Ovarian Cancer: Angela's Survivor Story
This ovarian cancer diagnosis at a glance
- Treatment
- chemotherapy and surgery
- Outcome
- Cancer-Free / NED
Treatment course, step by step
- In 2018, surgery removed the mass found during an annual well-woman exam, and pathology showed dysgerminoma.
- The patient then received chemotherapy, with the regimen adjusted before treatment to reduce nausea risk.
What happened, in summary
At 32, an MD Anderson employee learned of an ovarian dysgerminoma after an annual well-woman exam in 2018. The gynecologist felt a hard area in the abdomen, and surgery was performed to remove the mass. Pathology showed that it was cancer.
The patient chose to continue treatment at MD Anderson. Chemotherapy had been one of the biggest fears, but the care team focused on explaining what to expect and adapting the plan to daily needs. Because motion sickness was a concern, the doctor changed the planned chemotherapy drug before treatment to help reduce nausea risk. A pharmacist also discussed anti-nausea medicines.
During chemotherapy, the patient worked from home for about a week after each treatment before returning to the office. Chemo brain sometimes made it difficult to remember things, so writing information down became helpful. Meditation, yoga, journaling, art projects, family, friends, and conversations with the care team helped maintain a sense of normal life.
By February 2025, the patient had been cancer-free for 6 years. The experience as both an employee and a survivor later became a reason to encourage preventive exams and support for patients and families.
Where this story comes from
This is a lay summary of an account first published by MD Anderson. Read the original in full
How we source and attribute stories Accuracy and limitations
These are lay summaries of published cancer stories, for information only. No two cancers behave the same way, and nothing here predicts your own diagnosis or replaces advice from your oncology team. Read the full disclaimer