Category: Ovarian
How Asking for Help Can Lead to Healing: Kim’s Stage 2 Ovarian Cancer Story
When Kim was diagnosed with stage 2 ovarian cancer (2B clear cell carcinoma) at 46, it opened up a new chapter in her life. Although it was full of medical challenges, it also offered her opportunities for personal growth.
Kim’s health concerns began in September 2020 with pain on her right side, which she chalked up to gas. She started to experience other symptoms over the next months, such as persistent coughing, incontinence, bloating, and night-time pain. These she attributed to asthma, potential menopause, and lifestyle habits.
Interviewed by: Taylor Scheib
Edited by: Chris Sanchez
But things took an ominous turn in May 2021. Overwhelming pain forced Kim to return to the ER, where a doctor ordered a CA 125 blood test and scans. These uncovered a cantaloupe-sized tumor on her right ovary. The diagnosis was stage 2B ovarian cancer (clear cell carcinoma), an aggressive and rare form.
Kim’s treatment involved a radical hysterectomy, removal of 28 lymph nodes, and six intense rounds of chemotherapy. She experienced harsh side effects, including hair loss. But she took everything in stride, thanks to the strength she found in her faith, her wife Jennifer and her family, and her community.
Kim’s doctors found no evidence of disease in 2022. But Kim’s stage 2B ovarian cancer returned, manifesting as swollen lymph nodes. She underwent more treatments and struggled with the mental toll of recurrent cancer. Kim acknowledged the strain and leaned heavily on her faith and strong support network.
Kim stresses that it’s vital to accept help, as she’s found community support to be profoundly healing.
She urges others to be vigilant about their health, listen to their body, and advocate for thorough medical evaluations. She continues to meet the health challenges brought about by her stage 2B ovarian cancer head-on with hope and a deep appreciation for life’s small yet meaningful joys.
View Kim’s video and learn more about:
- How her escalating symptoms led to a diagnosis that changed her life
- The crucial role that community support played in Kim’s health journey
- How she embraced hair loss with positivity and strength
- The mental health challenges of living with stage 2B ovarian cancer
- Kim’s advice regarding accepting help and finding hope
- Name:
- Kim C.
- Age at Diagnosis:
- 46
- Diagnosis:
- Ovarian Cancer (Clear Cell Carcinoma)
- Staging:
- Stage 2B
- Symptoms:
- Coughing
- Incontinence
- Severe bloating
- Nighttime pain
- Hard lump on right side
- Treatments:
- Surgeries: radical hysterectomy, lymphadenectomy
- Chemotherapy
- Radiation therapy
- Immunotherapy
This interview has been edited for clarity and length. This is not medical advice. Please consult with your healthcare provider to make informed treatment decisions.
The views and opinions expressed in this interview do not necessarily reflect those of The Patient Story.
Inspired by Kim's story?
Share your story, too!
More Clear Cell Ovarian Cancer Stories
Sara I., High-Grade Serous & Clear Cell Carcinoma, Stage 3A
Symptoms: Random sharp pains, unrelated scan showed ovarian cyst
Treatments: Debulking surgery, chemotherapy (carboplatin & paclitaxel), PARP inhibitors (clinical trial)
...
Kim C., Ovarian Cancer (Clear Cell Carcinoma), Stage 2B
Symptoms: Coughing, incontinence, severe bloating, nighttime pain, hard lump on right side
Treatments: Surgeries (radical hysterectomy, lymphadenectomy), chemotherapy, radiation therapy, immunotherapy
...
Jennifer’s Mental Strength Living with Stage 3 Kidney and Stage 4 Ovarian Cancer
In 2023, Jennifer was blindsided by a dual diagnosis of stage 3 kidney cancer and stage 4 ovarian cancer. Her life was turned upside down in an instant. But rather than let fear take over, she leaned into the present moment and shifted her mindset toward gratitude, growth, and healing.
Jennifer’s story began with a mysterious, rapidly growing abdominal swelling, which led her to urgent care, then the ER, and finally a whirlwind of scans and surgery. Despite being healthy, active, and symptom-free weeks earlier, Jennifer’s world changed overnight.
