Five years ago I visited the doctor because of a bit of pelvic pain and bloating. The physical exam and ultrasound quickly accelerated to an MRI, lab tests, and a referral to a gynecological oncologist.
A few days later I was scheduled for surgery and the wonderful community we are a part of rallied round by donating all the blood I needed for surgery. I had surgery at Hospital Cemeq, and a large 15 cm tumor was removed. A week later my astonished doctor received the pathology report that staged me at 1A. I could not have had a better result. That meant that the tumor had not spread.
Ovarian cancer is one of the most deadly cancers and is seldom caught before it has had a chance to spread. Why was I so lucky? I think I had a number of things going for me, and they truly saved my life.
What were they? Can you learn from my experience? Sure you can. First, you should be very aware of your body so when changes occur you get them checked out. Next, drink green tea! I am not kidding, there is a lot of evidence that green tea can keep the cancer from spreading (called angiogenesis.) At the time I was probably drinking at least a quart a day! I have always exercised and have been a vegetarian for more than 30 years so that would help, too. Plus I have always had a positive outlook on life, which wouldn’t hurt.
Now I also know that there is a lot of power in intermittent fasting, but I wasn’t doing it at the time I was diagnosed. When you fast, your body is relieved from the chores of digestion and can spend its energy removing toxins and bad cells and debris. Your body needs this! I now fast most days for a minimum of 16 hours, allowing myself to eat between the hours of 12 to 8. There is a lot of evidence also that if you fast for up to three days before an infusion of chemotherapy, the chemotherapy is more effective. This stuff is so interesting to me!
So a few weeks after my surgery, I started in on chemotherapy just to be safe. I had six treatments, three weeks apart. I have been cancer clear ever since.
I am so happy that my cancer experience turned out so well. Life is good.
Deborah Soloway
November 12, 2017Such wonderful news — thank you for sharing!
Nancy
November 14, 2017Thanks, Deborah!
Babs
November 12, 2017Congratulations Nancy! I’m thrilled at your good news. I have lost several friends to ovarian cancer and did not realize until I read your post that I have been holding my breath for you. NOW I can exhale…………
Onward my friend! And, un gran abrazo
Nancy
November 14, 2017Oh, Babs, that is so nice of you to say. And I know what you mean about holding the breath! xoxo
Kathi
November 12, 2017Fantastic! So happy that you have had such terrific results. You are such a positive person, and that has to be working in your favour!
Take good care of yourself!
Nancy
November 14, 2017Thanks, Kathi!
Michelle
November 14, 2017From one Ovarian Cancer survivor to another, congratulations on this huge milestone! All of your advice is valid. Especially pay attention to your body. I love how you have taken this journey in a non-US environment. Gives me encouragement to spend more time out of country and not fear the health care. Kudos again and thank you for sharing your story!
Nancy
November 14, 2017Thanks, Michelle! I had very good care here in México, much better and less expensive than other places around the world, I’m sure. Congrats on your good reports, too! xoxo