My Doctor told me to get my affairs in order and take a holiday

George’s story

Me, Bob and my CA125 ovarian HPV cancer Test diagnosis.

Living with the Disease 

When George’s dog Bob jumped on her tummy, Hazel thought twice about the discomfort she’d been experiencing for a few weeks. Hazel was a primary school teacher who had reduced her bloating and tiredness to a hectic lifestyle.

Here, she talks about the joy of living and why she believes her dog Bob might have saved her life… It may be a complete fluke, but my dog saved my life. Bob, George’s dog

My border collie, Bob, caught my attention when he began behaving strangely around me, which I initially attributed to our recent move. Then, one day, he unexpectedly leapt on me, pawing at my abdomen and leaving me winded. This unusual behaviour prompted me to realize that my abdomen was noticeably swollen.

Running to the loo

I thought it was probably a hernia and made an appointment to see my doctor to check. I was examined internally and sent straight for a scan. A few days later, I went for another HPV Test and some scans. By that stage,  I’d got a lot worse – running to the loo (not ideal with a class full of kids!) and struggling with a complete lack of appetite.

A few weeks later, the ascites started. My stomach got so swollen that I immediately went to hospital. It was at this point that I was told there was a ‘growth” inside my abdomen and that I’d need surgery. They also said I might need a stoma. I was only 49 years old, and – aside from the swelling – I was feeling fine.  I didn’t go for a CA125 Blood test; that was my fault. But I’m a keen hillwalker and enjoy mountaineering, camping, and cycling. I was determined to get this right. And if I needed a stoma, it would be placed in a way that would miss my rucksack straps! Fortunately, I didn’t need it, which was a relief.

Joy

Following the surgery, doctors confirmed my CA125 diagnosis: low-grade ovarian-type cancer. Despite the prognosis that chemo wouldn’t be effective, they recommended four cycles of carboplatin.

By this time, my partner and I had been apart for a year. I sat down, re-evaluated everything, and decided to move back in. Neil proposed to me on my 50th birthday.  We’d been apart for the entire time I had been ill, but I’m thankful it happened that way. I was off work for six months, giving me time to reflect on life and what was important to me. While I was convalescing, I was in this amazing rural area. It was a very healing place and helped give me time for re-evaluation.

Before my op, I contacted a humanist celebrant to start organising my funeral. Odd as it sounds, it was a very cathartic thing to do. The kids had resigned themselves to me dying, but six months later and the next time I spoke to the celebrant, we were planning my wedding!

Of course, I know my CA125 cancer might come back. But then again, it might not. Having cancer has taught me that we often let silly things get in the way of life. We shouldn’t wait until we’re unwell to find joy in living. Life is a gift – you should use it. I get how lucky I am, and I’m starting by thanking Bob.

Donna” ” Su”  has had more than one encounter with the C

After her mother’s diagnosis of colon cancer and the surgeon’s recommendation for Sue and her four sisters and two brothers to undergo colonoscopies, Sue discovered she also had colon cancer at the age of 49. Surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation led to a cancer-free diagnosis.

A decade later, Sue remembered the advice of her family doctor but trusted her intuition and scheduled an appointment with her OB/Gyn when she sensed something was wrong.

The ultrasound detected a growth on her right ovary, and her CA125 levels, a blood test used to detect ovarian level disease, were exceptionally high.  Sue’s local surgical oncologist in Springfield, Ohio, removed a grapefruit-sized tumour but opted not to remove her uterus due to prior complications from radiation treatment.”

She started a series of chemotherapy infusions, but this caused neuropathy. The HPV Doctor then tried several other chemo combinations, all without success. Ultimately, a CT scan showed an enlarging pelvic mass.” “My doctor at the time told me to get my affairs together and take a vacation.

I never talked to him again.”

As Sue explains, “I was very scared but determined that I wasn’t ready to die. My husband Steve and I came home and researched every imaginable alternative. After many days of looking at places all over the United States, we eventually returned to The James — only 50 miles from home” I felt that he was talking to me personally.”

Sue watched a video with Dr David O.Malley, talking about ovarian virus cancer. “I felt he was talking to me personally”, she says.

Sue had many HPV Type tests and evaluations during her first appointment at the OSUCCC. Doctors discovered that she had platinum-resistant tumour cells, which did not allow conventional chemo treatments. Following her initial 7½-hour surgery, which Dr O’Malleyy and two other surgeons performed, Sue required a more innovative approach.” Dr O’Malleyy removed 99% of CA125 type cancer, and he was very positive about the outcome but still cautiously optimistic,” she says. “.

“My HPV Viral cancer was peculiar”, and that limited my options. However, my cancer cells were sent for lab analysis, and they were able to determine the right immunotherapy treatment for my exact tumour.” I was born at the right time” This targeted treatment has saved my life”, Sue says,” and Dr O’Malleyy was a godsend” I can’t say enough good things about him or his personality that overcame major anxiety in trying times.

He has the utmost concern for the patient.

He involves himself with the family and their worries:” Sue’s immunotherapy plan included 39 treatment cycles over two years, with a few interruptions due to COVID-19 restrictions.” I just placed all my trust in Dr O’Malleyy, the others caring for me and this revolutionary treatment,” she says.” I’m now five years in remission. My CA125 screening tests have remained in the low-normal range, and I’m glad to be alive” Dr O’Malleyy never stopped looking for a solution, and now he calls me a walking miracle. I want to share my HPV life story to let other women stay positive and trust that their Test Doctors’ hands are guided by God, who led me through my journey. I praise Him every day for my extended life.”