Interviewed by: Nikki Murphy
Edited by: Katrina Villareal
At first, Jennifer felt emotionally frozen. She was never explicitly told, “You have cancer,” but the weight of the diagnosis was undeniable. She didn’t even learn the exact staging until much later, intentionally avoiding medical reports to protect her mental well-being. Eventually, she discovered her stage 3 kidney cancer and stage 4 ovarian cancer diagnoses, but by then, her focus was already on healing.
One of the most striking parts of Jennifer’s story is how deeply isolation impacted her. With her daughter temporarily living with her father and no family close by, Jennifer went through nearly every step of surgery and chemotherapy alone. Yet, she also found a quiet strength in that solitude. It forced her to self-advocate, connect with supportive professionals like Dr. James Kendrick, and trust her own resilience.
Physically, the process was intense. Jennifer underwent major surgery that removed multiple organs, including her kidney, gallbladder, spleen, and reproductive system. Still, she recovered surprisingly well and chose to forgo heavy pain meds out of caution, relying mostly on acetaminophen and the support of her spiritual community.
Her mental and emotional recovery became just as important. She prioritized walking, listening to her body, and staying emotionally grounded.
Jennifer emphasizes the importance of staying present, advocating for yourself, and refusing to let a diagnosis define who you are. While there are days she still feels afraid, especially around scan times, her approach remains one of empowerment and emotional honesty.
The road ahead includes continued monitoring, a PARP inhibitor regimen, and lifelong surveillance. But what keeps her grounded is her daughter, her deepened gratitude, and her determination not to let fear take the wheel.
Jennifer’s advice to others? Don’t let yourself spiral. Let your mindset lead with curiosity, strength, and presence. You’re allowed to feel everything, but you’re also capable of more than you know.
Watch the video to find out more about Jennifer’s story:
- What the worst part of her cancer experience was (it wasn’t surgery or chemo)
- Why she refused to look at her medical records after diagnosis.
- What helped her cope when the hospital room was quiet and fear was loud.
- Why she couldn’t say the C-word and how she found her strength.
- How she turned fear, isolation, and uncertainty into radical gratitude and growth.
- Name:
- Jennifer W.
- Age at Diagnosis:
- 52
- Diagnosis:
- Kidney Cancer and Ovarian Cancer
- Staging:
- Stage 3 (Kidney Cancer) and Stage 4 (Ovarian Cancer)
- Mutation:
- BRCA1
- Symptom:
- Abdominal bloating
- Treatments:
- Surgeries: hysterectomy, splenectomy, nephrectomy (left kidney removed), cholecystectomy
- Chemotherapy
- Targeted therapy: PARP inhibitor
This interview has been edited for clarity and length. This is not medical advice. Please consult with your healthcare provider to make informed treatment decisions.
The views and opinions expressed in this interview do not necessarily reflect those of The Patient Story.
Inspired by Jennifer's story?
Share your story, too!
More Kidney Cancer Stories
Alexa D., Kidney Cancer, Stage 1B
Symptoms: Blood in the urine; lower abdominal pain, cramping, back pain on the right side
Treatment: Surgery (radical right nephrectomy)
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Bill P., Papillary Renal Cell Carcinoma, Stage 3, Type 1
Symptoms: Kidney stone, lower back pain, sore/stiff leg, deep vein thrombosis (DVT) blood clot
Treatment: Nephrectomy (surgical removal of kidney and ureter)
...
Burt R., Pancreatic Neuroendocrine Tumor (pNET) & Kidney Cancer
Symptom: None; found the cancers during CAT scans for internal bleeding due to ulcers
Treatments: Chemotherapy (capecitabine + temozolomide), surgery (distal pancreatectomy, to be scheduled)
...
Sonia B., Kidney Cancer, Stage 1
Symptoms: Fatigue, abdominal discomfort, flank pain, constantly abnormal bloodwork
Treatment: Surgery (partial nephrectomy, ileostomy)
...
