Another great survivor story...

I don't remember if I posted this story or not....she was diagnosed at Stage III C in 1997, went NED, then had a recurrance. She is still going strong, 13 years after her diagnosis.



My mother, Susan, was diagnosed with stage IIIC ovarian cancer. She had surgery in July 1997 and for the first time that I can remember, I saw fear in her eyes. Five years earlier she had faced another life-threatening condition, a brain aneurysm, and she did not miss a step. She continued to work full time and life just went on. There was no question that she would be fine, but when she was diagnosed with this deadly cancer, I saw that fear and for the first time felt I might not have her in my life for much longer.

I remember asking her if she wanted me to postpone college for a year to which she promptly stated “NO, you will not put your life on hold. I am going to be fine.” I saw her fear change to determination and I truly believed she would be fine. After six cycles of chemo she was in remission.

A short 18 months later she got news that her cancer was coming back. She and her doctor talked and with her usual determination she elected not to have chemo until there were symptoms or evidence of disease on scan. For over 5 years she went on about her life checking in with the doctor every three months and watching her CA-125 climb. When the cancer was found in her chest in February of 2005, she told the doctor to take it out and let her get on with life. She has been disease free without chemo for 5 years.


I am happy to say she saw me graduate from Auburn University, become successful in my career, and in four short months will be there as I walk down the aisle.