Susan Gianotti

August 2015

My cancer journey began in September of 2013 when I was diagnosed with Stage III-B mucinous carcinoma ovarian cancer. I was single, without kids, and working full time.

My whole life, I have always been fairly healthy and active: running, hiking and skiing. Cancer was not on my radar.

My symptoms began during the summer of 2013, and included a loss of appetite, feeling bloated, and a pain in my lower back. As many of us do, I googled my symptoms; diagnosed myself with a possible gallbladder issues; and made an appointment with the doctor.

By the time I saw my doctor (who is an OB/GYN), my stomach was extremely bloated and uncomfortable. An ultrasound led to a CT scan that confirmed a mass on my left ovary.

My doctor told me how serious this was and referred me to a couple of gynecologic oncologists. After leaving, I sat in shock in the parking lot of the doctor’s office and reviewed which new doctor I should contact.

I called one, and was in luck: this Gyn Onc had an opening the following morning, which just happened to be September 11th.

Walking into the oncology clinic the first time was very overwhelming. I did not know what to expect. I realized that this was really happening. I met with my new doctor, who examined me, and reviewed my CT scan. He told me I needed surgery immediately. He could do it the following day or I could wait a week, but he said “If you were my daughter I would do it tomorrow.”

Decision made.

It all happened so quickly. There was no time to digest. I was in complete get-this-out-of-me mode. The following day I checked into the hospital for a complete hysterectomy. I spent three days in the hospital, with no complications.

One week later, I went in for my post-surgery check-up and to have my 23 staples removed from my stomach. The pathology report came back – I had Stage III-B mucinous carcinoma.

Six rounds of Carboplatin-Taxol were ordered. The doctor gave me three weeks to rest and gain weight as my weight had dropped to 98 lbs. from a normal 115 lbs. I started chemo in mid-October. It was scheduled for every three weeks.

During my chemotherapy treatments, I worked full time as a nanny for two little boys. I did chemo on Fridays, so by the time Mondays came I was feeling somewhat normal. I never really got sick, but experienced fatigue and extreme bone pain.

By the end of February 2014, I had completed six rounds of chemo. I was told I was N.E.D. (no evidence of disease). Now, I go in every three months for a CA-125 test. So far so good – my last test was at 9.

My support system mainly consisted of my very large family. My five brothers and four sisters surrounded me; I was never alone from the moment I was diagnosed, through my six chemo treatments. They also took care of all the little things in life: picking up prescriptions, handling food prep, doing laundry, and driving me to doctor appointments.

I jokingly referred to my sisters as the “Sister Assault Team.” There is no way I could have made it through this journey without them.

I have met so many incredible women these last two years and have made new friends through our common connection to cancer. I have gotten involved with Survivors Teaching Students® program through the Ovarian Cancer Alliance of Oregon and SW Washington, and recently completed a workshop for survivors who want to be peer mentors to women who are newly diagnosed with ovarian cancer. I look forward to volunteering more in the future.

Editor’s Note: Susan enjoys spending time with friends, and her large family. She likes to hike in Forest Park year-round, ski and cook.