Kate Sherrill, 70, of Orland tries not to let her cancer diagnosis define her life. Instead she focuses on the things that make her happy, like her family. But her diagnosis was a big part of the last year and served as an impetus for her recent effort to educate women about the dangers of ovarian cancer.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, all women are at risk for ovarian cancer, but particularly those who are older than 40. Approximately 20,000 women in the US receive an ovarian cancer diagnosis every year, and it is the fifth-leading cause of cancer death, a fact Sherrill attributes to the fact that oftentimes by the time the cancer is found, it’s too late.
The disease is so dangerous because it’s symptoms are extremely subtle in presentation, Sherrill, a physician assistant, said.
“She might notice a little weight gain or the sensation of clothing feeling tighter or perhaps increased urination or fatigue,” she said.”But, these symptoms are all so vague they can be easily dismissed as part of a woman’s menstrual cycle.”
September is National Ovarian Cancer Month and Sherrill recently answered a few questions about her personal experience with the disease and what women and families should know about its devastating effects.
Q: What is ovarian cancer?
The cancer often begins in the epithelium or cells covering the ovary. The cancer can then spread to other organs in the abdominal cavity. In my case, I had a rare variant of the disease which actually began in the lining of the abdominal cavity. The peritoneum is made up of the same kind of cells as the lining of the ovary. No one knows whether remnant ovarian cells from embryonic development or regular ovulation helps contribute to development of this. I was especially surprised by my diagnosis because not only was I very healthy at the time, but I also had a total hysterectomy many years ago.
Q: How ovarian cancer diagnosed?
The regular gynecological screening such as an annual pelvic exam and pap smear do not screen for ovarian cancer. In fact, there is no screening exam. This is the subject of much current research, but to date no method has been found. If the disease is suspected, often the first exam ordered is an ultrasound which can show ascites, also known as fluid in the belly. This is what causes the feeling of fullness or bloating usually. An ultrasound can also look at the ovaries to detect abnormal findings. If there is continued suspicion for the disease, usually a small amount of the fluid in the abdomen is collected and can be used to identify cancer cells in the fluid.
Q: How is the disease treated?
The cancer is usually treated with surgery — a hysterectomy and debulking which is removal of any tumor larger than one centimeter. Unfortunately, sometimes by the time the cancer is found not all of it can be removed. Surgery is followed by chemotherapy. Sometimes patients receive chemo prior to surgery to help shrink tumors then continue it after surgery. The cancer usually recurs and again to date understanding of why or how this happens has not been discovered. Recurrences are usually treated with additional chemotherapy.
Q: Tell me more about your personal experience and subsequent treatment.
My experience with the cancer is probably very typical in that my symptoms were extremely subtle. I had been painting the trim on my house last summer and noticed a little discomfort in my lower left abdomen. I thought I had probably pulled a muscle in my abdomen from all the stretching to reach the trim. Later that night, however, when I was lying in bed pressing on my belly trying to find the place that was bothering me, I thought I felt a little more fullness on the left side of my lower abdomen. I happened to have a regularly scheduled doctor’s appointment the next day so I asked her to check my belly and she agreed that there was a very subtle difference. Because I had been a physician assistant for more 25 years and had a long relationship with my primary care provider, I specifically asked for a computerized tomography (CT) scan because I just intuitively felt something wasn’t right. The CT confirmed both a large amount of fluid in my belly and a tumor extending from my bowel over to my bladder. I underwent surgery and six rounds of chemotherapy following that.
Q: Where are you now in your recovery process?
I am now in remission and trying to stay healthy, however I must admit the threat of recurrence is always in the back of my mind. I am monitored quarterly with a blood test called the CA-125. While I try to not let the cancer diagnosis define my life, it is always a presence. I am still trying to balance the reality of the disease with a sense of optimism and hope. As trite as it sounds, I do try to enjoy each day as a special gift. I also am eternally thankful to have the wonderful support of my partner and wife, my family and dear friends. They have been truly awesome.
Q: What do people need to know about ovarian cancer research and treatment options?
My take-home message for women from my experience with this disease would be this: Trust yourself. No one knows your body like you do. If you feel that something is different or not quite right, even if your symptoms are very subtle, pursue it with your regular health care provider. Realize also that your regular well-woman screening exams do not screen for ovarian cancer. The sooner this cancer is found the better the outcome will most likely be. There are also a number of websites and organizations providing good information about ovarian cancer including the Ovarian Cancer Research Fund and Ovarian Cancer National Alliance. Also you can reference individual hospital sites such as the Dana Farber Cancer Institute gynecological department.
