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Back in early February, I noticed an odd sensation in my lower abdomen. Nothing terribly uncomfortable, but noticeable and different. At first, I thought nothing of it, but after a couple of weeks began to wonder whether it could be an infection from having a lowered immune system due to my MS medication. I went to my gynecologist, and after another 3 weeks and a couple of visits, she ruled out any infection. In mid-March, she sent me for an ultrasound and then bloodwork.

By this point, I was wondering if it might just be nothing, and maybe I had over-reacted. Imagine my surprise, then, to receive her call telling me to schedule an appointment with a gynecological oncologist as soon as possible! Thankfully, I was able to schedule an appointment immediately. The next week, on March 29, I was in the oncologist's office at the Wilmot Cancer Institute. I was also able to schedule surgery quickly and had a total hysterectomy just a few days later on April 4.

The diagnosis: Stage 3 Ovarian Cancer 

The treatment: Chemotherapy

My doctor and nurses at the Wilmot Cancer Institute have been amazing. They are confident, reassuring, and knowledgeable, and they have guided me through this startling diagnosis and treatment with compassion and patience. My chemotherapy treatments (6 rounds of chemo spaced 3 weeks apart) have been quite challenging, but again, I have received so much support and help every step of the way from all of the staff at the Wilmot Cancer Institute and the Infusion Center at Highland Hospital.

I completed my final treatment on August 23. My doctor is confident I will be in remission following this course of chemotherapy.  I owe great thanks to the amazing doctors and nurses, cutting edge research, and treatments made available to me by the Wilmot Cancer Institute.

To express my thanks, I'm participating in the Wilmot Warrior Weekend (Sept 29-Oct 1, 2023) in Rochester, NY. The Wilmot Warrior Weekend includes cycling, walk, and running events and is aimed at creating new life saving treatments and cures for cancer patients in NY and around the world.  All fundraising will advance world-class cancer research and survivorship programs at the Wilmot Cancer Institute and the University of Rochester. 

Many of you have known me to be an enthusiastic participant in long-distance athletic endeavors (Marathon, Ironman) both for fun and for fundraising efforts. Well, this time I'll be doing something far shorter, and considering what I've been through this year, quite possibly equally challenging. I'll participate in the 5k run/walk on October 1, just a month after completing my final chemo treatment.

I have to tell you, I'm just really excited to still be here, and I'd like to give back for all I have received. I'd be so pleased if you would consider supporting my efforts by donating to my fundraiser and, if you feel so inclined, by joining my team, 'The Eye of the Tiger' to participate with me. 

Together, let’s leave cancer in the dust!

#WilmotWarrior