Amanda M. Por

July 2017

I was 25. I had just moved to a new city, started a new job, began dating a new man, and set out training for my first marathon, when I was diagnosed with ovarian cancer. On a routine gynecological exam, the nurse practitioner discovered a growth on my left ovary and without warning, my life changed overnight.

After the removal of my ovary and tumor, I was diagnosed with Sertoli-Leydig ovarian cancer, a rare type of ovarian cancer in which the tumor secretes testosterone. Symptoms can include a deepening of the person’s voice and growth of facial hair.

As a woman in my 20’s trying to date and find a partner, I was thankful the tumor was discovered prior to these symptoms occurring. Chemo followed surgery, and I was grateful to have my family, friends, and boyfriend (now husband) help me through the treatment, but for the first time in my adult life, I felt like I had lost my independence and was no longer in control of my life.

Cancer and treatment were dictating each day. I did not feel normal and often felt isolated from my peers. While my friends were going to concerts and bars, I was at home trying to figure out how to get rid of the metallic taste from the chemo. While my friends were going on dates, I was learning how to draw my eyebrows on and style my wig. I felt different.

I wasn’t able to have a “normal” relationship with my boyfriend. Our time together was often consisted of him taking care my dog and me. This was not the life I envisioned as a 25 year old. In my life dictated by cancer, I decided to turn to the one thing that I could be in charge of, and I began training for my first marathon again.

The first day I ran 0.5 miles and some days consisted of more walking than running, but 10 weeks post treatment I ran my first marathon. The confidence I gained through running allowed me to return to my work and friend circles without feeling different than my peers. This confidence has led me to pursue new adventures including surfing, rock climbing, skiing, hiking, moving across country, travelling to Asia, collecting vinyl records, and getting married. I also started volunteering as a mentor for young adults with an ovarian cancer diagnosis.

I know not everyday is going to be easy, but I try to live for each day. I am now 31 years old and live with my husband Peter, dog Abby, and two cats Macy and Mini in Portland. They are always around to join me on an adventure or support me through a rough day. On July 9th, I will be celebrating my six year cancerversary by treating myself to a fancy dinner and a trail run in Forest Park.