It has been 11 months since my precious Mother lost her 6 year battle with this disease, and I feel a need to spread the word more than ever. I don't expect everyone to be as passionate about this because not everyone has experienced the effects and battle that ovarian cancer causes you to have so closely. The truth is, it's on my mind all the time. If I can get the symptoms out there, and educate just one person who catches it early on (when it is most curable), then I will have done my job. We all know someone who has or has had cancer. Cancer seems to be so prevalent in our lives now. I often wonder why, but that isn't going to get any answers. It seems like just about everything "causes" cancer nowadays. What I do have is FAITH; Strong faith that God works in every situation and He is with us always. I have faith that He is going to use my Mother's fight to help others. I have faith that she touched many, many nurses, doctors, patients, family, and friends through her own faith that God would be glorified no matter what the situation.
So, please share the symptoms with all of the women in your life. You could help someone to discover symptoms early, and win the battle against this disease.
Start by sending a link to this blog to everyone you know. Post it on facebook. Paint your toe nails teal (there are tons of polishes out there, and you will get comments from others when they see you wearing it....it's a great way to explain why and tell them the symptoms), wear teal, or just tell someone about ovarian cancer.
You can order free cards to pass out to others from the Teal Toes website. Click here and spread the word. Read the section about teal toes cards and click on the "contact page" link. Fill out the form and wait for your cards to come to your door. It's easy and it's free! There is no excuse not to!
Ovarian Cancer Symptoms
Pelvic or abdominal pain or discomfort
Vague but persistent gastrointestinal upsets such as gas, nausea, and indigestion
Frequency and/or urgency in urination in the absence of an infection
Unexplained weight gain or weight loss
Pelvic and/or abdominal swelling, bloating, and/or feeling of fullness
Ongoing unusual fatigue
Unexplained changes in bowel habits
These symptoms are so common for women, that they are often over looked. If you have any of these symptoms, and they persist for more than two weeks, consult your physician. Ask your doctor for a combination pelvic/rectal exam, CA-125 blood test, and transvaginal ultrasound. Don't let them talk you out of it, and be persistent!