My Cancer Journal – From April 25, 2025 – Present

So many people have asked how I found out that I had ovarian cancer. I realize everyone fears the unknown, what should I look for, and so on. I’m happy to share if my experience can help you or a family member. So I’ve decided to document my experience every week here. I’ll be honest and up front every step of the way. So let’s begin.

profile picture of Rachel Harper

How It All Began

It all began with one life-altering phone call on Friday, April 25, 2025. It was the phone call no one wants to receive. “We think you have ovarian cancer!”

Let Me Back Up!

I thought I was in perfect health. On March 5th, I had my annual wellness checkup and blood work. I had no complaints, and my blood work was excellent. I was feeling on top of the world.

  • April 14th, 1 1/2 weeks before the call! – I began to have abdominal pain. A heaviness in my lower belly, a little bloating, and pressure. Nothing that couldn’t be explained as indigestion. However, it didn’t go away. I suspected an infection, possibly a UTI. This was mostly over the Easter holiday, so I made an appointment with my Doctor for April 24th. I explained my symptoms, and she scheduled me for a CT scan the next day.
  • April 25th – CT Scan – I had the CT scan late on a Friday afternoon, so I inquired about when I would receive the results. I assumed it would be the next week, but was informed I’d know that day because the scan was marked STAT. I guess I should have been concerned, but I wasn’t
  • Friday, April 25th – My doctor called me with the devastating news. She wanted me to come to her office on Monday for more blood work. Plus, she asked where I’d like to be referred to for a Gynecological Oncologist. I was devastated and felt hopeless. All the negative things I’d heard about ovarian cancer were ringing in my ears. “it’s the silent killer”, “by the time you are diagnosed, it’s too late”, and then I did the worst thing I could and googled it.
  • I could not communicate with anyone, but my husband reached out to friends and family for prayers, which resulted in many encouraging messages. I was praying they were wrong and that it was a horrible mistake.
  • Monday, April 28th – I had a CA-125 test, which can help to diagnose ovarian cancer, and one for colon cancer. In addition, I had an internal ultrasound that same day. With each test, the diagnosis was the same.
  • The Power of Prayer – Although the many prayers for the Doctors to be wrong were not answered, I still know that God answered my prayers in other ways. By reaching out to friends and family, I connected with people who gave me encouragement and hope. Most importantly, I connected with a friend who has had ovarian cancer for over 20 years, and she miraculously was able to get me an appointment with her gynecologic oncologist on Wednesday, April 30th, just 5 days after my CT Scan.
  • Wednesday, April 30th – I met with Dr. Tucker and was very impressed. She was very encouraging about my prognosis. However, I was disappointed to hear that I would need chemotherapy before surgery. The cancer is not only in my ovaries but also in my omentum, which has attached itself to my colon in two places. Hopefully, the chemo will shrink the cancer away from my colon and make my surgery less invasive. She feels the cancer is still only in the omentum, and my colon is cancer-free. Based on the CT scan, she feels I’m at Stage 3.
  • Friday, May 2nd. Prayers were still being answered because by Friday, I was meeting with my Hematologist-Oncologist, Dr. Gorsuch. She scheduled me for my first Chemotherapy treatment on Friday, May 16th. Several appointments were needed in the meantime, and she made them happen sooner rather than later.
  • Thursday, May 8th – I had a biopsy to confirm the cancer diagnosis, although it’s pretty obvious what the results will be. I can’t begin Chemo until the results are confirmed, which should be first of this week. I also had a port installed in my chest for the chemotherapy treatments. The same doctor performed both, and it was a painless experience. However, I have experienced some pain around the port post-surgery. Fortunately, Advil has alleviated most of the discomfort. I hardly experienced any discomfort from the biopsy.
  • I also went to look for wigs as I’m told I’ll lose my hair. I found one reasonably priced that I think I’ll get. They have to order my size. It’s shorter than I’ve been wearing my hair, but I felt it would be a good transition for when my hair begins to grow back. My hairstylist assured me she can cut and style it to look more like me.
Rachel trying on a wig prior to chemo treatments

Planned Course of Treatment

Here is the treatment plan. Praying that everything goes as planned.

  • 3 rounds of chemo, which will take me into July.
  • Surgery to remove all the cancer.
  • 3 more rounds of chemo, which will take me into November.

We had planned a trip to Italy in October, which will have to be canceled. I’m disappointed, but getting well is my top priority. I know I’ll have plenty of time to travel once this bump in the road is behind me.

Each week, I will document my experiences and how I feel. I know each person and situation is different, but if my documentation can help one person, it will be worth my time. It’s my goal to provide hope and encouragement, like I’ve already received from so many.

Three Important Things I’ve Learned So Far

  1. Believe in the power of prayer. Reach out immediately to family, friends, and acquaintances for prayer. Although you may not experience the miracle of a misdiagnosis, prayer can be answered in mysterious ways. I truly believe prayer has put the right people in my path, from encouragement and support to being led to the best doctors and healing path for my situation. I’ve experienced so many twists and turns on this short journey that I know it’s God’s plan.
  2. Ovarian cancer is not a death sentence (which was exactly what I thought upon hearing my diagnosis). I’ve learned that ovarian cancer responds well to chemo, and 75% of women will have a positive outcome. I’m still scared and worried about treatments, but I know I’ll get through this.
  3. Attitude is Everything! Keep a positive outlook, don’t listen to negative people, and definitely don’t try to research your diagnosis online. Dr. Gorsuch said, You can’t listen to what others are saying and what you’ve seen on TV and movies about cancer and chemo treatments. In her words “it’s all bulls***!” She is very blunt, but tells it like it is.

Next week, I have Blood Work to prepare for the Chemo, a Chemo Class, and a chest CT scan. Brad has attended all my doctor’s appointments and is with me every step of the way. He is my biggest cheerleader, making sure I eat well to build up my strength for what’s to come. When I begin chemo on Friday, May 16th, he will be by my side. I couldn’t make this journey without his support and faith that all would be okay.

Stay tuned, and I’ll try to give you an update as each week progresses.