Stage I Ovarian Cancer: Jane's Survivor Story

What happened, in summary

Jane McGrath was 45 when persistent bloating, back pain and fatigue led her to seek medical attention. A transvaginal ultrasound and a second scan showed a growth about the size of an orange on her left ovary. She was referred to Memorial Sloan Kettering, where CT imaging was highly suspicious for ovarian cancer and surgery was scheduled within a week. During the operation, immediate tissue analysis confirmed cancer. Her surgeon performed debulking surgery, removing the tumor along with both ovaries, her uterus and lymph nodes. Jane learned afterward that the cancer had been caught at Stage I. She then completed 6 rounds of combination chemotherapy with carboplatin and Taxol. Finishing treatment brought anxiety about recurrence, but her oncology team helped her manage those fears. Jane later described her cancer as being in remission. Grateful for her recovery, she became involved in ovarian-cancer advocacy and began volunteering with women who were newly diagnosed, drawing on her own experience to answer questions about treatment, side effects and the emotional impact of cancer.