Ovarian Cancer: Leslie's Survivor Story

What happened, in summary

This patient was diagnosed with high-grade serous ovarian cancer in August 2013 after weeks of diarrhea were followed by severe bloating. A CT scan showed large amounts of abdominal fluid, and further evaluation led her to MD Anderson.

A laparoscopy showed small deposits of tumor throughout her abdomen. Because the disease was too extensive for surgery first, she began with 9 weeks of chemotherapy. She then underwent a complete hysterectomy and debulking surgery, during which all visible cancer was removed, followed by another 9 weeks of chemotherapy. She finished treatment in January 2014 and remained cancer-free for 3 years.

In late 2016, bloating returned. She requested a CA-125 blood test, and the level was elevated. Tiny areas of recurrent ovarian cancer were found throughout her abdomen, and she was diagnosed for a second time in January 2017.

For the recurrence, she completed 6 rounds of chemotherapy over 18 weeks. Her last infusion was on May 19, 2017. At the time of the story, she had no evidence of disease.

A longtime runner and athlete, she valued being able to continue living actively throughout her cancer journey. She also drew perspective from her late husband’s long experience with melanoma treatment and expressed gratitude for the care she received close to home.