Ovarian cancer often goes undetected until it spreads in the pelvis and belly. My grandmother had a 20lb tumor in her stomach and specks of cancer in her ovaries. When my grandmother was diagnosed with Ovarian Cancer, it was one of  the hardest things to deal with.  It was very difficult to see the energy draining out of her face and watching her body language change.

She then had an operation to have her tumor removed and underwent mass amounts of chemo. When she was done with chemo, she went back to the doctor for a follow-up appointment. At that point, they didn’t detect any more cancer cells in her ovaries. The doctor was optimistic for her remission. My grandmother finally had some life back in her eyes. 

 At that time, we were all very happy that my grandmother survived cancer. I grew an amazing bond with her after that scare. She had to keep a close eye on her health for the following years to come. Although several years later at a routine checkup, the doctor noticed an abnormal growing cell in her pelvis area. The Cancer had returned. 

While my mother and uncle were there to hear the bad news and comfort my grandmother, I was not. Once I heard about it, I was not optimistic about the treatment this time, given my grandmother’s age.  My grandmother decided this time to go with a different treatment and decline chemo. We were all very wary about this. We did, however, support her. 

Once again, she fought. Her will of life and her spunk got her through it. My grandmother beat cancer Again! Of course, we were relieved, to say the least–as well as cautious, and we will remain cautious. My grandmother is one of the strongest women I know. I cherish every year we have her here.