Guest writer: Julia
September 2, 2020, is a day that will live in my mind forever. It is the date that I was first diagnosed with late stage, low grade serous ovarian cancer, a rare form of the disease – I was just 34 years old. But there is another day that lives in my mind, and in my heart. My name is Julia. I’m from Montreal, where I live with my husband, Eric, and our cat Jefa.
Women like Julia deserve better ovarian cancer treatment options
Watch their story to see how Julia’s ovarian cancer diagnosis has reshaped their lives.
Nothing prepares you for being diagnosed with cancer. In an instant, the life I had imagined changed. The dreams that Eric and I had for our future – buying a house, having children, growing old together – were gone. Cancer took that from me. From us.
That’s the reality of this disease. And it’s one too many people still don’t understand. The symptoms of ovarian cancer are vague and there is still so little awareness of this disease. That means it’s often found late, like mine was, when the disease is harder to treat. That’s why this disease is called the silent killer.
24 days after I was diagnosed, Eric and I got married. September 26, 2020. I was 15 lbs lighter, with 38 staples keeping my abdomen closed under my wedding dress and 1 round of chemo in my veins. I was holding onto my hair just one last time. I lost it a few days later.
We didn’t want to wait. We chose love, even with so much fear and uncertainty. Today, I look back at our wedding and I’m proud of my courage and strength. Mixed in with my pride is sadness for myself, for us, and my family. When you live with cancer at a young age, you feel guilty about putting your family through this – your parents, your husband, your siblings. They are living this disease with me. But I also remember the incredible love and support that surrounded us. Our family, our friends, and our community all showed up. And Ovarian Cancer Canada showed up too. They gave me something I needed more than anything in that moment – hope.
Throughout this experience, one that has come with so many challenges, I know that there is hope for the future. Hope based in the knowledge that there is so much Ovarian Cancer Canada is doing to change the reality of this disease.
After a full hysterectomy and 15 rounds of chemotherapy, I had no evidence of the disease. For a while, Eric and I got to breathe again. We travelled, spent time with family and enjoyed every day together. But in 2023, my ovarian cancer came back, and this time, my options were limited. At first, my doctors told me I could try chemotherapy again, and I was desperate to be cancer free. But treatment was difficult on my body and all for just a 10 to 15% chance of success. Everything is so much harder when you have to sit in the chemo chair for a second time. In the end, I have chosen to live my life well with the people I love. Ultimately, it’s my body, my life and my mental health.
Women need more time
Only 44% of those facing ovarian cancer will live 5 years after they are diagnosed. We need research that leads to earlier detection and better treatments. We need awareness, so that women, families, and doctors know the signs and risk factors, and take them seriously. We need the world to pay attention. That’s why I’m speaking up. And I hope you’ll take action with me, because breakthroughs start with you.
Ovarian Cancer Canada is making critical investments in Canadian ovarian cancer research. Right now, they’re funding studies focused on detecting this disease earlier and more accurately. They’re pushing to expand treatment options and improve quality of life for those of us living with it. They’re not giving up – and neither am I. For women living with this disease. For my family. For Eric. For me.
I’ve learned that you can hold joy and grief at the same time. That even when the future is uncertain, there’s still beauty in each day. My advice to others diagnosed with ovarian cancer is this: don’t stop living. You are here. You matter.
But we need your help to make sure more women get that chance. Breakthroughs start with you.