November 2 marked six years since my sister, Tammy, died.

Six years that went by in a blink.

I can’t believe she’s been gone that long.

I can’t believe I haven’t had a conversation with her or heard her voice or watched her putter around her house, playing with her dogs and her cats.

I can’t believe it’s been six years since I’ve told her she’s my favorite sister (she was my only sister for 58 years).

But there’s no denying it.

Tammy died of ovarian cancer, which she was diagnosed with in April 2008, just a week before she turned fifty.

She lived with cancer for eleven years.

That statistic is pretty remarkable.

Ovarian cancer is an ugly and evil disease that affects 20,000-25,000 women each year, some as young as 11 years old (although this is extremely rare).

The 5-year survival rate for advanced Stage III or IV ovarian cancer is about 30%-40%.

Tammy was stage IIIB.

Every year, in her honor, I post the signs and symptoms of ovarian cancer.

She would be happy to know that she might be helping someone somewhere by sharing this.

Ovarian Cancer Symptoms

Many of these symptoms can be a sign of other cancers or even of benign illnesses.

But if you have any of these, especially if you have had them for more than 2 weeks, please see your doctor.

Please.

Bloating: Swelling in the lower pelvis or abdomen.

Your clothes may feel tighter around your waist. You may feel like you’ve had too much water.

Pelvic or Abdominal Pain: This can be a sharp pain or a dull ache.

The key is that it is persistent and doesn’t go away after a few days. (Tammy felt pain in her abdomen when she drove over speed bumps.)

Trouble Eating or Feeling Full Quickly: Loss of appetite or feeling full after eating only a few bites.

Urinary Frequency: Feeling the need to urinate more frequently than usual.

Back Pain: Pain or discomfort in the lower back.

Fatigue: Feeling more tired than usual and more often.

Menstrual Changes: Changes to your monthly cycle, including additional bleeding or discharge.

Pain During Sex: Discomfort or pain.

Upset Stomach, Heartburn, Constipation: This can include diarrhea or changes in bowel habits such as frequency or pain.

I hope you’ll pass this information along to the women in your life.

Have a good and healthy week.

~ Gail

(Tick tock)

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