Camille Oldenburg

September 2023

My journey with ovarian cancer began at the beginning of 2021.  I would like to share how my cancer was diagnosed, the amazing care I received, where I am today, and what I have learned personally.

My initial symptoms mirror those of so many with ovarian cancer. I experienced intestinal issues, something I have had since I was about nine-years-old. I went on the FODMAP diet (no gluten, no lactose) to no avail. My primary care physician then scheduled a colonoscopy. By the time of the test, I gained about a pound a day over 10 days in fluids. Not surprisingly, the colonoscopy was clean. My gastroenterologist then suggested I have an ultrasound. After two days with no follow-up from him or his office, I called his office and requested an immediate CT scan. The scheduler indicated they were 10 days out in the Boise area. I stated it was urgent, and I would drive to any facility even if it was 100 miles away. I was scheduled for the next day—it was Friday, March 12. On Sunday, I had difficulty breathing and called my primary care physician early Monday morning for an appointment (which I was able to get at 10:00am). I learned that same morning of my ovarian cancer diagnosis. When I got to my primary care physician, he was also aware and was tremendously supportive. I asked him who he would want to have care for his wife given the same circumstances. He asked if I had a few minutes to wait – in that time, he was able to have the medical director of the gynecology/oncology department of our cancer institute agree to work with me. My care journey started that morning. I was in the hospital starting that afternoon for four days. I left knowing I had stage 3C high-grade serous carcinoma; my ascites had been drained; my first chemo had occurred, and I knew I had an extraordinary care team. Following a complete chemo regime and surgery, I had 18 months of Avastin maintenance therapy every three weeks.  All curative and maintenance care lasted for two complete years ending in February of this year. As of September 1^st, I’ll have been cancer free for two years post chemo…. a landmark I had been told I probably would not reach given statistics for my specific type of cancer.

I would like to focus also on what I learned during the past 2 ½ years. Until my diagnosis at age 71, I had never been seriously ill, my health was still considered excellent, and there was no history of breast or ovarian cancer in my family. I did learn through DNA testing that I had none of the known cancer markers. It’s a cancer that needs so much more research to help with diagnosis, as well as a cure. I was told I had a 50/50 chance of surviving two years and had to really consider my own mortality. I allowed myself to grieve that potential; then, I was determined to stay positive and focus on my treatments. My cancer journey reinforced my awareness of my optimism, my strength, and my extraordinary family and friends. I kept all the numerous cards and notes I received – I call it my “love basket.” That basket is a daily reminder of my fortunate life – a life dedicated to family, friends, colleagues, neighbors, and to all of those who enter my life. Do I still worry about recurrence? I’ve accepted it is more likely than not, and I am hopeful there will be continued treatment advances when I may need them. The adage “one day at a time” is a mantra to which I live.