Donna's journey through Ovarian Cancer
I was diagnosed with ovarian cancer in October, 2011, and had my surgery on the 14th, at which time they also discovered a second primary cancer---uterine. My ovarian cancer was stage 1C so my doctors recommended chemo, which I did. I wanted to make sure I had done everything possible to save my life.
I had always been healthy, I walk and exercise faithfully, eat healthy foods (mostly vegetarian), and had no family history of any kind of cancer. I was 49 years old, and had not yet started the process of menopause. My doctor did not believe I could have cancer so I had to push hard to get the diagnostic test, the vaginal ultrasound. Immediately I received THE CALL. My tumor was the size of a grapefruit!
My favorite news station had played a clip in their health section regarding ovarian cancer and it's symptoms. I almost clicked past it, but something caught my eye. I realized I had ALL the symptoms, and felt like I had been punched in the gut. I immediately called for an appointment to be tested, and am so grateful for that news clip because I would likely not be here today had I not seen it. I never suspected cancer!!!
Since cancer, I have walked about a half dozen Half Marathons, and close to 50 races altogether. I walk because I can, because I am grateful, because I have too many friends who cannot. I walk so I can tell people my story and spread awareness, hoping to save other lives as mine was saved. Yes, I walk to stay healthy, but there are so many other reasons that I do this. A couple weeks ago at our annual Relay for Life event, I walked 26 miles! I always wondered if I could do a marathon, and just had to try it.
On Oct. 14 I will be celebrating my sixth "cancer free birthday", and I praise God for His healing and intervention in my life. My name is Donna Robinson, and I am a SURVIVOR! Whenever the cloud of fear hovers over me I use my tools to escape: walking, my gratitude journal, inspirational music, and volunteering for a service that helps people in need. Life is good, and I'm proud to use my story to help anyone that I can.
Donna Robinson
I had always been healthy, I walk and exercise faithfully, eat healthy foods (mostly vegetarian), and had no family history of any kind of cancer. I was 49 years old, and had not yet started the process of menopause. My doctor did not believe I could have cancer so I had to push hard to get the diagnostic test, the vaginal ultrasound. Immediately I received THE CALL. My tumor was the size of a grapefruit!
My favorite news station had played a clip in their health section regarding ovarian cancer and it's symptoms. I almost clicked past it, but something caught my eye. I realized I had ALL the symptoms, and felt like I had been punched in the gut. I immediately called for an appointment to be tested, and am so grateful for that news clip because I would likely not be here today had I not seen it. I never suspected cancer!!!
Since cancer, I have walked about a half dozen Half Marathons, and close to 50 races altogether. I walk because I can, because I am grateful, because I have too many friends who cannot. I walk so I can tell people my story and spread awareness, hoping to save other lives as mine was saved. Yes, I walk to stay healthy, but there are so many other reasons that I do this. A couple weeks ago at our annual Relay for Life event, I walked 26 miles! I always wondered if I could do a marathon, and just had to try it.
On Oct. 14 I will be celebrating my sixth "cancer free birthday", and I praise God for His healing and intervention in my life. My name is Donna Robinson, and I am a SURVIVOR! Whenever the cloud of fear hovers over me I use my tools to escape: walking, my gratitude journal, inspirational music, and volunteering for a service that helps people in need. Life is good, and I'm proud to use my story to help anyone that I can.
Donna Robinson
