Philadelphia Together in Teal

I was diagnosed with Stage 1C Ovarian cancer right after my 24th birthday in August, 2012. When you are young, you are not thinking "cancer" . The doctor told me I had a huge mass covering my right ovary, kidney and my stomach and would need to get surgery ASAP.  I had to have an outpatient surgery on Sept 15, 2012 to put stents in for my kidneys. This would give my doctor a better view going in for my major surgery that Monday and to help my kidneys so I would not go into kidney failure. I had my first surgery Sept 17, 2012. I was very scared at this point because I really did not know what to expect and did not think I would survive. Surgery went well and he was able to remove the entire mass that was bigger than a melon, he had to take out my right ovary and took out cancer tumors on the left side and kept my left ovary.  With this surgery, my doctor did not test my lymph nodes and do the staging process as his number one concern and priority was making sure the tumor was removed in one piece. Recovery was very tough for me but I got through it with the support of my family and friends. Pathology results came back later that week and it was confirmed that I had Ovarian Cancer but I was considered a "walking miracle" by my doctor because of how big these tumors were. I am very blessed that my cancer was contained in one area. This meant I did not undergo any radiation or chemo at this time. We kept a very close eye on it every 2 months with check ups, exams, MRIs, Ultrasounds to play it safe. Unfortunately, September 2013 rolls around and the cancer had came back on my left side.  At this point, my doctor was concerned and wanted to remove my left ovary to avoid any future recurrences. This was a very hard decision for me to grasp the idea that I would not have a chance to become a mother. My parents and I went to a fertilely doctor to see if it was possible to retrieve some eggs given the situation.  My appointment did not go as planned and was very disappointed.  The doctor advised that my ovary had a lot of tumors and trying to retrieve eggs would be a very high risk procedure leaving me a high percentage of an unsuccess rate, as well as, concern for my health undergoing same. Ultimately, I made the decision to go forego the progress and came to peace that I would not have a chance to have children. My second surgery was scheduled for September. This was a more intensive surgery as the doctor tested lymph nodes, took my appendix out and did a staging surgery as well as plunging of my stomach to get all the cancer cells out of the area the best he can. Recovery was extremely tough considering they went through the same incision and I had more things removed from this surgery. Same thing as the first, this cancer was contained and it didn't require me for any additional treatment. 

To this day, I had no re-occurrences but I have issues with treatments for treating my symptoms as I continued to suffer from things from this cancer.  I have my good and bad days but I know God is on my side, as well as, my support team. This typical cancer doesn't get diagnosed easily and once you do know you have it, it's too late. Typically, ovarian cancer seems to occur in women in their late 40s, early 50s but more so lately, younger women have been diagnosed. I was very young to have had this cancer, TWICE. 

I hope to inspire all of you to pay attention to your body and get checked out. It is better to be on top of your symptoms then to continue to ignore them. Cancer has taken A LOT away from me but it will not take away my determination, positivity, strength and strong will. 

I continue to share my story on social media, speaking at high schools, middle schools, colleges, medical classes, in magazines, I was featured on Fox news twice. Help me in sharing my story and spreading as much awareness as possible. Any donations are much appreciated :)

#ASHLEYSTRONG