Possible Warning Signs of Ovarian Cancer

Author: Shannon Miller

As I write today’s blog post I fight through some of the worst of the side effects I’ve been facing, predominantly the nausea. I knew it would be a rough weekend but it hurts more because of the Easter Holiday. Here is a time to spend with church, family and friends. A time to appreciate all of our blessings. And count my blessings, I most certainly did.

However, lying in bed sick most of the weekend and not able to share the joy of hunting Easter eggs with my son or seeing him delight in his big fluffy Easter bunny that Nana and Papa gave him, was difficult. I don’t want to miss a moment with him. I realize he’s probably too young to appreciate the Easter egg hunt and will certainly enjoy is new bunny for many months, (He still kisses the bunny Nana and Papa gave him last year every night) it just bothers me to miss it.

In the time I’ve been writing this note I’ve gone from sad to angry to somewhat realistic. And I am not the type of person that likes to be terribly realistic. I much prefer shooting for the stars and doing what people say cannot be done. I was that way at 5 years old when my parents said I was too young for gym classes. I was that way at 15 when people thought a broken elbow would keep me off the Olympic Team. At this point in my life I need to hold fast to that little girl who believed nothing was impossible.

I have 2 weeks left of chemo. I will not let one bad weekend steal my joy. Priority #1 is health. Get healthy and stay healthy. That is the best thing I can do for Rocco right now.

I urge everyone to make your health a #1 priority. Get those exams and screenings regularly. Early detection is key, especially for many cancers, like mine, that have little or no symptoms until they are much advanced.