What happened, in summary

Shelly Sepulveda was 48 when abdominal pain and vomiting took her to the emergency room in January 2024. A CT scan showed tumors on her ovaries, leading to a diagnosis of Stage III ovarian cancer. The sudden shift from nurse to patient was difficult for Sepulveda, who had spent much of her career caring for others.

Her initial treatment combined a lengthy operation to remove the tumors with hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC), followed by weekly intravenous chemotherapy. After a brief remission, the cancer returned and she resumed weekly IV treatment. Hair loss and the need to step away from work in November 2024 affected both her personal and professional sense of identity.

Throughout treatment, Sepulveda has relied heavily on her wife, children, friends, former colleagues, and neighbors. Meals, cards, and regular practical support have helped her family manage the demands of ongoing care. At the latest update, she was living with recurrent ovarian cancer and continuing weekly chemotherapy while adjusting to life away from her nursing career.