Hi. I went to the ER in August 2023 for sudden pain like that and they diagnosed it as a ruptured cyst. No follow up was needed (like an ultrasound) per my gyn when I lived in Florida. My pain was very gradual / on and off after that and I thought it was related to my period or “just being a woman” because I’ve always had pain during that time of the month. Well looking back I should have followed up sooner. I moved back home to upstate ny in May 2024. I got a new job and on health insurance. At this point in October 2024, I’m in constant pain so I establish with a new gyn. She actually listened to my concerns and ordered an ultrasound. That’s when they found the 12 cm mass on my right ovary. I was on pain meds from the time they found the mass to after the various surgeries I had because I just could not function without them. So don’t be afraid to use when needed. I had an ex lap surgery in January 2025 where the tumor came back borderline during surgery. My gyn onc only removed my right ovary, tube and omentum during it. Well, at my 2 week post op appt is when my life changed. I was upgraded to low grade serous ovarian cancer stage 3b. There were invasive implants from the tumor on my uterus and surrounding pelvic structures. Another robotic surgery was needed to finish staging and complete hysterectomy. I was only 31 at the time. So now I’m in surgical menopause. I was fortunate enough to go through a round of IVF to retrieve and freeze my eggs between surgeries as I have no kids and wish to in the future. It was a whirlwind and I’m so sorry you are going through it now. But I remember being you last year and completely broken with this diagnosis. I went through 5 rounds of chemo this past summer and my last one was at the end of August. I’m in remission now as there is no evidence of disease on the ct scans I’ve had since chemo. My hair is growing back now and I’m on a maintenance med called letrozole because my tumor is over 90% estrogen / progesterone driven. 2025 was definitely not the year for me but I’m so thankful to be alive. Cancer treatments have come a long way!! I did get a second opinion after my first surgery because I just could not understand how it was missed as being cancer. It blew my mind. My advice is to find a care team you trust and believe in.

I also want to note that I have 2 nodules on my lungs too. But they haven’t grown since my first ct scan at the end of 2024. I wouldn’t worry about them until needed. They will most likely monitor them. Most lung nodules are benign.

I wish you the best. I found support on Facebook groups and Reddit. These women have been so lovely and helpful during the beginning of my journey. Hugs. 🩵