Brave Women: My Mother's Battle

I’ll be posting a new entry later this week about what I’ve been up to and all the exciting things you can look forward to but right now I want to dedicate this entry to my mother and a post she recently shared on Facebook. There are many brave women who are faced with what can feel like the impossible. Ovarian cancer can be a consuming battle, especially if detected late. Rather than explain it my words, I’d like to share with you her post and words of advice, gratitude, and encouragement. Being there for someone in this battle can make a world of difference, but if you’d like to contribute further I’ve included a link to the National Ovarian Cancer Coalition, a group dedicated to educating women about early symptoms of Ovarian cancer along with providing support to patients, caretakers, and survivors.

NOCC Home Page: http://ovarian.org/

“Hi Friends,

I am not sure what the GBMC protocol is for posting personal information on Facebook, but this is the best way I can think of to get information out to people I care about without giving voice to it again and again. I am battling stage 4 Ovarian Cancer. The symptoms were so vague, I did not realize something was wrong. I hope that this disclosure will encourage everyone to trust their gut feelings: if you think something is wrong-get it checked out. Get the appropriate tests and push for them even if your Doc doesn’t. Men, encourage the women in your life to take care of themselves. I was misdiagnosed for two years. Of course, the sooner Cancer is diagnosed, the better the odds are of beating it.

In my case, I have had three chemo treatments, major surgery, two infections and I have three more chemo treatments to go. It has been difficult for me, Monte, Amanda and the rest of my family and friends. Ovarian cancer, like many cancers, is now treated as a chronic condition rather than a death sentence. My plan is to fight this illness until and if it no longer makes sense to do so. My life with Monte is wonderful and I have a loving daughter, son-in-law, and the support of many friends and family. I plan to live each day with joy and gratitude. Thanks to all of you for your friendship. The next time you see someone with cancer, (we are easy to spot-usually bald or with an awkward hat), just say hello. Don’t turn away like I once did because I did not know what to say. You both will feel better because you did. <3”

- Leitner Winstead