How Asking for Help Can Lead to Healing: Kim’s Stage 2 Ovarian Cancer Story
When Kim was diagnosed with stage 2 ovarian cancer (2B clear cell carcinoma) at 46, it opened up a new chapter in her life. Although it was full of medical challenges, it also offered her opportunities for personal growth.
Kim’s health concerns began in September 2020 with pain on her right side, which she chalked up to gas. She started to experience other symptoms over the next months, such as persistent coughing, incontinence, bloating, and night-time pain. These she attributed to asthma, potential menopause, and lifestyle habits.
Interviewed by: Taylor Scheib
Edited by: Chris Sanchez
But things took an ominous turn in May 2021. Overwhelming pain forced Kim to return to the ER, where a doctor ordered a CA 125 blood test and scans. These uncovered a cantaloupe-sized tumor on her right ovary. The diagnosis was stage 2B ovarian cancer (clear cell carcinoma), an aggressive and rare form.
Kim’s treatment involved a radical hysterectomy, removal of 28 lymph nodes, and six intense rounds of chemotherapy. She experienced harsh side effects, including hair loss. But she took everything in stride, thanks to the strength she found in her faith, her wife Jennifer and her family, and her community.
Kim’s doctors found no evidence of disease in 2022. But Kim’s stage 2B ovarian cancer returned, manifesting as swollen lymph nodes. She underwent more treatments and struggled with the mental toll of recurrent cancer. Kim acknowledged the strain and leaned heavily on her faith and strong support network.
Kim stresses that it’s vital to accept help, as she’s found community support to be profoundly healing.
She urges others to be vigilant about their health, listen to their body, and advocate for thorough medical evaluations. She continues to meet the health challenges brought about by her stage 2B ovarian cancer head-on with hope and a deep appreciation for life’s small yet meaningful joys.
View Kim’s video and learn more about:
- How her escalating symptoms led to a diagnosis that changed her life
- The crucial role that community support played in Kim’s health journey
- How she embraced hair loss with positivity and strength
- The mental health challenges of living with stage 2B ovarian cancer
- Kim’s advice regarding accepting help and finding hope
- Name:
- Kim C.
- Age at Diagnosis:
- 46
- Diagnosis:
- Ovarian Cancer (Clear Cell Carcinoma)
- Staging:
- Stage 2B
- Symptoms:
- Coughing
- Incontinence
- Severe bloating
- Nighttime pain
- Hard lump on right side
- Treatments:
- Surgeries: radical hysterectomy, lymphadenectomy
- Chemotherapy
- Radiation therapy
- Immunotherapy
This interview has been edited for clarity. This is not medical advice. Please consult with your healthcare provider to make treatment decisions.
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Symptoms: Random sharp pains, unrelated scan showed ovarian cyst
Treatments: Debulking surgery, chemotherapy (carboplatin & paclitaxel), PARP inhibitors (clinical trial)
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Kim C., Ovarian Cancer (Clear Cell Carcinoma), Stage 2B
Symptoms: Coughing, incontinence, severe bloating, nighttime pain, hard lump on right side
Treatments: Surgeries (radical hysterectomy, lymphadenectomy), chemotherapy, radiation therapy, immunotherapy
...