At the age of 24, I was diagnosed with stage 2 ovarian cancer. I had seen four doctors within two days. The first three doctors told me that the pain/discomfort I had was simply “normal for a girl,” and that I was “too young to realize that.” After being told over and over to just go home, take a Tylenol, and sleep it off, a doctor was finally willing to take me seriously, and pursued the cause of what I knew wasn’t normal for me.
Only three days before my diagnosis, I went on the first date with the man who is now my husband. He stayed by my side through the tests, the surgeries, and the treatments. I don’t know if I would have kept my sanity facing it all without him!
We were married in September 2012. On our first anniversary in September 2013, we will be climbing Mt Kilimanjaro as part of the ‘Expedition of Hope’ to celebrate two and a half years cancer-free. It’s my way of proving that no mountain is too high!
I tell my story in hopes of helping younger women to realize that we are at risk too! This disease is diagnosed too late, WAY too often. I have read far too many stories of women, similar to me, that were sent home because we’re “young and don’t know.” You know your body better than any doctor. If you know something is wrong, don’t take no for an answer! Be your own advocate!
Britt
Canada
Submitted 4-8-13
The informational content of this article is intended to convey a personal experience and, because every person’s experience is unique, should not be relied upon as a substitute for professional healthcare advice.
This article is intended to convey general educational information and should not be relied upon as a substitute for professional healthcare advice.
