What happened, in summary

While finishing radiation for an earlier breast cancer, Faye Belvin developed pain in her side. A blood test at a routine oncology visit raised concern, and follow-up scans and biopsies led to a diagnosis of ovarian cancer in February 2021.

Faye began chemotherapy the following month. After several rounds, she had surgery and then decided to join a phase I clinical trial recommended by her oncologist. The trial combined trastuzumab deruxtecan (Enhertu) with olaparib (Lynparza). Her first treatment was difficult, but the care team adjusted her treatment and she found it easier afterward. Nausea remained her most common side effect.

At the latest report, Faye was still receiving the trial combination and said it was working. She described herself as living healthily and feeling better than she had in the previous 2 years. Her sisters remained closely involved, helping with transportation and appointments, while her faith helped her manage the uncertainty of two cancer diagnoses. The experience also strengthened her belief in clinical trials and her interest in patient advocacy.