Stage II BRCA1 Ovarian Cancer: Barb's Patient Story
This ovarian cancer diagnosis at a glance
- Stage at diagnosis
- Stage II
- Biomarkers
- BRCA1 mutation
- Sex
- female
- Treatment
- surgery and chemotherapy
Treatment course, step by step
- Underwent a hysterectomy in February 2014 to remove a large suspicious cyst, which led to the ovarian cancer diagnosis.
- Received 6 rounds of Taxol-based chemotherapy 3 weeks apart and completed chemotherapy in June 2014.
What happened, in summary
In February 2014, at age 50, Barb White underwent a hysterectomy to remove a large suspicious cyst. The surgery confirmed Stage II ovarian cancer, which had spread to her uterus. Three weeks later, she began chemotherapy.
Barb had a severe allergic reaction when the first chemotherapy was given, which prevented her from joining a beta-blocker clinical trial she had hoped to enter. She continued with a Taxol-based regimen, receiving 6 rounds 3 weeks apart and finishing in June 2014. Treatment brought hair loss, physical weakness and treatment-induced menopause.
During chemotherapy, genetic testing showed a BRCA1 mutation. Because of the associated breast cancer risk, Barb later chose a risk-reducing double mastectomy in December 2014; this was prevention, not treatment for breast cancer. She also worked with an MD Anderson social work counselor who helped her manage hot flashes, anxiety and sleep problems. Barb came to value both professional counseling and the support of family and friends as part of getting through treatment.
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