 but didn’t have the normal symptoms. Whilst waiting I had developed a blood clot on my lung and a fluid pocket around my heart. It was very hot and I was drinking more, so it wasn’t surprising I needed to go to the loo more often. Let’s travel it gracefully and enjoy the good days. Our team of expert journalists brings you all angles of the cancer story – from breaking news and survivor stories to in-depth insights into cutting-edge research. Read about your options and who to talk to when you need support. Ovarian Cancer Symptoms, Our Stories Additional FAQs I needed surgery but I couldn’t have the operation as I was ill with a very bad infection. However I am trying to turn a negative into a positive by helping raise awareness of ovarian cancer.". It was a persistent cough that kept taking her back to her GP. How your donation would impact me: I’m trying to take the time I have and spend it with my children and make memories. The consultant thought it was just a large cyst so there was no urgency, especially as my CA125 blood test was ok. You can help reduce your risk of cancer by making healthy choices like eating right, staying active and not smoking. Learn this potentially life-saving information today. Whether you or someone you love has cancer, knowing what to expect can help you cope. "With hindsight I had had some of the classic symptoms but I assumed they were down to something else. A few days later I had an appointment with the oncologist and they told me I had stage 4 ovarian cancer. I’m now cancer-free but still living with all the challenges that treatment brings with it. The American Cancer Society is a qualified 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization. Research. Whether you want to learn about treatment options, get advice on coping with side effects, or have questions about health insurance, we’re here to help. Help Fundraise We’d been approved for adoption the week before I’d been diagnosed but that had to be put on hold. I had to have a medically-induced menopause and I’m not able to have HRT to alleviate the symptoms. Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Walks, Common Questions About the COVID-19 Outbreak. Low Grade Serous Ovarian Cancer I had an appointment to go back to hospital in a week’s time to see the consultant radiologist and in the meantime I had a CA125 test, which came back normal. I have lymphoedema in both legs and a massive hernia, which can’t be repaired because of where it is. What cancer patients, their families, and caregivers need to know about the coronavirus. Help make it a reality. We won’t be allowed to adopt until I’ve been in remission for 5 years but by that time I’ll be in my late 40s and I’m not sure if I’ll still want to go through the whole adoption process by then. In some ways it made the treatment easier to deal with as I’d already had to come to terms with not being able to give birth. I was very tired but I’m always tired when I’m hot. Obituary Words cannot express how much we wish we did not have to say this, but, after a long and hard fought battle with ovarian cancer, our beloved, kind, strong, compassionate, caring and all around beautiful girl, Amanda Rose Ann O’Brien, took her place in Heaven on October 10, 2020. Together, we’re making a difference – and you can, too. to Cure Our Ovarian Cancer From basic information about cancer and its causes to in-depth information on specific cancer types – including risk factors, early detection, diagnosis, and treatment options – you’ll find it here. Cure Our Ovarian Cancer Get an overview of ovarian cancer and the latest key statistics in the US. During my treatment I stayed away from Google as much as possible and kept to trusted sources of information like the Ovarian Cancer Action website and other cancer charities. Amanda was diagnosed with ovarian cancer aged 42 but didn’t have the normal symptoms. Until we do, we’ll be funding and conducting research, sharing expert information, supporting patients, and spreading the word about prevention. Having ovarian cancer and the resulting treatment can affect your fertility. At the American Cancer Society, we’re on a mission to free the world from cancer. What does it take to outsmart cancer? Story Login What I would say to someone else going through this: It’s a hard road but we’re on it. It’s also important to follow recommended screening guidelines, which can help detect certain cancers early.