Hi, my name is Maria LaCorte and I battled Ovarian Cancer.
I was diagnosed with this unthinkable disease in November of 2006, and underwent a 6 hour operation when my Dr gave me a complete hysterectomy, along with the removal of several tumors in my abdomen. I have completed my sessions of chemotherapy. I had some really bad days, and then I had some good days, those which I have decided to dedicate some time to educate and bring awareness to others about Ovarian Cancer.
The symptoms are silent:
• Abdominal discomfort, bloating, a feeling of fullness, gas
• Frequent urination
• Nausea, indigestion, change in bowl habits
• Pelvic discomfort and heaviness
• Weight loss or gain, fatigue, backaches
Many women experience these symptoms on a monthly basis, and I just ignored them (endured it for over 1 year) thinking that I was at a certain age where my body started doing strange things – I was wrong. My pap test came back negative, but when I started feeling sharp pains in my right ovary, and asked for an ultrasound – that’s when a large mass was found. Within 2 weeks, I was sent for more blood test (CA125), had a ct-scan, sent to a gynecological specialist, then to a gynecological oncologist, and had surgery. It was a stage 3 Ovarian Cancer and my chemotherapy was a form of prevention, putting me in a category where this cancer should not come back.
My doctor, Dr. Walter Gotlieb, who is my oncologist and surgeon, is the Director of Gynecologic Oncology at the Jewish General Hospital. He is in the midst of developing a drug that stops what feeds the cancer. I am excited to know that one day soon, other women would not have to go through what I’ve had to. I am happy to help raise funds to support Dr Gotlieb’s research. A committee was formed called " Friends for Life" and on Friday, November 16th of 2007, we held a fundraiser gala and proud to announce that we raised $25,000. By the reaction of our guests, we realize that this must become an annual event. I will keep you posted with any news.
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In October, I went for my yearly check at which time my doctor discovered what she referred to as a mass when she examined me. She told me she was going to set up some precautionary tests just to make sure it was nothing. She scheduled me for a cat can and told me if I needed more tests she would send me for an ultrasound. I received a call from my doctors office to schedule an ultrasound. When I had the ultrasound for the first time I became aware that the mass was actually an ovarian cyst. I knew cysts come and go so I was not too concerned. My doctor called and informed me that she wanted me to see a gynecologist. They wanted the appoint to happen quickly. Now I am concerned. I had heard something about ovarian cancer but though I have done extensive research in every area of medicine, psychiatry and genetics, and conditions and diseases I feel are directly link to women's hormonal health such as PMS, post partum psychosis, auto immune diseases, alzheimer's, diabetes and breast cancer, I had not given much thought to ovarian cancer. So I went on the internet and did some research. I was stunned and immediately scared. The survival rate was so low I thought I might be told I was going to die. After suffering from hormone related conditions my whole life but otherwise being incredibly healthy, I knew this could be bad. When I went to see the gynecologist, I was so concerned I could not sleep. She told me the cyst was abnormal and I cried. My tears came of our fear and the utter disappoints I have dealt with my whole life because of my hormone problems. She told me I was going to have to have surgery to remove the ovary. I had become most comfortable in the year prior in not using the estrogen replacement I used for 15 years and I was finally medication free from the misdiagnosis of bipolar I received during my childbearing years and looking forward to finally being in post menopause naturally and spending the result of my life without the effects of hormone changes and this happens. I did have a uterine hysterectomy due to fibriods when I was 37 that thrust me right into perimenopause at a time when little information was know about it. So you can imagine being referred to an oncologist was very difficult for me. The surgeon and I discussed what the test had shown. I told her that I only wanted one ovary taken out and she agreed to that if possible. She felt this might be all about nothing because my blood test did not indicated I had cancer. So she scheduled the procedure. When I had my hysterectomy, my doctor left my ovaries, tubes and cervix. He told me at that time they felt it had something to do with sexual sensitivity so he left it. I was determined to keep my other ovary and cervix but the pathology taken during the surgery indicated that both ovaries needed to be removed. I knew in my heart this would be the case. I have suffered with hormone problems since puberty. In using estrogen replacement for 15 years, the only relief I could find for perimenopause, I knew I could be at risk for breast cancer but since no one in my family had had breast cancer I did not give it much thought. So now once again, I have been surgically induced the final stage of post menopause and my greatest concerns now come from my endless research. Fortunately for me, the cancer was caught in the very earliest stage. I did not have to have to have chemo and I still have my cervix. I have always gone for my yearly check whether I had insurance or not. Every women in this country should be able to have screening test to prevent disease such as this. I have developed a theory during my years of research that I will discussing in the near future about all of this. I believe in my heart that there is a link to everything myself and millions of other women have gone through because of the miscoding of progesterone that occurs at puberty. I will have a survey on my website hormonaltides.com which will be launched in August for women to fill out because we don't have another 100 more years for the medical community to find answers for our hormone related conditions because we are suffering with conditions and disease we need cures for. It time for us, ladies, to take matter into our own hands. Together armed with our symptoms and knowledge of our own bodies, I believe with every thing about who I am that we can find our own answers. Together we can change a piece of medical history.
April 26, 2008 - 6:19amThis Comment
We appreciate you taking the time to share your powerful story as well as share the symptoms so that other women can benefit from your knowledge and experience.
Can you share with us any tips that helped you battle the cancer? What was your source of strength?
April 25, 2008 - 3:20pmThis Comment