Advocate Spotlight: Kara

AdvancedOvarianCancer.net shares the stories and experiences of people living with ovarian cancer. We are highlighting the story of our advocate Kara who was diagnosed with ovarian cancer in September 2019. After originally being diagnosed with stage 3 low-grade ovarian cancer, Kara later learned that her ovarian cancer was stage 4 and spread to her lungs. Since her diagnosis, she is dedicated to sharing her story and empowering others to learn as much as possible about their ovarian cancer.

This is Kara's story...

“I’m sorry, but you have ovarian cancer...”

I was originally diagnosed at the age of 29 with stage 3IIA low-grade ovarian cancer in September of 2019. I initially started having right lower abdomen pain in March of 2019. After a pelvic ultrasound in April of 2019, it was determined I had a right ovarian cyst. In September I went in to have the cyst removed from my right ovary. Five days post-op and still in the hospital due to complications I was told “I’m sorry, but you have ovarian cancer”.

Adjusting my treatment plan after cancer spread

In November of 2019, I underwent staging surgery/surgery for a complete hysterectomy/oophorectomy. The official staging of my ovarian cancer was determined after this surgery. A month after this surgery I was started on Letrozole which I remained on for a year and a half until I was switched to Anastrozole in May of 2021 due to side effects of Letrozole. In October 2022 unfortunately I received news that my cancer had now metastasized to my right lung, this time now high-grade ovarian cancer which now stages me at stage 4 high- and low-grade metastatic ovarian cancer.

Reaching out to others online for support

When I was diagnosed with ovarian cancer I was in complete shock! Not only did I not ever think Id be diagnosed with cancer, but I had NEVER heard of ovarian cancer. I knew nothing about this type of cancer.

I went to the internet/social media for information/support for this diagnosis. It is so important to find a support group of other women who are or have been through the same thing! It is important to ask questions, there’s never a stupid question nor is there a maximum number of questions that can be asked!

Remember this is your journey

My best piece of advice that I can give now that I wish I was told when I was diagnosed is that “This is Your Journey”. No one can or should tell you how to handle this journey, make decisions for you or about your health, or tell you how you should feel at any moment in time in this journey. Make yourself a priority, be your own advocate, and do what is best for you, always! Feel every single emotion (good, bad, sad, hard, easy, etc.).

Knowledge is our greatest power

I have chosen to use my social media accounts to advocate for this disease. I have also chosen to join ovarian cancer organizations/projects as an advocate to spread awareness. Being an advocate means telling my story, and being honest with my story so that the next girl who may be diagnosed reads my story and doesn’t feel alone. So, the next girl who may be diagnosed may learn something from my story. Knowledge is power and the more we know about this disease and the more people our stories reach the bigger the impact can be made.

Something most people don't know...

What most people don’t know and are surprised to find out is that I was a band geek for 12 years. I played three instruments. The clarinet, the alto saxophone, and the baritone saxophone.