Thursday, September 1, 2011

Those Subtle Symptoms!

If you've been reading my blog for some time you will recognize the following...it's a repeat from one year ago. September is Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month. And so I'm joining with other ovarian survivors who are helping promote an awareness...including a list of subtle (oh, ever so subtle) symptoms. (If you want to read all my posts in regards to ovca, click here.) Now follows part of my original post of one year ago....
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I've learned more than I want to know about ovarian cancer in the past 20 months 32 months...the multiple kinds of chemo/radiation/surgery that ovarian patients may have to endure...the abysmal survival rates (for those diagnosed late stage; which most are)...the importance of having the debulking surgery done by a Gyno/Onc rather than an "ordinary" surgeon...the so-often very short times of "remission" between one series of chemo and the next.

I've learned that the difficulty of diagnosing OVCA means that most women are diagnosed when their cancer is already advanced...meaning treatment is much less likely to provide long-term survival. Early detection is difficult but it is so important!!!

I've learned that September is Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month and I'm dismayed that so many know so little about ovarian cancer, its silent symptoms and its difficulty in being diagnosed.

So on this last first week in September I want to remind the ladies (of all ages!) amongst my readers of the nearly silent symptoms of ovarian cancer. (I don't care how old or young you may be...Pay attention to your bodies!)

Ovarian Cancer Symptoms (from the Nat'l Ovarian Cancer Coalition, Inc.)
1. Pelvic or abdominal pain or discomfort
2. Vague but persistent gastrointestinal upsets such as gas, nausea, and indigestion
3. Frequency and/or urgency of urination (day or night) in the absence of an infection
4. Pelvic and/or abdominal swelling, bloating and/or feeling of fullness
5. Ongoing unusual fatigue
6. Unexplained changes in bowel habits.

(If symptoms persist for more than 2 weeks, ask your doctor for a combination pelvic/rectal exam, a CA-125 blood test, and transvaginal ultrasound.)

It's a fine line between paranoia and persistent "listening to your body". But Ladies! Pay attention. Listen for these so-called "silent" symptoms and be aware of your body.

Bless you.

P.S. Ovarian cancer is a chronic disease. I am on my third chemo regimen. And doing well, all things considered.
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11 comments:

Kim said...

Thanks for this post. A dear lady from my church was diagnosed with ovarian cancer at the age of 72, and it was very advanced when they found it. Since then, I pay close attention to those symptoms.

Glenda said...

Thank you for being diligent in reminding us!

Maryann said...

Thanks for this reminder. Glad you are doing well.

Kim@stuffcould.... said...

This post is needed but the symptoms are common? I guess why it is hard to detect...I hope you keep reminding us

Trisha said...

Thank you for this reminder, and may God bless you with healing and strength as you continue to battle this. I'm praying for you!

Cheryl said...

WhiteStone, it is only through creating awareness that people will go to their local doctor to be thoroughly checked.
Thank you for an excellent post.

Relyn Lawson said...

Thank you for this, for caring about all of us.

Unknown said...

So glad that you wrote this share, & that you are doing well.

I have wet & they said eventually they can give shots into the eye ... not looking forward to that but if it works, well, then I am there.

Thank you for your note. It means a lot to me & I appreciate your support.

Have a beautiful week ~
TTFN ~
Hugs,
Marydon

A Woman that Fears the Lord said...

Oh my! You have been through so much. I'm so thankful to hear you are doing well. What a terrifying thing to go through.. yet.. I am confident ...knowing the Lord... has never left your side and brought you into a closer walk with Him.

Jennifer Dougan said...

White Stone,

Thanks for stopping by and joining my site www.jenniferdougan.com! How fun to follow you back here.

Wow, thank you for the subtle signs of ovarian cancer check list. I had never heard that before and I took that seriously, going through each one. Thank you.

Then your second post grabbed my attention too since I have done the very same touch ups on my stove. :) Here's my question though... what do I do with the repairs near the flame? The instructions say not to use the product there, but I'm stuck then. Ideas?

Jennifer Dougan
www.jenniferdougan.com

Pat @ Mille Fiori Favoriti said...

Thank you for writing this excellent post--it may save a life!

I am glad to hear you are doing well and I will continue keep you in my prayers that you have a full remission.

Thanks for entering the give away on my blog!

{{ Hugs}}