September Story of Hope

Posted by Emily Battmer on Wed, Sep 14, 2011

cancer awareness September is National Ovarian Cancer awareness month and we'd like to introduce you to a special customer of ours, Sheena.

In October 2001, Sheena went to the doctor for a hernia. She never could have imagined that that appointment would turn into so much more.

“After being told I was pregnant, I went for more testing and found out I had a tumor the size of a small volleyball,” she said.

Sheena was diagnosed with ovarian cancer, a growth of abnormal malignant cells that begins in the ovaries. Prior to her doctor’s visit, Sheena said she didn’t notice any symptoms. If it weren’t for her doctor’s visit and for the research that preceded her diagnosis, the cancer could have gone undetected.

“My doctors told me if it wasn’t for research and things like the Relay for Life 10 years before I was diagnosed, they would have no clue what my type of cancer was and I wouldn’t be here today,” she said.

Knowledge and awareness of ovarian cancer helped save Sheena’s life. She relied on medical advances, her own strength, and support from family and friends to help her through. The secret to her success is a simple one: think positive and take support from your loved ones.

“Always keep a positive attitude – it will help on the tough days – and surround yourself with family and friends,” she advised.

Next month marks the tenth year of her survivorship – a celebratory milestone for any cancer survivor. As she approaches the tenth anniversary of her diagnosis, Sheena reflects on her journey with cancer and the things she has learned from it.

“I am a lot stronger and can handle more than I ever imagined,” she said. “Your true friends come out when you’re going through something like that and my small town was so supportive and amazing.”

September is Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month. To help create more success stories like Sheena’s, it is important for women to detect ovarian cancer early and for research to continue. Familiarize yourself with the symptoms of ovarian cancer and take action to encourage increased funding for ovarian cancer research. Learn more about what you can do through the Ovarian Cancer National Alliance and the National Ovarian Cancer Coalition.

The Facts About Ovarian Cancer:

Each year in the United States, more than 21,000 women are diagnosed with ovarian cancer, and about 15,000 die of the disease.
A woman’s lifetime risk of developing invasive ovarian cancer is 1 in 71.
Ovarian cancer is the 9th most common cancer among women and the 5th leading cause of cancer-related death among women.
Ovarian cancer is the deadliest of gynecologic cancers.

Tags: story of hope, ovarian cancer

Comments

Sheena---Cancer has affected my family as well and its good to have people like you who speak out.Stay strong and continued good health.

Posted @ Wednesday, September 14, 2011 9:37 AM by mary

thnak you for sharing. everything you post is very informational and inspiring. your blog has changed my life. made me more aware of the diabetis for me and my mom. and certains cancers. thasnk you so much.please continue to share and keep up the good work. the lord has blessed you truely.

Posted @ Wednesday, September 14, 2011 11:31 AM by Gail Parsley

Gail, thank you so much for your kind comment. I'm so happy to hear that you've been able to learn more about diabetes and other medical conditions. We will continue to raise awareness of medical conditions and support our blog subscribers and customers. Let us know if there is anything in particular that you would like us to write about. Take care! Jenna

Posted @ Wednesday, September 14, 2011 12:34 PM by Jenna

Mary, thanks so much for your comment and encouraging words. Sadly, everyone is affected by cancer whether directly or through a family member or friend. Please let us know if there is a topic or condition you would like us to bring awareness to. Jenna

Posted @ Wednesday, September 14, 2011 12:43 PM by Jenna

Thank you for sharing Sheena's story and the facts about cancer. I'm so glad that Sheena is doing well and telling her story! As Jenna mentioned, about half of us will be diagnosed with cancer in our lifetimes - which means we'll all be affected by cancer in one way or another. I love that Sheena mentioned Relay For Life. My family has been participating in this amazing event for the past 6 years. It's a signature event of the American Cancer Society and money raised goes directly to research and to help people right in our own communities. Plus, it's so inspirational and so much FUN! If you haven't been to a Relay For Life before, I encourage everyone to check outwww.relayforlife.org and learn more about this amazing event.

Posted @ Wednesday, September 14, 2011 6:31 PM by Joyce Davis