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On January 21, 2006, I underwent
emergency surgery for what we thought was just a ruptured ovarian
cyst and internal bleeding associated with it. We were
wrong. I actually had a form of Ovarian Cancer called
Granulosa Cell. While I never knew that I had cancer, I'm now
involved in a fight against the silent killer.
Ovarian cancer is considered by most to be just that, a silent
killer. While some women exhibit signs prior to diagnosis-many do
not. I did not.
Some
signs include: abdominal/pelvic pain, change in bowel habits, weight
loss or gain, and unusual menstrual bleeding. If you
experience these symptoms-don't ignore your body. You know it better
than anyone else-so trust your instincts.
This is a fight that I'm willing to partake in-on the behalf of
those women who aren't as lucky as I am. You see, I'm now considered
a survivor. The tumor was removed and my follow-up tests were all
negative. I am officially cancer free. Most women with Ovarian
cancer aren't that lucky. Most cases are diagnosed in the late
stages-with a high mortality rate. I'm lucky-my 5 year survival rate
is estimated at 75-90%.
Please
join me in this fight. Educate yourself and those women in your
life. Knowledge is power. Knowledge can help save the life of
someone you love. Let's conquer this disease together.
I want to Thank several people who are involved with me in this
fight for survival.
Lee-
Thank
you, handsome, for being there every step of the way. Thank you for
wiping away my tears, holding me close as I voiced my fears, and
standing by my side-unconditionally.
Gvgeyui.
Dr. Kevin
Largen (High Point Regional Emergency Department)-
Kevin, I've always
valued your friendship-but your kindness, concern, and
unrelenting support that day and ever since means the
world the me. Thank you.
Dr. Cope
(High Point OB/GYN) and Dr. Lentz (Wake Forest University)
-
Thank you for your
support and for taking the time to explain my diagnosis. Thank you
for offering me hope even when my mind reeled at the word "cancer".
Thank you for caring about your patients and profession-it shows in
your daily walk as physicians.
My family and
friends-
Thank you for your
daily thoughts and prayers. I have felt them surround me and calm my
fears. I love you. You will never know how much you all mean to
me.
Sgi Laquaa
Please visit these sites to educate yourself and the
women in your life:
National Ovarian Cancer Coalition
National Ovarian Cancer
Association
Ovarian Cancer National Alliance
The Ovarian Cancer Research
Fund, Inc
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