Shiva S., Rectal Cancer, T2, and Renal Cancer, T3
Symptoms: Pressure and urgency of bowels, back pain
Treatments: Chemoradiation (for rectal cancer), surgery (ileostomy, combined bowel and kidney surgery), immunotherapy (for kidney cancer)
...
More Ovarian Cancer Stories
Heather M., Epithelial Ovarian Cancer, Stage 2
Symptoms: Extreme bloating, pinching pain in right side of abdomen, extreme fatigue
Treatments: Surgery (total hysterectomy), chemotherapy (Taxol once a week for 18 week, carboplatin every 3 weeks), concurrent clinical trial (Avastin) every 3 weeks
...
Jodi S., Epithelial Ovarian Cancer, Stage 4
Symptoms: Extreme bloating, extremely tight skin, changes in digestive tract, significant pelvic pain, sharp-shooting pains down inner thighs, extreme fatigue
Treatments: Chemotherapy (pre- & post-surgery), surgery (hysterectomy)
...
Brittany’s Story: Life, Love, and Hope After Ovarian Cancer
When Brittany found out that she had stage 3.75 ovarian cancer at just 23 years old, her world shifted dramatically. Reflecting on her journey, she shares an honest, heartfelt account of the physical and emotional hurdles she faced — and how survivorship, self-advocacy, and mental health became central to her life.
Interviewed by: Nikki Murphy
Edited by: Chris Sanchez
Brittany’s symptoms began early. At 13, she experienced intense stomach pain so severe she couldn’t lie flat. Doctors repeatedly attributed the pain to ulcers. They continued to do so for nearly a decade, even as Brittany endured heavy menstrual bleeding and persistent discomfort. Eventually, a routine gynecological exam raised alarms, leading to an emergency room visit. It was there that she learned she had ovarian cysts, but no one suspected cancer — until surgery revealed stage 3.75 ovarian cancer, which had already spread to many of her organs.
This diagnosis was startling and surreal. Brittany vividly recalls the numbness she felt as her doctor explained the severity. She underwent seven rounds of chemotherapy, each session marked by small rituals — wearing high socks, coloring, and finding comfort in family support. Losing her hair was a particularly emotional experience, symbolising the visible reality of her illness. Brittany didn’t shave her head immediately, holding onto denial even as her hair fell out in clumps.
Survivorship, for Brittany, isn’t just about being cancer-free. It’s about embracing life fully, despite the lingering anxiety of recurrence. She acknowledges that mental health is an ongoing battle, with moments of grief for experiences lost and friendships that changed. Yet, she channels her energy into family, creating joyful memories with her husband and their extended family. Weekend gatherings, celebrations, and spontaneous adventures reflect her determination to live vibrantly.
Self-advocacy played a crucial role in Brittany’s story. After years of being dismissed by doctors, she learned the importance of trusting her instincts. This lesson fuels her advocacy today, encouraging others to speak up about their health concerns.
Brittany also emphasizes therapy’s role in her healing from ovarian cancer. Processing the trauma of her diagnosis, treatment, and the emotional aftermath helped her navigate complex feelings about fertility, identity, and loss. She’s candid about her struggles, offering hope to others facing similar battles.
Her message is simple yet powerful: “Being brave comes in waves, but let fear disappear.” She believes in the enduring power of hope, faith, and community support. Brittany’s life after ovarian cancer is not defined by fear but by the freedom to seize every moment with authenticity and joy.
Watch Brittany’s video and take a deep dive into:
- How she found strength beyond her ovarian cancer diagnosis.
- Why self-advocacy saved Brittany’s life after years of dismissed symptoms.
- Her candid reflections on hair loss and mental health during treatment.
- How family, faith, and therapy shaped Brittany’s approach to survivorship.
- Her heartfelt message of hope for anyone facing cancer.
- Name:
- Brittany B.
- Age at Diagnosis:
- 23
- Diagnosis:
- Ovarian Cancer
- Staging:
- Stage 3.75
- Symptoms:
- Stomach pain
- Heavy menstrual bleeding
- Pain in heart area
- Treatments:
- Surgery: full hysterectomy
- Chemotherapy
