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.