Thanks you guys. Now, read up…

All your support means a lot during this sucky challenging time. The collective good vibes thrown in the direction of my family have been so buoyant, I can feel myself floating along on them.

And apparently, you have some good mojo. Because today was a success. The doctor was able to remove the vast majority of the cancer, and it didn’t spread to her lymph system or other organs. So although there’s still chemo and a fight ahead, it’s not a fight rigged in Vegas. This is truly the best news he could have come back with, and I’m so grateful for it.

So in the spirit of gratitude, and what you awesome folks have given me, let me share with you the benefit of what I’ve learned about ovarian cancer the past few weeks. Since it’s the fourth most lethal cancer for women in the US, chances are the knowledge could help you sometime. And conveniently, September is Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month. Ummmm, Universe? Hi. We didn’t really want to pay it this much attention. But OK.

1. Like all cancers, it’s better if it’s caught early. But it seldom is. It was called "the silent killer" for a long time, as it was thought to be symptomless until it spread. But the symptoms are just things so many women experience, it’s hard to differentiate. So if you have bloating, pelvic pain, nausea, or a really full feeling soon after eating, or menstrual changes, don’t assume it’s nothing. Get an ultrasound.

2. There is NO ROUTINE SCREENING FOR OVARIAN CANCER. Holy moses, let me just say that again. NO ROUTINE SCREENING. The New York Times reported in August news of a blood test that’s new to the market (June 2008), but the FDA is questioning its efficacy. When ovarian cancer is caught in Stage 1, the chances of survival are 90%. But only 20% of them are caught in that initial stage. There has to be a better way.

3. If you or someone you love is diagnosed with ovarian cancer, get a gynecological oncologist. I can’t stress this enough. Not a gynecologist, not an oncologist, but a gynecological oncologist. They know what to look for, and are more likely to provide surgical care consistent with national guidelines. Women with ovarian cancer treated by gynecologic oncologists have 10 percent to 25 percent better survival rates than women treated by general oncologists or gynecologists. That’s HUGE. I’m happy to say, that’s who operated today.

So that’s my ovarian cancer primer. I hope you never need it. Thanks again for your lurrrve. And, of course, when I got in the car to leave this morning, I turned over the ignition and that Jason Mraz song came on. Thanks, DJ In the Sky!

PS If any of you want to post the 3 bullets above on your blogs, in the interest of Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month, you absolutely have my go-ahead to do so.

xoxo, L