22,000 women will be diagnosed with ovarian cancer this year, and less than 50% will survive more than 5 years. It’s time we recognize the ovarian cancer warriors who have SURVIVED this disease, while remembering those who lost their fights too soon.
JILL’S STORY:
Jill Bach’s ovarian cancer journey began with spotting. In the summer of 2006, the 44-year old North Dallas mother of two visited her OB. During the visit, a blood test revealed that she was premenopausal, and the doctor noted that one ovary was enlarged but didn’t express concern.
JULIE’S STORY:
Julie Shrell’s ovarian cancer journey began in her gut. In 2010, she began experiencing gastrointestinal symptoms that mimicked appendicitis at first but continued manifesting in other ways. After a barrage of tests and bloodwork, a hysterectomy was scheduled, but cancer wasn’t strongly suspected.
LYNN’S STORY:
Lynn Lentscher’s ovarian cancer journey started in her stomach. The former sales representative did a lot entertaining until her stomach began to feel unsettled. She developed diarrhea one weekend, and then says she “felt like something was exploding.” When a motorcycle ride didn’t kick the sickness, Lynn called her gynecologist of 20 years and was seen the same day.
LINDA’S STORY:
Linda’s ovarian cancer journey started after her ovaries were removed. At 43, Linda was busy with a sophomore son in high school and a daughter getting to leave for college. Around that time, she noticed a “phantom” twinge where her ovaries would have been. Phantom because she had a complete hysterectomy 10 years prior.
PAMELA’S STORY:
Pamela’s ovarian cancer journey began not long after her father died of colon cancer. In 2002, her father was diagnosed with colon cancer, so she made it a point to travel twice a month to be with him. Around that time, she thought she had a urinary tract infection and began seeing an acupuncturist to treat it.
LIZ’S STORY:
Liz’s ovarian cancer journey started with weight gain and fatigue. In 2013, when she began experiencing fatigue and weight gain, her doctor said, “Welcome to your fifties!” and put her on a small, unprotected dose of estrogen and her approach was wait and see.
KEZHAL’S STORY:
Kezhal’s ovarian cancer journey began her senior year of college. In August 2010, Kezhal started college pre-med at Texas Christian University, a place she grew to love as a young swimmer who attended swim camps for 11 years. Famed Dallas DJ Kidd Kraddick became an inspiration to Kezhal, which led to her to switch her college focus to journalism with a radio minor.
KENDRA’S STORY:
Kendra’s ovarian cancer journey was dismissed as dietary. She graduated high school at 17 but, at age 19 while living and going to college in Washington, she began experiencing stomach aches. She couldn’t eat without pain but her doctors all said it was dietary.
LAUREN’S STORY
Lauren’s ovarian cancer journey started with abdominal pain. In 2013, at age 33, Lauren tested positive for the BRCA gene – just like her mom and sister. A year later, she underwent a double mastectomy and was considering a hysterectomy. Her doctor advised her to wait on the surgery and recommended vaginal ultrasounds every six months to monitor instead.