Diane Elizondo

November 2012

Before I was diagnosed myself, I had some knowledge of ovarian cancer, unlike many women. Two of my friends had died of ovarian cancer: one in her 30’s and the other in her mid-40’s. I had also been a hospice social worker and had some knowledge that way.

So one day in 2002, I was at work when I experienced pelvic pain that was so intense that I couldn’t even sit down. I went immediately to my internal medicine doctor who started talking about the possibility of diverticulitis. But I told him “no,” as I felt strongly that it wasn’t anything like that. To my doc’s credit, he listened to me and referred me to a gynecologist, and sent me to get a pelvic and transvaginal ultrasound.

The results showed that both of my ovaries were enlarged. I told the gynecologist that I was worried about ovarian cancer but he assured me that it was very unlikely and wanted to wait a month to see if the problem resolved itself.

One month later, my ovaries had increased in size and I was scheduled for a surgery. Following the surgery, at which my uterus, fallopian tubes and ovaries were removed, I was told that I didn’t have ovarian cancer as my ovaries had looked good.

On my first day home following the surgery, the gynecologist called to tell me the pathology report concluded that I had a grade 3 tumor in each ovary. One month later, I underwent a second surgery, this time with a gynecologic oncologist who performed a complete staging laparotomy. I was staged a 1B and sent for 6 cycles of taxol/Carboplatin due to the high grade (3) tumors that were in each ovary.

I really feel that my two ovarian cancer angels (my two friends who had died) were perched on my shoulders the day I had the intense pelvic pain and went to see my doctor. I believe that if I hadn’t known what I did about ovarian cancer, I wouldn’t be here today.

This is why it is important that all women are educated about the signs and symptoms of ovarian cancer. Early detection is so important, and can make a difference.

NOTE: Diane Elizondo is the co-founder of the Ovarian Cancer Alliance of Oregon and SW Washington. She currently works as an HR director for a local company and is a licensed social worker. She enjoys time with her two cute grandchildren, the outdoors and sleeping in whenever she can. Since her initial diagnosis, Diane has had no evidence of disease.