I was lucky, when I had an unexplained pain in my side, my internist sent me to a gastroenterologist who performed an abdominal CT scan. The scan showed a mass on my left ovary. My internist immediately followed up and sent me to a gynecologist. A CA125 test was negative but the doctor said I should have to ovary removed. I did and pathology showed cancer cells inside the ovary. Ovarian Cancer staging surgery mine was caught at a Stage 1A. After the fact the doctor said if they had performed an Inhibin blood test at the same time, the cancer probably would have shown up. Women who treat with a gynecological oncologist have a better survivor rate than those who treat with their gynecologist. I am a one-year survivor but know because my cancer was diagnosed and treated so early, I have an excellent survival rate.

thanks for sharing this story. It's very inspiring. I did not have a *feminine* cancer...but rather one more common in males. Hodgkin's Lymphoma but because of it and things like this I try to make myself MORE aware and I'll certainly be on watch for anything out of the ordinary. It's so important to get awareness out there. I had symptoms for four years before I knew for sure. I also was made to feel crazy. =/

jankickingcancer (13 months ago)
I began my cancer journey in November 2007. I've had one major surgery and 8 rounds of chemo! I agree: demand a CA125 and an ultrasound! It's worth it! I don't want anyone to go through what I've gone through. I have now had three clear CT scans and taking a study drug vaccine! I was stage 4. I feel good and trying to get my life back! Way to go Kathy and all of you women who have this dreadful ovarian cancer! Stay strong and be positive. That's half the battle! God Bless all of you!

It is so rare to see a TV commercial about ovarian cancer that I get teary-eyed when I do see one. Andie McDowell is the only one that I've seen. I have Stage 3c ovarian cancer and am just shy of being a 3 year survivor. Thank you to Kathy Bates for sharing her story and for the way she speaks of it. Except for an abrupt and extreme pain in the area of my ovary, I feel there were no symptoms. Luckily, I had a pelvic and vaginal ultrasound within 3 days and was scheduled for exploratory surgery. I STRESS to anyone: get an onocologist gynecologist, do not utilize a gynecologist. This can save your life.

If you're reading this you probably know you gave ovarian cancer. Tests are not always the answer. My CA125 was normal. When they were removing my ovarian tumor it looked benign like the other one I had removed 12 years ago. It wasn't until the frozen section came back that the gynecologist & gyn surgical oncologist discovered I had cancer. The final irony is I am married to an oncologist. What kind of cancer you have (how aggressive) & what stage it is matters so much. I HAD NO SYMPTOMS other than the frequent urination I have had since my first pregnancy 25 years ago. I felt the mass which grew quickly. It's true there's little research & very little information out there because it's all so mysterious.

I am actually crying right now. I am a 1 year survivor of this disease. Watching that interview made me so emotional and happy at the same time. Happy that now somebody famous knows what we are going through and is going to help us spread the word about Ovarian Cancer. I had no clue what any of the symptoms were and now with Kathy's help we can get the word out to more women out there so they can fight this and win! Thank you Kathy for doing that interview. THANK YOU VERY MUCH!!!

Good for Kathy Bates! I am a 17 year survivor of ovarian cancer, a nasty, nasty disease. I know how blessed I am to be alive. How wonderful to have a vibrant, intelligent, beautiful actress come forward to help get the word out.

So little press, so little research -- yet this is one of deadliest cancers a woman can get. Thank you, Kathy Bates, for adding your voice to our cause. May you be blessed with good health for years to come.

I'm a 6-year survivor of Stage III ovarian cancer.. I was misdiagnosed and told I was crazy so many times, I am sure that if I was diagnosed properly in the beginning I would not be left with all the permanant damage that I got from the 8 months of chemo and the many surgeries I needed. Ladies - you MUST demand a CA125 test from your gyn. if I had been taken seriously and was given this test earlier I would never have had to go through what I did. Men get their prostates checked as part of their routine physicals. Why do we stand to be treated as second-class citizens?????!!!!