When I was diagnosed in September of 2014 with stage 4 terminal ovarian cancer I honestly never thought I would see the beginning of the new decade and the beginning of the year that would see me turning age 50!!!

But as the year of 2019 progressed so quickly I started to believe that I may see the year of 2020 and come this September I may see myself turning 50.

On September 3, 2014, I was diagnosed with stage four high grade serous ovarian cancer; the most common type of ovarian cancer and also the most fatal. I was 43 years old. I had no risk factors for ovarian cancer that I was aware of at the time. No family history except for a paternal great aunt who had breast cancer and survived. Instead, I had lived a life that should have protected me from ovarian cancer.

Hi All, I returned to the chemo chair about four months ago due to increased symptoms, multiple hospitalizations for small bowel obstructions and an increasing tumor marker that was seriously concerning my oncologist and therefore was concerning to me.

Every year around Halloween I manage to catch the Wizard of Oz on television and settle in for an evening with one of my favorite movies. This year, I have thus far failed to find a viewing of this classic movie. I felt sad and I reflected on what is it about The Wizard of Oz that enchants me year after year? (I’ve watched it for more years than I care to admit…ok, its been over 40 years)