My Story

The female reproductive system is miraculous, but it can also be a harbinger for undetectable cancers that often remain silent until they metastasize and progress to Stage 4. Ovarian cancer is the deadliest of all gynecological cancers and modern medicine has failed to develop a test for early detection.

I was diagnosed with High Grade Serous Cell Carcinoma in July of 2022 after several years of health complaints and the inert knowledge that something wasn’t right in my body. Pain in the upper right quadrant, trips to emergency, specialists, but everyone thought how healthy I was! Then the diagnosis… I am sure it is the same for everyone: the state of shock, fear, disbelief, hearing that their life is about to change completely, or maybe shortened, then the onset of many tests, surgery, chemotherapy, drug therapy, recommended diet and lifestyle changes, hair loss, wondering if you can stand another needle, all overshadowed by repeating memories of my mother's death from complications of Ovarian Cancer in 1975.

I finished treatment at the end of January 2023, unable to complete the sixth infusion with Carboplatin and Paclitaxel, due to mounting side effects, with the support of my incredible Medical Oncologist, Dr. Anna Tinker at BCCA, we decided that I had had enough and the tests showed that the cancer was under control.

Sadly, my follow up tests 6 months later showed that the cancer had reoccurred and metastasized to my lymph gland and lungs. I started the second round of chemotherapy combining Carboplatin and Doxorubicin. The side effects were immense and treatment was cut short due to an allergic reaction. New tests revealed that most of the tumours were controlled or reducing; however, three months later the two remaining tumours in my lungs started to increase again. My long-term prognosis, “Ovarian Cancer with its origins in the epithelial of the fallopian tubes is incurable and will be treated as a chronic illness”.

Frustrated and striving to remain hopeful I have started a new cycle of chemotherapy along with a more targeted angio inhibitor. Dr. Tinker is hopeful that we may be able to control the tumors and perhaps gain another period of remission.

I am deeply grateful for the timely care and compassion that I receive from the professional team at the BCCA and Ovarian Cancer Canada, coupled with the never-ending and loving support of my darling husband William, family, and many friends.

I have also received excellent holistic support from my multidisciplinary team of Naturopaths, Accupunturists, Nurses and Clinical Counselors.

However, more needs to be done to increase awareness of this insidious cancer, and donations to cancer research are critical to improving outcomes for everyone. Please speak up about this disease, participate in events, and donate what you can. Together, we can make a difference in the fight against ovarian cancer.

I hope you will join me in supporting ovarian cancer research and advocacy. Please remember to ask your Physician for gynecological cancer screening anyone with ovaries is at risk.

My family and friends will be joining me in the “Walk of Hope” on September 8th, 2024 in Vancouver sponsored by Ovarian Cancer Canada. We will be walking in support of all women, especially those with hereditary cancers and my beautiful Mother Sarah Velma Peebles-Tambre just 56 years when she passed away missing the birth of her first grandchild by days.

Thank you for reading my story I deeply appreciate your time and support. ❤

Love and light,

Laurie

Lauren