We've all heard of the line....turning lemons into lemonade. Well, this is my story.
Back at the beginning of 2015, after discussing with my gynecologist my "tinges" of pain in my abdomen, she, being proactive, ordered me to go for a sonogram. To this day, I thank her for saving my life and ordering those tests. The sonogram showed some abnormality with what looked like my fallopian tubes. At that point, a CT scan was ordered to see further what was happening. Talk about one of the most disturbing calls ever was that call from my doctor confirming ovarian cancer (stage 3C) and recommending a top surgeon to see asap. Sometimes that whole part of my life is so foreign to me and I think I blocked out so much, maybe for self-preservation...who knows. To tell you the truth, although I heard it at the time, when my sister told me that my survival rate was about 30-40%, it was like I had heard it for the first time. Then, only to hear again just recently from my girlfriend who came with me for my follow up visit with my surgeon, my survival rate was actually 20%.
So, total hysterectomy and chemo later, loss of hair, out of work 12 weeks, I was back. Emotionally, at times, I was a wreck. Yes, I was scared and cried plenty and that’s ok. The support of friends and family was amazing and I am forever grateful for that.
Cancer changes your life and if it doesn't, you're a fool. You have to be proactive in what you put on your body, in your body, your environment and follow-ups.
I am strong and healthy, 5 years later. Your mind is strong and amazing. Don’t believe statistics, believe in yourself and that anything is possible! I’m living proof!
written by Pat from West Islip,NY