We encourage patients, survivors, health care professionals, supporters and caregivers to share your stories to connect and inspire others in the gynecologic cancer community.
In the spring of 2019, Geriann Day started experiencing bleeding with bowel movements. At first, these symptoms were attributed to hemorrhoids and anal fissure. Surgical removal of what were thought to be hemorrhoids in July, 2019, proved to be abnormal cell tissue. Geriann was diagnosed with anal intraepithelial neoplasia (AIN3), where abnormal cells are found … Read More
Earlier this year, Dorine Olive was diagnosed with stage 2 ovarian cancer. At the age of 55, she was diagnosed with two different types of ovarian cancer, one type per ovary. Her diagnosis would have come much later, had it not been for twisted lunge and bow pose during her yoga exercises. Dorine initially overlooked … Read More
Becky Joosten was 35-years old when she was diagnosed with endometrial cancer in 2009. The physical, mental, and emotional hurdles that followed granted her a unique perspective of what it means to be a survivor, and eventual self-affirmation helped her feel deserving of the label. She made a visit to her doctor after she noticed … Read More
As she approaches her first year participating in the National Race to End Women’s Cancer with “Colleen’s Army,” Colleen Schenk reflects on the diagnosis she received in 2018. After roughly eight weeks of treatment on what she thought was a torn muscle in her abdomen, in addition to experiencing a host of other symptoms, Colleen … Read More
In July 2017, after suffering constant pain in her spleen and bloating, Trina Shpur made a visit to her general practitioner (GP). He scheduled Trina for an ultrasound, during which the ultrasound technician expressed sudden concern. This prompted Trina to press her GP for clarity as to why she was enduring these symptoms. The doctor … Read More