Name: Karen C. Jensen
Age: 68 years young
Occupation: homemaker
Date of diagnosis: March 2012 had surgery to remove a 22 cm tumor – had 6 chemo treatments – in remission until August 2014 – cancer returned with a high CA 125 count and small tumors on my bladder, colon, and liver – removed in September 2015 and chemo beginning again
Type of diagnosis: Stage 3 Ovarian Cancer
Date of last treatment: 2nd treatment series with last treatment tomorrow, June 8, 2015 YEA!
What events lead up to your diagnosis, or, how did you discover what you were suffering from was cancer?
I felt I was gaining weight around my tummy and realized I had actually been losing weight but had large extension in the abdomen area.
What were your main concerns after being diagnosed?
That I night not be cured was my biggest fear.
How did your family react to the news?
Extremely supportive and loving and beside me at all times.
Hope did you cope emotionally?
I have a lot of faith in God, and I just felt he was in control and no matter what I would be okay.
What is the underlying message or takeaway you learned from your experience with cancer?
To stay strong, never give up and fight! And you must always be your own advocate.
How important was your relationship with your nurse/caregiver?
The hospital caregivers were always supportive but it was my husband and family, who encouraged med and kept me strong and going with their love and faith in me.
As a survivor, what are your thoughts about current support and resources available for survivors?
There are many supportive groups and online commentary information to help with just about any questions you might have, almost too much…after a while things become overwhelming.
How long were you in treatment? What helped keep your spirits up and gave you support during this period?
1st diagnosis I had 6 treatments; 1 per month – 2nd diagnosis I am undergoing 9 treatments – 1 per month Being positive, exercising and pushing myself to never give up.
What was your first reaction when you were told that you had cancer?
Shock and unbelief as I didn’t think it would happen to me…I exercised and ate healthy.
The first emotion when finished with active treatment?
Thankful and blessed.
How did you find the strength to go through the treatments?
Knowing God is in control and that we all will die; but believing it was not my time. I stayed positive and knew I would fight and continue to do all possible to live.
What did friends or family members do or say that meant the most to you?
They prayed for me and reached out with words that they loved me and had confidence that I could overcome this disease, helped me to believe I could.
What was your motivation ?
My family and love of life.
How important is it for a family member or friends to be with you?
Very, and if not physically here with me, they were in prayer and in my heart letting me know they love me.
Did you learn anything new while you were in the hospital?
I learned that the caregivers in the hospital truly care that I was cared for and helped in any way they could make me comfortable or knowledgeable about the fight to become healthy and beat cancer!
Does their cancer center have a survivorship program?
I’m not sure of a survivorship program, but nutritionist and counselors came in to talk with me and assured me if I had/needed anyone, they were there for me. Help is always available somewhere.
