Hello everyone. I am 39 years old, married, and a mother of two children.
My story began at the age of 30 with the birth of my younger son. During my cesarean section, my doctor noticed a 19 cm mass hidden behind the sac and attached to my right ovary. The mass was removed along with my ovary. Based on its appearance, it was initially thought that there would be no serious issue. However, the pathology result came back as grade 3 serous adenocarcinoma, which meant I was facing a high-grade type of ovarian cancer. I received this diagnosis when I was only 10 days postpartum, and the difficult journey began from that moment on.
The gynecologic oncologist we consulted explained my disease, the surgery I had undergone, the treatment process, and everything that awaited me in great detail. Two weeks after this consultation, I underwent a major surgery that lasted 6.5 hours. Postoperative pathology revealed lymph node metastasis, and my diagnosis was confirmed as stage 3 ovarian cancer. Of the 32 lymph nodes removed, 7 were positive.
Because my tumor was high-grade, I received chemotherapy on a weekly basis, with three weeks constituting one cycle. Of course, I experienced setbacks along the way, but I never deviated from my doctors’ instructions. I did not turn to any superstitions, miracle foods or drinks, or unsolicited advice. When my blood counts dropped, I did not drink molasses; I received blood transfusions and stood back on my feet with 2–3 units. I completely ignored claims such as “herbal cancer cures,” “donkey milk shrinks tumors,” or “breast milk reduces cancer.” To protect my kidneys and my liver—which was already exhausted from medications—I cut out anyone who made such promises or suggestions.
I believe there is nothing that cannot be overcome with a good doctor, a proper treatment plan, and strong morale. My greatest source of strength was my precious sons: one was only five years old, and the other was just ten days old. My biggest support came from my husband and my family. I never gave up on staying alive. The moment I felt like giving up, I sensed my body pulling me backward. And I have no intention of giving up from now on either.
After chemotherapy, I was left with several health issues as reminders of the process, but that’s okay—I have learned to cope with them all in my own way. I was unable to return to my job as an office manager after maternity leave, but I did something even better: four years after my recovery, I started my own business. Today, I do the work I love and run my own shop. I surround myself with people who make me feel good and focus on things that nurture me.
To all the friends whose paths cross with mine in one way or another, I say this:
Never give up. Always hold on to a hope.
Life is the greatest and most beautiful gift we are given. To live it fully, we must hold on to it tightly.