Sandi Jossi

November 2021

Mine is a simple story:

While working one day in the summer of 2007 I had the sensation that I was very lightly leaking and needed to keep urinating all day. I kept on working but assumed I had a bit of a bladder infection. The sensation persisted on and off over the weekend; so I saw my primary care doctor, and we treated it as a bladder infection. It subsided for a couple weeks but started in again. At the same time I noticed my stools were unusually small, a significant change.

My primary then sent me for an ultrasound of my bladder and a vaginal ultrasound.

A fluid filled cyst was noted on my ovary. My primary called me at work to make arrangements for me to see a highly recommended gynecologic oncologist ASAP.

A month later the cyst was removed along with my ovaries and uterus. (Note: My CA 125 at the time was 19.) The fluid filled cyst had developed a bit of structure to it, and there was evidence of early stage 1C clear cell ovarian cancer. It was believed that it was all contained in the cyst. Upon further testing it was discovered there was a minute amount of cancer cells in my abdominal fluid. We decided to move forward with six rounds of chemotherapy. I have been ovarian cancer-free since. My CA 125 has been between 6-11.

The things I learned through this experience and things that helped me the most:

First and foremost is having a primary doctor you trust and who really listens to you and believes in you. Being in tune with my body and paying attention, both myself and the doctor, is what helped this get caught early on.

As I relayed my condition to family and friends to explain my absence from work, I met many who had been through similar experiences. One customer I remember the most told me about the SHOC walk which has been a part of my life since. But her first words to me were this: “Let me tell you about your hair and what that’s like. I used to have a ton of hair like you. It will come out.” And she went on to describe the experience. She was spot on, too!

That was the best preparation I could have had. I did get a wig from the American Cancer Society. They were wonderful to work with.

Another thing I did was after each chemotherapy treatment I stopped at Marshalls on the way home and got myself a new top to wear to work. It was my little way of saying I am staying alive and surviving this and I’ll need new clothes. It was symbolic for me.

I also watched comedy sitcoms I enjoy (I Love Lucy, etc) to laugh through the few days of bone/muscle aches after chemotherapy and just accepted it for what it was and didn’t fight it. It helped me relax through the experience.

I went through chemo in a very small room. As nice as it was to have company with me at times, I also learned I enjoyed talking with the others in the room or just having quiet time. There is a great deal of strength felt in that special space.

As a survivor, I always try to be open with anyone who wants to hear or understand what the experience may be like, knowing it is different for everyone.

I was, and still am, blessed with family and friends and lots of prayers. I just celebrated my 70th!

Grateful to be alive and enjoy life!