Marti(Martha) // Stage 3C Ovarian Cancer

Age: 65 years old

From: Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

What treatments did you undergo during your journey? Chemotherapy and surgery.

What were your signs/symptoms leading up to your diagnosis? Almost none. But I did have constipation, some lower back pain, and some pain with sex.

How did cancer alter your lifestyle? Being that this was during covid and I was diagnosed on my birthday, it was mentally a kick in the butt. I knew no one in my family that had cancer, it was a total surprise to find out I tested positive for the BRAC2 gene, since no ones ever heard of my family having this gene. What upset me more than anything was that two of my three children also tested positive for the gene, along with one sister out of six siblings.

Any advice for those coming behind you? Never give up. Always look at your glass half full not empty.

Do you have a funny cancer story? Nope. There is nothing funny about cancer, especially during a pandemic.

Favorite quote, scripture or song? I don’t really have one but I have done mentor training and hopefully I can help someone else in my situation.

How did you hear about Brighter? How has it made a difference? I was given a magazine. I really enjoyed reading other people’s stories and it made me realize that I’m not alone.