Randi’s Story with Ovarian Cancer
My name is Randi and I am a 36 year old, wife and mother of 2. When I was 19 years old, I started experiencing severe lower abdominal pain that radiated through my hips and up into my chest. I would have periods that would last 10 – 12 days that were accompanied by debilitating cramps. Sometimes I would be so scared and in so much pain that I would go into the emergency department. Other times I would sit on the floor with my knees tucked into my chest and just sob. It took 8 trips to the hospital before they found it. 8 waiting rooms, 8 packets of the same paperwork, and 8 of the most painful and uncomfortable ultras sounds I’ve ever experienced. I was told not only that I was pregnant, but that I had a large mass on my left ovary that was causing my fallopian to collapse, resulting in the extreme pain that had been plaguing me for the past several months.
At an extremely high risk to my pregnancy my husband and I decided to have surgery to remove the tumor. It was the only way to determine just what type of tumor we were dealing with and what the treatment plan was going to be. It’s a little scary to know that you’re going to be put to sleep and you don’t know exactly what you’re going to wake up to. Thankfully my pregnancy wasn’t harmed, and my tumor was successfully removed. I lost my entire right ovary and fallopian tube along with a quarter of my left ovary. I was officially diagnosed with stage 1, low grade Ovarian Cancer. I was sent to follow up with an oncologist who told me that I, thankfully, did not need to go through any type of chemo or radiation during my pregnancy, however, I would likely not be able to conceive again.
My pregnancy was tough after that. I had a lot of pain, I was always sick (more than normal), and towards the end, I experienced preeclampsia and toxemia, which resulted in an emergency c-section at 32 weeks. I also gained about 80 pounds from the point of my surgery until I had the c-section. Fortunately, my husband and I were able to conceive again, and our second son was born via c-section 2 years later.
I’d like to say that it was smooth sailing until I was 31, but the inflex in my hormones caused some significant distributions in my overall physical (not to mention mental) health. I had significant troubles with my incisions healing and therefor had a lot of scar tissue develop. I experienced numbness, from my belly button to my pubic area, but also moments of intense sharp twinges and pain. My sex drive had tanked, and intercourse was painful. My strength and mobility in my hips and core were dramatically impacted, and I just overall felt depressed and stressed. I felt off and didn’t know exactly what to do to fix it. I’ve done what most people do, I googled and did whatever research I could. I tried several over-the-counter pills targeting my gut health and “hormone supplements”. I worked out, and even joined a CrossFit gym. I did yoga, Beachbody, spin classes. I saw multiple general practitioners, got on anti-depressants. I’ve done years of temporary band-aids that, I thought, would help make me feel “normal”.
In 2017, right before Thanksgiving, I had a period last 14 days accompanied by significant cramps, nausea and fatigue. I drug myself into the clinic and spoke to a doctor. Now, this is a side story about self-advocacy because, I was shocked when I was sent home after talking to the doctor about my symptoms with a diagnosis of obesity. The doctor sent me on my way telling me I needed to lose weight and that’s why I had an abnormally long-lasting menstrual period. When I was walking out, I started crying and she asked what I was so worried about. I asked her if she looked at my medical history, because I thought that my cancer may have come back. I stepped out of the clinic and when I got to my car, maybe 5 minutes later, the doctor called and asked me to come back inside for an ultrasound. Fortunately for me, they had an oncologist onsite that was looking at my ultrasound in live time, side by side to my initial imaging from my first diagnosis. Then the words “unfortunately” escaped the oncologists mouth, my cancer was back after 11 years.
I was placed with the care of Minnesota Oncology and one of the state’s top rated oncologists. She preformed a total hysterectomy to remove the cancer. I had immediately began experiencing some intense menopausal symptoms. Hot flashes, night sweats, severe mood swings, facial acne, migraines and yes… weight gain. I followed up with my primary doctor who sent me home with a prescription with birth control to help alleviate some of the symptoms. After gaining weight like crazy and being so fatigued that getting out of bed was a chore I began reading that the birth control put me at even greater risk of having a cancer reoccurrence. I discontinued taking the birth control and began exploring hormone replacement therapy.
I met with the Women’s Care team in Maplewood. Hormone therapy comes with it’s own risks, more or other forms of cancer, migraines, exhaustion, infection and the cost. I underwent several tests to ensure I was a good candidate for hormone replacement. I ultimately made the choice to begin the hormone pellet insertion process. Through this experience I found the Minnesota Ovarian Cancer Alliance (MOCA). A foundation formed in 1999 by a group of ovarian cancer survivors. MOCA funds research and provides support to women and their families through Minnesota on their cancer journey. I started participating in the MOCA walks to help fundraise for research which extended to taking part in their float that they drive during the parade at the state fair. I discovered an entire community of women like me who are driven to connect about more than just cancer, but a way to rediscover peace of mind. I’ve been fortunate enough to find support groups and resources for my family.
I also started physical therapy with SHIFT, who has helped me deal with my scar tissue and mobility issues. They have helped relieve my pain and help me trigger some of the core and hip muscles that I thought were lost. Jackie has played a huge role in helping me gain not only my mobility, but my human connection and faith in providers. SHIFT has me focusing on things I can control and not my cancer.
My navigation through the forest that is Ovarian Cancer has been long and filled with challenges. With most things I’ve endured however, I’ve found more than just hardship: strength, courage, determination… friends, connection, faith and most importantly, love and patience, especially for myself. Learning to accept the things I can’t change and the inspiration to continue moving forward. I’m proud to say that I’m in remission now and doing everything I can to make sure my cancer stays away. The reality is though that every ache, pain and illness I feel makes me worry beyond words. I’m always fearful that I’ll hear those words “unfortunately” again, because the next time I hear them I may not be so lucky. One thing most people don’t think of when they talk about cancer, is how it robs you of your peace of mind. That’s why organizations like MOCA and even practices like SHIFT are such an important part of one’s recovery. It’s important to have people in your corner. They remind me that I’m not perfect, but I’m on the only path that matters, mine.
