Thursday, August 30, 2012

the post where I tell you that I'm a cancer survivor.

If you know me IRL, you probably think this post is a long time coming. It just hasn't felt right until now, for some reason. But yesterday I got that magic phone call that lets me exhale in such a big way even though I don't fully realize I've been holding my breath. The one where the nurse says "Your blood work came back negative." 9 years later, it never gets old.

Just like the ACS, I, too, am an official sponsor of birthdays.

Ovarian cancer. At age 22. Thank goodness for annual exams and doctors who are thorough and careful. Thankful, too, that a grapefruit-sized mass somehow stayed within my left ovary and didn't spread anywhere else, so no chemo or radiation. And very thankful my doctors talked me into keeping the other ovary intact to preserve my fertility, even though it means more surgery once I'm done having children, since I was lucky enough to get a type of ovarian cancer that can recur even 20 or 30 years later. The 6-inch vertical scar is still red but looks less angry now -- and I'm less angry now, too. Less scared. But still angry and scared, sometimes.

Last August was the worst -- even worse than the weeks before my surgery, because then it was just me and now, well, it isn't. Sitting in the doctor's office in that stupid paper robe and hearing the nurse shout down the hall to someone else, "Looks like she's got a mass on that remaining ovary." Waiting and waiting for the doctor to come in and trying to pretend I hadn't already heard, for some strange reason. Crying when I sang lullabies to Lorelei and knowing she would never remember them. And then getting the phone call that said the blood work results were negative, the ultrasound looked fine after all, that follow-up tests weren't necessary any more. That time, I had been holding my breath so much it hurt.

So I'm celebrating. And trying to raise awareness. If you have been putting off making that doctor's appointment, call now. And if everything turns out to be fine, the co-pay will still be the best $25 or $50 you spent this month. Because peace of mind and good health are totally worth it.

My amazing caregivers from the Fairview Women's Clinic are never far from my mind. If you're in Minnesota, consider participating in the Silent No More Walk/Run on September 8th at Rosland Park in Edina. Learn more about it here. There are events in Pennsylvania and Nebraska on the 8th, too -- check here to see how you can participate in these events and others during September (aka ovarian cancer awareness month).

On September 7th, participate in Wear Teal Day to raise awareness for a silent killer with a 47% five-year survival rate (just as an FYI, it's 90% for breast cancer based on 2007 stats).

Starting on September 1st and lasting all month long, all the proceeds I make in shop sales will go to the fight against ovarian cancer. And I have one more fundraiser I'll be promoting here on the blog, so stay tuned for more details.

17 comments:

  1. I'm heartbroken by your story, but thrilled to know you've had such good news, Courtney. Thank you for raising awareness. I for one fall into the trap of thinking cancer could never happen to me, but it could, just as it could to anyone, and monitoring our health is so important. Hugs to you and yours and three giant cheers for your continued health.

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  2. What a terrifying journey that must have been. I'm so so so happy that you got the all clear from your tests. You are a wonderful advocate and I'll make sure to mention your shop in September to spread the word!

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  3. wow. thank you for sharing this.

    my grandmother died of ovarian cancer may, 2004. she fought hard. it's been recently that i've wanted to get involved with ovarian cancer awareness. the emails have started coming since september is nearly here. i pledge to wear teal on september 7 -- in memory of marilyn olson and in honor of your fight.

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  4. I think I'm broken, because your story made me shed tears. That never happens! I'm so glad that you are a survivor, and that you are sharing your story!

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  5. How scary that must have been. I'm so glad that everything is clear. Good for you for bringing awareness for such an important cause for women and families!

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  6. Thank you for sharing this. It's an excellent reminder as to why routine checkups are so important (something that I let slide way too much I think).

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  7. OMGoodness, I can't even imagine! I am so happy for you that you are okay!!
    ♥ Kyna

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  8. Thank you for sharing your story Courtney, I cant even imagine how terrifying that experience must have been for both you and your family. I am so, so happy that you got the clear from all your test's and that you are a survivor!!

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  9. Wow. I cannot imagine what that would be like. Thank you for sharing your story with us and thank you for bringing awareness to this!

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  10. Oh wow. There are no words, Courtney! Except thank you for finally sharing your deeply personal story so that others will be encouraged to take action:) So glad to hear you're ok.

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  11. I'm really happy that you chose to tell your story, Courtney. And you are so right that early detection is incredibly important and can be done with maintaining a routine of getting checked regularly! So happy that you got another great test result and that you have your little lady despite what I'm sure were years of uncertainty.

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  12. Congratulations on being a survivor!! And inspiring!! Your strength and story moved me.

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  13. Wow. Ovarian cancer at 22. Your story is truly inspiring. Congratulations on nine years.

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  14. Wow, what a hard journey, and thank you for sharing it with us, even though we don't have the pleasure of knowing you IRL. Congratulations and Happy Birthday and Anniversary and all the good things!

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  15. You're amazing. So happy that you're cancer-free. I can't even begin to imagine how that feels.

    Big hugs from North Carolina!

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  16. A belated comment because I'm just catching up on reading blogs... It took a lot of bravery to share such a personal story with the world -- so thank you! We rarely think about young people having cancer, but it happens. That's why it's so great that you are raising awareness. Congratulations on 9 years!

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  17. Well, I'm behind on blog-writing and on blog-reading. Wow. Thank you for sharing! Happy you're continuing to survive! (So, awareness-raiser, do they typically do ovarian cancer screenings at your ob/gyn appointment, or is that something you have to ask for?) Well done. :-)

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