Strange symptom and a "weird" referral led to surprise Stage 4 cancer diagnosis
Summary
Kate Ping, a 69-year-old woman, was diagnosed with Stage 4 ovarian cancer after a nurse practitioner ordered a CT scan for her abdominal bloating. She underwent chemotherapy, surgery, and immunotherapy, leading to improved health and a reduction in cancer risk.Key Facts
- Kate Ping noticed bloating and tenderness in her abdomen but initially did not seek medical help.
- A nurse practitioner ordered a CT scan instead of a colonoscopy, which revealed Stage 4 ovarian cancer.
- Stage 4 ovarian cancer means the disease has spread through the body and has about a 30% five-year survival rate.
- Symptoms of ovarian cancer can be subtle and often resemble menopause or mild digestive issues.
- Treatment involved chemotherapy to shrink tumors, surgery to remove cancer cells, and immunotherapy to prevent recurrence.
- Ping experienced side effects like hair loss, nausea, and fatigue during chemotherapy.
- She was encouraged by positive updates from her oncologist, Dr. Premal Thaker.
- The nurse practitioner who ordered the scan took the step because she lost a friend to ovarian cancer that went undetected.
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