Monica Marvin

June 2015

In March 2013, I was living an ideal life. At age 66, I had a rewarding career as Director of Legal Affairs for my favorite alma mater in an amazing Oregon community; I had an active social life, and frequent interaction among my adult children on the East Coast and family members in California. I did not know anyone who had a more blessed existence.

For a few years, I had mentioned concern for weight gain in my abdomen, and frequent urination. No abnormalities were noted during routine gynecological examinations. Over the Thanksgiving holiday in 2012, I began experiencing heaviness in my lower abdomen and experienced one episode of rectal bleeding. I reported this to my internist. He told me I could request a gynecological exam even though one was not due. My gynecologist did not notice any suspected tumors upon manual exam. She suspected the heaviness in my lower abdomen may have been caused by a prolapsed uterus. She recommended an ultrasound and CA-125 blood test. The ultrasound detected a large mass on one ovary. A CT-scan confirmed this finding. My CA-125 score was 283.

I am eternally grateful for the compassionate manner in which my gynecologist, while holding both my hands, explained the likely risk of ovarian cancer. Her soft and caring voice and gentle expression is forever emblazoned in my memory. She referred me to an outstanding gynecological oncologist who thoroughly described the surgical process and findings pre and post-surgery. The March 12, 2013 surgical findings confirmed Stage IIIC low grade ovarian cancer, optimally debulked. There were large tumors on both ovaries and a sprinkling of cancerous cells in the omentum. Chemotherapy treatment consisted of Cisplatin and Paclitaxel which concluded in August 2013. I have been cancer free since December 2013.

My children, sister and dear friends provided stellar support throughout treatment and recovery. I attribute my optimistic attitude and (perhaps naïve) belief that I would heal completely due to the love and kindness that was showered upon me from the very beginning. People were praying for me in four states. All treating nurses and doctors were genuinely concerned for my well-being and felt like a cheering squad. They saved my life.

As one who has taken professional pride in her research abilities, I resisted the temptation to conduct armchair research or to weigh in on doomsday statistics during treatment. Towards the end of treatment, a respected colleague introduced me to Diane O’Connor who welcomed me into the amazing “sisterhood” within the Ovarian Cancer Alliance of Oregon and Southwest Washington. I was invited to attend a “Survivors Teaching Students” presentation to a group of Physician Assistant Studies students who were both impressed and appreciative of the personal and professional information provided by the ovarian cancer survivors that day.

In July 2014, my daughter and I attended the Ovarian Cancer National (OCNA) Conference in Washington DC during which I focused attention on all the latest research and learned about the importance of diet, exercise, and stress management tools in maintaining wellness. Together, the conference attendees laughed and cried, sharing personal stories while promoting advocacy and support for research and for fellow survivors. I planned to retire later that year and move near my adult children. During the national conference I was able to network with ovarian cancer survivors in my new state.

Networking opportunities during the conference helped me to identify and target a quality medical team who could take over my care. I want to echo Sandra Morgen’s message (see In Her Own Words, April 2015) regarding the importance of advocacy. My daughter and I participated in Advocacy Day during the 2014 national conference. It was effective and extremely rewarding. I hope survivors and their supporters will also make an effort to attend this year’s national conference in beautiful San Diego as well as continue to participate in and support outreach and activities within the Ovarian Cancer Alliance of Oregon & Southwest Washington. Together we can and do make a difference.