Editor's Note: The sole purpose of any story posted on todayinhealth.com is to encourage hope in people who otherwise feel their life is at an end because of a debilitating illness or condition. Reading about overcoming these situations can help inspire hope and peace of mind in some people. Note that some names have been left out or changed for confidentiality reasons.

Beating the Odds

As Told By: Maureen W.

In my late twenties, I began to experience bloating, pain, and swelling in my abdomen. These symptoms persisted for years. At age 32, I became concerned about infertility and thought my symptoms were related. After seeing four different doctors and internists who attributed my symptoms to pelvic inflammatory disease and GI upset, I finally insisted on a rectovaginal examination. The doctor also ordered an ultrasound and uncovered a massive cyst on my right ovary. The good news is that I found out I was six weeks pregnant with my daughter, who is my saving grace and helped me to cope with the difficult times ahead.

After I had recovered from giving birth, the doctor removed the ovarian cyst and my right fallopian tube. During this time, I returned to work as a local radio host and development manager for National Public Radio in Memphis. On my second day back from maternity leave, my OB/GYN told me the cyst was malignant and I needed to see an oncologist for a biopsy.

The biopsy revealed ovarian cancer had spread to my lymph nodes - stage IIIC ovarian cancer. I underwent staging surgery and a complete hysterectomy and received chemotherapy while working full-time. Due to the eight rounds of three different chemo drugs as part of a clinical trial, I lost my hair from head to toe, suffered unbearable fatigue, and battled anemia. Family members, friends, and co-workers helped care for my infant daughter.

I have now been cancer-free since December, 2002, and still see my GYN/Oncologist every three months. In 2004, I became Vice President for Corporate Relations for the Chattanooga PBS Station, WTCI. In addition to the joy of watching my daughter grow up, I diligently raise funds to support educational television on PBS and volunteer passionately to raise awareness about ovarian cancer. I encourage all patients and their families to seek the information and support they need and to never give up.