September is Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month

September is Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month. Lets honor this month by becoming aware and educating friends and family about Ovarian Cancer.

We at Spirit Jump have gathered some useful information, common questions and answers, as well as personal stories from those who have and are battling Ovarian Cancer. Please take a moment to become aware by reading this post.

Common Questions About Ovarian Cancer

• What is Ovarian Cancer? ~Ovarian cancer is cancer in the ovaries. Women have two ovaries, one on each side of the uterus. Tumors found in the ovaries may be noncancerous tissue growths (cysts) or cancerous growths that may spread to other parts of the body.(this answer was found on WebMD)

• What are common signs of Ovarian Cancer? ~Bloating of the abdomen (anywhere between the bottom of the ribs and the area between the hip bones {pelvis}, from side to side). Pelvic or abdominal pain. Trouble eating or feeling full quickly (also known as early satiety).Urinary symptoms as might also be experienced with bladder infection, such as urinating more frequently, having to go urgently, or having pain with urination.(this answer was found on WebMD Blog)

• How is Ovarian Cancer Treated? ~The main treatments for ovarian cancer are surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy. In some cases 2 or even all 3 of these treatments will be used.(this answer was found on American Cancer Society Website)

• Who is at risk for Ovarian Cancer? ~As with most cancers, the risk of developing ovarian cancer increases as you get older. Most cases are in women who have had their menopause. Apart from getting older, your risk of ovarian cancer may be increased by: family history of cancer, having breast cancer, being infertile or having fertility treatments, using hormone replacement therapy HRT, being over weight or tall, having endometriosis, using talcum powder, smoking, saturated fat ( this answer was found on Cancer Research UK)
  

• How can I prevent Ovarian Cancer?~There have been no sure ways to prevent Ovarian Cancer and research is still being conducted in this area. Some suggestions are: use of oral contraceptives, dietary modification and exercise, pregnancy & breast feeding, genetic counseling, tubal ligation and ovary removal. (this answer was found on Oncology Channel Website)

If there are any questions or information not listed here that you would like to share PLEASE leave it in the comment. The only way we can become aware is by sharing our knowledge.

Jumpee's Battling Ovarian Cancer


Pamela K.

43yr old mother of 3 boys (16,13,5). Pamela was diagnosed in February 2006 with 3rd stage Ovarian cancer. Immediately she was subjected to multiple surgeries and 6 rounds of chemotherapy. Pamela then went into remission until October of 2008. Again she went into surgery and started more chemotherapy. August (2009) blood work confirmed the cancer was again active and growing. Now Pamela is facing surgery and radiation.





Crystal F.



Crystal is 26 years of age and has stage 3C Ovarian Cancer. She was diagnosed at 22 years old on Nov 15, 2005 and has been undergoing chemotherapy ever since. On September 2nd Crytal was declared in partial remission. Her doctor said she will probably never be in full remission. Crystal will most likely need to be on chemo for the rest of her life, but with breaks in between.





Jenny M.

Jenny is a Spirit Jumper & Ovarian cancer fighter. Last month we received a message from Jenny that she is in ICU & her liver was failing. The doctors were very concerned that her liver would go into complete failure. Because Jenny has cancer she is not a candidate for a liver transplant. Jenny is out of the ICU and continuing to improve. However, her fight is not over and she is in and out of the hospital on a weekly basis.

Jessica L

Up until this point of the story, Jesica may sound just like many of you mothers out there - and she is, all while fighting a horrific battle with Ovarian Cancer. She was originally diagnosed in June, 2006 and has unfortunately had three recurrences since then resulting in Jesica having to undergo difference three surgeries as well as a hysterectomy. Jesica was recently informed that her cancer was terminal. You can visit Jesica's blog http://www.pixiemarierose.blogspot.com/

Diane R (in the center of photo)

diagnosed with stage 4 primary peritoneal carcinoma in May of 2008. It is a very rare and aggressive form of ovarian cancer. The prognosis for this stage of cancer is appx 1 year. The cancer started in the lining of her abdomen and spread to her right lung. She had a complete hysterectomy. Diane has had chemo. Her cancer was now end stage.

The above are only a few of our Jumpee's who are battling Ovarian Cancer. If you would like to read ALL Jumpee stories you can do so by clicking on Jumpee's at the top of this page. If you would like to send a card or small gift to any of these brave women please send us an email: spiritjumper@spiritjump.com