Michaela’s High-Grade Stage 4B Ovarian Cancer Highlights the Power of Advocacy and Support

Michaela was diagnosed with high-grade stage 4B ovarian cancer in March 2024 after experiencing a range of symptoms including persistent side and abdominal pain that were initially overlooked by multiple doctors. She leaned on her daughter, Sonia, during this difficult time. Michaela and Sonia sought medical attention after Michaela’s pain intensified, which pushed them to consult a gynecologist and a gastroenterologist. These efforts led to the discovery of Michaela’s cancer.

Interviewed by: Taylor Scheib
Edited by: Chris Sanchez

Sonia, having dealt with cancer herself, was deeply involved in advocating for her mother’s needs. She drew from her own experience and the advocacy skills she learned while caring for her grandmother who had dementia. Michaela and Sonia decided to go to MD Anderson in Houston. They quickly moved forward with a treatment plan that included chemotherapy and surgery. Although the biopsy results were inconclusive, Michaela was treated with neoadjuvant therapy, involving rounds of chemotherapy before and after surgery.

Despite facing an aggressive cancer stage, Michaela’s surgery was successful, removing all visible tumors. However, Michaela then had to deal with the anxiety and panic attacks that emerged post-treatment and with the fear of recurrence, too.

Michaela and Sonia emphasize the importance of self-advocacy in healthcare, stressing the need for women to insist on thorough examinations and tests when they feel something is wrong. They also highlight the limitations of standard procedures, like Pap smears, in diagnosing ovarian cancer. They urge a more comprehensive approach that includes CT scans and CA125 blood tests.

Throughout Michaela’s story, Sonia’s unwavering support and Michaela’s determination shine through. They advocate awareness and proactive health checks for early detection, emphasizing the strength found in family and medical teams. Their experience underscores the silent threat cancer poses and the need for vigilance and resilience in facing it.

Watch the video to learn about:

• How Michaela’s courage helped her face an overlooked “silent killer” and its emotional toll.
• How advocacy skills proved crucial in seeking treatment.
• The importance of thorough medical checks.
• Michaela’s and Sonia’s takeaways from this experience.

• Name: 
  • Michaela E.
• Age at Diagnosis:
  • 67
• Diagnosis:
  • Ovarian Cancer (High-Grade)
• Staging:
  • Stage 4B
• Symptoms:
  • Bloating and mild swelling
  • Occasional discomfort and pain in abdominal/pelvic region
  • Noisier digestion than usual
  • Fatigue
  • Pressure/pain after emptying bladder
• Treatments:
  • Surgery
  • Chemotherapy: neoadjuvant and post-surgery

This interview has been edited for clarity and length. This is not medical advice. Please consult with your healthcare provider for treatment decisions.

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