A mother of two was taken aback when her doctors expressed concern over symptoms she assumed were related to a sinus infection.
Earlier this year, Jessica Gilbert was preparing for a family vacation to Disney World in Florida, a special Christmas gift for her children. As the trip approached, Jessica began to feel unwell.
“I woke up with a fever, and I thought it was a sinus infection because I had a stuffy head all week,” she explained.
She further shared with ABC News: “I decided to go to my [primary care] doctor to get COVID, flu, [and] RSV tests, and they all came back negative.”
After a few days, Jessica’s condition showed some improvement, and she informed her doctor of her intention to proceed with the trip to Florida as planned. However, her doctor surprised her by recommending a visit to the emergency room for additional testing.
At the ER, a doctor suggested the possibility of ovarian cancer.
“The whole world just stood still,” Jessica recalled. “I was just totally shocked. [I had] no family history. I didn’t know any of the signs for ovarian cancer. I just didn’t know anything about it at all.”
She also told WLTL: “I didn’t really know the symptoms for ovarian cancer. And since I don’t have family history, I just really didn’t think anything of it.”
Jessica was subsequently diagnosed with stage 3 ovarian cancer.
According to ABC News, ovarian cancer develops in the tissues of the ovaries, which are responsible for producing eggs and hormones.
The Cleveland Clinic lists symptoms of ovarian cancer as pelvic and abdominal pain, changes in eating habits, abnormal vaginal discharge or bleeding, bowel changes, bloating, and increased frequency of urination.
The National Cancer Institute reports that approximately 1.1 percent of women will receive an ovarian cancer diagnosis during their lifetime.
As of 2022, around 243,572 women in the US were living with ovarian cancer.
In Jessica’s situation, she underwent several cycles of chemotherapy and surgery. She is now on targeted maintenance therapy using medications.
Individuals with ovarian cancer may also receive hormone therapy and radiation therapy.
Jessica’s brother has launched a GoFundMe page to assist with her medical expenses. You can contribute here.
If you need support or wish to discuss these issues confidentially, contact the American Cancer Society at 1-800-227-2345 or use their live chat service, available 24/7 every day of the year.