Testimonials

My cancer journey started in late 2011, when I had unexplained constipation, urinary incontinence, irregular periods, severe cramps, and occasional stomach problems. After being misdiagnosed with irritable bowel syndrome, I was eventually diagnosed with fibroids. In August 2012, I had a total hysterectomy, which included the removal of my fallopian tubes and right ovary. Due to some cell abnormalities, my doctor referred me to a gynecologic oncologist, and in September 2012, I was diagnosed with pre-cancerous non-malignant tumors. During this time, I had two debulking (removal of tumors) surgeries, and after the second debulking surgery, it was confirmed that I had low-grade ovarian cancer.

 

In February 2018, at the age of 49, my pre-cancerous cells progressed to low-grade serous carcinoma (LGSC, aka low-grade ovarian cancer), which is a very rare form of ovarian cancer. Fortunately, I had been under the care of my gynecologic oncologist since 2012, and previously had debulking surgeries. So, unlike most women who are initially diagnosed with late stage (3 or 4) ovarian cancer, my cancer remained contained in my abdominal and pelvic regions, and did not spread or penetrate any other organs, except for my right kidney. Currently, I have a ureter stent in that kidney, due to atrophy and the ureter being impacted by one of the tumors. 

 

In November 2018, I had a fourth surgery, followed by six rounds of chemo. I was in remission for about one year, until 2020, when I had a reoccurrence. After trying a couple of maintenance therapies, we decided that I needed to begin chemo again. So, in February 2021, I had an additional six rounds of chemo with Avastin (another maintenance therapy).  I have been on Avastin since then.

 

Today (2/23/2022), I am doing well and feeling great. I truly believe that, although I am technically stage 3, my recovery has been that of someone diagnosed with early stage (1 or 2) ovarian cancer, due to me being under the care of a gynecologic oncologist for several years.

 

Ovarian cancer ranks fifth in cancer deaths among women, accounting for more deaths than any other cancer of the female reproductive system. A woman's risk of getting ovarian cancer during her lifetime is about 1 in 78. Her lifetime chance of dying from ovarian cancer is about 1 in 108. (These statistics don’t count low malignant potential ovarian tumors.)*

 

The signs of ovarian cancer can be subtle and/or like other non-cancerous illnesses. Therefore, early detection is key. A pap smear does not detect ovarian cancer. The most common signs are bloating, pelvic or abdominal (belly) pain, trouble eating or feeling full quickly, urinary symptoms such as urgency (always feeling like you have to go) or frequency (having to go often). Additional signs are fatigue (extreme tiredness), upset stomach, back pain, pain during sex, constipation, changes in a woman's period, such as heavier bleeding than normal or irregular bleeding, and abdominal (belly) swelling with weight loss*.

 

If you think you have signs of ovarian cancer, my suggestions are:

• Pay attention to your instincts, and be a relentless advocate for your health needs

• Request a transvaginal ultrasound to rule out ovarian cancer

• Request to be seen by a gynecologic oncologist
   

You can get more information about ovarian cancer at: https://www.cancer.org/cancer/ovarian-cancer/about.html

*www.cancer.org

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Health Update, April 9, 2025

 

The cancer has spread to my lungs and increased in my liver.  I started chemotherapy on April 4. 

Although I have an appetite, my taste buds have been trash, and I’m barely eating enough at each meal.  So, I have lost a lot of weight.  Also, I get tired quickly, and my breathing is labored whenever I exert myself, and my legs tire quickly.  Aside from all of it, I am doing fairly well.  My worst days are those when I cannot get enough to eat.  This is my 5th day since chemo and I am feeling fine.  I have chemo every 4 weeks; the next one is on 5/2.

 

Health Update, May 5, 2025

 

Good morning!  I am feeling great this morning.  Most days, aside from the fatigue and low stamina, I feel “normal” and am doing fine.

 

April was full of surprises.

• Hospitalize for 3-days with blood clots (DVT) and a PE in my left lung.This is probably the cause of my breathing and fatigue problems.

• Cancer antigen number more than doubled since first chemo.Normal is less than 30, and my number was 13,000+.

• Liver functions continues to decline

• I skipped treatment on Friday.I decided that I didn’t want to do it anymore.It’s a decision that I made March 2022, and October 2024; but I went ahead and tried again because I thought I would be in the clinical trial

 

I have meetings with palliative care and possibly hospice doctors next week.  I am at peace with my decision.  After dealing with this since September 2012 (pre-cancerous) and February 2018 (cancer), I am good.  I am grateful that the majority of my cancer journey was great.  I had very few symptoms, and was basically able to live my best life, travel, visit family and make unimaginable memories. 

 

If not for cancer, I would have never gone to Australia, on Alaskan or 17-day) Mexico, Central America, Panama Canal and Grand Cayman) cruises, visited Pittsburgh, Maui, Honolulu, Cabo, Seattle, the Bahamas or Cartagena.  I’m sharing this so that you understand that my life has been great and better than I expected. 

 

While this news may sadden you, please respect my decision, and know that I still have my joy and desire to live!  I’ll let you know about visits and outings later in the month.  Right now, I want to embrace this decision and the freedom of no more ongoing cancer appointments. 

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On the early morning of Wednesday, July 16, 2025 Maurissa Denise Sanders Mitchem, also known as "Niecy" peacefully passed away in the privacy of her home of more 20 years.   May she forever Rest In Peace.  No more pain.  Thank you for sharing your journey.                We love you and miss you!!

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