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Facing Ovarian Cancer and the Complexities of Motherhood in Renata’s Story
It was a routine checkup that turned Renta’s life upside down. Just weeks before she moved from Brazil to The United States, she found herself lying face-up on the examination table. Suddenly, her OB-GYN’s expression shifts from routine professionalism to concern as the doctor discovers a vascularized cyst on Renata's left ovary.
This is not intended to provide medical advice. The interview has been edited for clarity and length. Please consult your doctor for any health-related concerns.
“You need to get this checked out as soon as you arrive in the U.S.,” the doctor advised. Little did Renata know, that this experience marked the beginning of a challenging health journey that led her to become an ovarian cancer survivor and a devoted mother of two.
Throughout her journey, Renata confronts medical gaslighting and learns to navigate the complexities of motherhood after cancer. Her story reflects the importance of pushing for answers, illuminating the often-overlooked symptoms of ovarian cancer and the importance of listening to one's body.
Early Symptoms of Ovarian Cancer
“I had bloating, explosive diarrhea, and abdominal pain. The doctors never thought about ovarian cancer.”
A vascularized cyst was discovered on Renata's left ovary. “If you asked me at the time if I had any ovarian cancer symptoms, I would say I did not,” she recalls. However, reflecting on her past, she admits there were signs that medical professionals ignored. “I had bloating, explosive diarrhea, and abdominal pain. The doctors never thought about ovarian cancer.”
After arriving, a physician recommended surgery to remove the cyst, which measures seven centimeters. Renata opted for surgery in Brazil, where she had established a trusting relationship with her doctor. During the procedure, a gynecological oncologist noted the cyst appeared unusual and decided to remove it. The pathology report revealed a granulosa cell tumor, marking a shocking turn in Renata's life. “I was a newlywed and had been planning to start a family,” she states.
Medical Gaslighting While Seeking a Diagnosis
“The only question that I had in my mind was, will I be alive in five years?”
The diagnosis of ovarian cancer plunged Renata into a whirlwind of emotions and uncertainty about her future. “The only question that I had in my mind was, will I be alive in five years?” she shares, highlighting the distress accompanying her diagnosis. Her experience was not unique; many women with ovarian cancer faced similar dismissals by medical professionals. Renata encountered multiple instances of medical gaslighting throughout her journey.
“During my journey, I got dismissed twice,” she explains. The first incident occurred when she sought help for her gastrointestinal symptoms. The gastroenterologist did not consider ovarian cancer as a possible diagnosis.
“We always say to other women, if you feel something is off with your body, it’s probably off for their body,” she advises."
Later, after discovering a recurrence of her tumor, Renata again faced dismissal when trying to schedule an appointment. “I had a ball in my abdomen wall that I could feel from the outside,” she states. Despite her this, she was told to see her primary care physician instead of her gynecologist. Fortunately, after advocating for herself, she found a physician who provided the care she needed.
The Importance of Self-Advocacy
Renata's experiences prompted her to become an advocate for ovarian cancer awareness. She joined the Ovarian Cancer Alliance and participated in the National Ovarian Cancer Alliance’s “Survivors Teaching Students” program. This initiative educates medical students about the subtle symptoms of ovarian cancer, emphasizing the need for increased awareness among healthcare providers. “We always say to other women, if you feel something is off with your body, it’s probably off for their body,” she advises.
Embracing Motherhood After Cancer
Following her treatment, Renata and her husband expressed a strong desire to start a family. After her first surgery, they began trying to conceive, although uncertainty loomed over how her ovarian cancer history would affect her ability to have children. “My doctors were supportive, but we knew we were entering uncharted territory,” she notes.
Although it was sad, it gave us hope that maybe I could conceive again."
A few months after her last surgery, Renata became pregnant but unfortunately suffered a miscarriage at eight weeks. “Although it was sad, it gave us hope that maybe I could conceive again,” she reflects. This glimmer of optimism propelled her forward in her journey toward motherhood.
An Unmedicated Birth Experience
Renata's first son was born in 2015 through an unmedicated birth. “I didn’t have a birth plan; my focus was on staying healthy,” she states. As labor progressed rapidly, Renata described the intensity of the experience. “I was able to sleep through most of it, but the pain intensified quickly,” she explains
“At that moment, it was love from there on. He’s my soulmate.”
The moment her water broke was surprising. “I thought my kid was in the toilet,” she recalls, remembering the panic of that moment. Ultimately, the birth experience was transformative. “It was a combination of factors that helped me have a successful unmedicated birth,” Renata shares. She practiced prenatal yoga and utilized a yoga ball during early labor, which contributed to her ability to manage the pain. After the birth, she felt a profound connection with her son. “At that moment, it was love from there on. He’s my soulmate,” she expresses.
Challenges of Postpartum Depression and Anger
Renata’s journey continued with the birth of her second son, just 14 months after her first. While she was excited, the postpartum experience was different this time. “I had a tougher time connecting with my second baby,” she admits. The emotional connection was not as immediate, and Renata experienced postpartum depression and postpartum anger, compounded by feelings of inadequacy.
“I felt like a monster; I didn’t recognize myself."
The American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology (ACOG), the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), and the American Medical Association recommend screening for postpartum depression through a questionnaire.
"I felt overwhelmed and embarrassed to fill out the postpartum questionnaire,” she reflected. “I tried to make things look better than they were for me then.” Ultimately, it took time for her to advocate for herself and acknowledge her feelings. During a Zoom consultation with her primary care physician, she admitted, “I feel that I’m drowning and experiencing postpartum anger.”
Renata described the anger she felt as a symptom of her depression, highlighting how it manifested in her interactions with loved ones. “I felt like a monster; I didn’t recognize myself,” she shared. With time and treatment, she learned to manage her feelings and advocate for her mental health.
A Message of Hope and Advocacy
Renata's journey through ovarian cancer, motherhood, and postpartum challenges serves as a testament to the power of self-advocacy. As she approached ten years of no evidence of disease, she emphasized the importance of speaking up and seeking help. “Motherhood is incredibly hard. If you feel something is off, try to advocate for yourself,” she advises. "Don't settle for a provider who won't listen."
