12 hours in the ER I finally got seen and found out I had an ovarian cyst. Weeks later I found out i had stage 4 Severe Endometriosis. I spent 7 months taking medicine to see if the cyst would go away but it didn't. In the meantime and before my ER visit that year I had been suffering with intense fatigue, where i was unable to get out of bed all day long. I'd also be getting up to use the bathroom about 4x a night while trying to sleep.
My doctor decided the best way was to remove the cyst before it could burst. I had surgery mid-November 2017 and my OBGYN removed it carefully and in tact. I spent the weekend in the hospital for recovery. That following Monday I got a phone call from my doctor asking for myself and my father to meet with her with news. The next day I found out the biopsy showed ovarian cancer and was connected to an Oncologist.
3 weeks post cyst surgery I was back in the hospital for a total hysterectomy. I had the option to leave one of the ovaries but was told there would be a 30% chance of it coming back. I chose to remove everything. The initial recovery in the hospital was miserable. I stayed at home recovering for a following 3.5 months post-surgery.
To say that it has not affected my day to day would be a lie. My body has changed, from weight gain, join pain, insomnia, hot flashes, bone density loss. Surgical menopause is no joke! But I much prefer it than ovarian cancer.
My outlook on life has also changed since diagnosis. Since my surgeries I have been cancer free and have been focusing on living a healthier lifestyle. I have switched careers to stop working with harmful cancer-causing herbicides and have managed to still find one that I truly enjoy. I have been more mindful of my body and how I eat and have started running for heart health and bone heath, two concerns for individuals in surgical menopausal.
As a former National Park Ranger, Trail crew member and supervisor hiking Kilimanjaro is a dream. With Team Teal I'd love to make it a reality. I promise to keep my consistency in exercise so I can make it to the summit!
If you are able to help me raise money for the NOCC - to help show those recently diagnosed or in remission that there is HOPE for life post-diagnosis. All funds will go directly to the NOCC.
I will be saving my own money and PTO from work to be able to take this trip - and bring HOPE to New Heights!. Every dollar helps and every share helps. Please help me spread hope to those effected by this disease.
Help me connect with my community and show my passion for saving lives and ending ovarian cancer.
Will you please join me to help save lives by donating today?