Podcast Summary: "Ovarian Cancer at 21 Years Old"
Podcast Information:
- Title: We're All Insane
- Host/Author: Devorah Roloff
- Episode: Ovarian Cancer at 21 Years Old
- Release Date: January 27, 2025
- Description: A platform where real people share raw, unfiltered stories about their lives, challenges, and traumas that have shaped them. This episode features Lydia, a 21-year-old college senior, who bravely narrates her unexpected battle with ovarian cancer.
Introduction to Lydia’s Journey
Timestamp [05:10]
Lydia begins by introducing herself as a 21-year-old senior in college and delves into her unexpected diagnosis of ovarian cancer. She sets the stage by outlining the timeline of her illness, which commenced in January 2024 and continued through her college life without causing her to halt her academic and personal responsibilities.
Notable Quote:
“I have to graduate, I'm a student, there's things to get done.” — Lydia [05:23]
Initial Health Concerns and Vegetarianism
Timestamp [05:03] - [10:00]
Lydia explains that she became a vegetarian in her junior year of high school due to an unexplained intolerance to meat, which caused severe gastrointestinal symptoms resembling food poisoning. This dietary change initially seemed to stabilize her health, but over time, her sensitivity to meat increased, leading to recurring sickness whenever she consumed any type of meat, including chicken broth.
Notable Quote:
“I just couldn't eat any meat without like three, four days of sickness.” — Lydia [05:35]
January 2024: The Onset of Serious Symptoms
Timestamp [10:00] - [16:00]
In January 2024, Lydia experienced a significant health setback after inadvertently consuming rice made with chicken broth, resulting in prolonged illness lasting more than the usual three to four days. Persistent symptoms included weight loss and dehydration, prompting her to seek medical attention. However, her campus health services initially dismissed her concerns, attributing her condition to typical college fatigue and minor digestive issues.
Notable Quote:
“She just sprung it on me in this weird campus health doctor's office.” — Lydia [04:52]
April 2024: Urgent Care Incident and Diagnosis
Timestamp [16:00] - [31:35]
By mid-April, Lydia's symptoms escalated, leading to severe stomach cramps. An urgent night-time episode, exacerbated by a severe storm, caused her to collapse from pain attributed to ovarian torsion—a condition where the ovary twists, cutting off its blood supply. Despite the pain subsiding abruptly, her persistent symptoms led her to the emergency room. Initial scans suggested the possibility of appendicitis, but further investigation revealed large masses on both ovaries.
Notable Quotes:
“There is a huge mass in my stomach on my right ovary.” — Lydia [14:58]
“She was very adamant. And I think both Leon pushing me to the ER and having a male ER doctor… approached it not as... to make sure that you're okay.” — Lydia [11:06]
Surgical Interventions and Diagnosis Confirmation
Timestamp [31:35] - [46:32]
Lydia underwent her first laparoscopic surgery to remove the ovarian masses. The surgery was minimally invasive, involving small incisions and robotic assistance. Post-surgery, she discovered that the masses were borderline tumors—not benign but not rapidly malignant either. This result was shocking, compounded by the realization of having cancer at such a young age without any family history of the disease.
Subsequent ultrasounds and MRIs revealed the recurrence of tumors and their spread to her liver, necessitating a second surgery. This surgery was more extensive, removing the entire right ovary and fallopian tube, and part of the left ovary. The possibility of infertility emerged, leading Lydia to grapple with decisions about egg freezing—a process she ultimately postponed due to financial constraints and emotional readiness.
Notable Quote:
“The tumors... they were both very large tumors, and they're borderline tumors, which meant they weren't benign, but they weren't rapid growing malignant either.” — Lydia [31:21]
Emotional and Psychological Impact
Timestamp [46:32] - [62:17]
Throughout her journey, Lydia discusses the profound emotional toll of her diagnosis and treatment. The uncertainty of her condition, lack of clear causative factors, and the physical changes she endured contributed to significant psychological stress. Conversations about potential infertility with her boyfriend and family added layers of emotional complexity. Lydia emphasizes the importance of community support, self-advocacy in medical settings, and maintaining a positive mindset despite overwhelming circumstances.
Notable Quotes:
“Having to accept that this is actually happening to me.” — Lydia [19:36]
“There's strength in community, like whether you know people personally or not.” — Lydia [64:19]
Medical Challenges and Ongoing Monitoring
Timestamp [62:17] - [69:19]
Lydia outlines the continuous medical monitoring required for her condition, including regular ultrasounds and MRIs to track tumor growth and prevent recurrence. She discusses the resilience of her liver and the challenges of managing medical appointments while balancing college responsibilities. Despite the lack of a known cause for her cancer, Lydia remains hopeful and committed to her treatment plan, advocating for herself in medical settings to ensure comprehensive care.
Notable Quote:
“I am 21 years old with ovarian cancer. Like, what do you mean? I'm an otherwise healthy person.” — Lydia [24:42]
Advocacy and Sharing Her Story
Timestamp [69:19] - [73:00]
In the latter part of the episode, Lydia and Eduardo discuss the significance of sharing personal health journeys. Lydia expresses gratitude for the opportunity to speak openly about her cancer diagnosis, highlighting the therapeutic benefits of storytelling and the strength found in community support. She underscores the importance of self-advocacy in healthcare and the need for increased awareness and understanding of rare medical conditions.
Notable Quote:
“There is a power in sharing your story, and it's important to share your story... It helps people to process what they're going through by talking about it as well.” — Lydia [65:09]
“Advocacy for yourself and to not brush things off because this may have been a worst case scenario.” — Eduardo [59:36]
Conclusion and Final Thoughts
Timestamp [73:00] - End
The episode concludes with Lydia reflecting on her journey, acknowledging the ongoing challenges, and expressing hope for future updates. She emphasizes resilience, the importance of a supportive community, and the strength derived from sharing her experiences. Eduardo commends her bravery and positivity, reinforcing the message that sharing personal struggles can foster understanding and support for others facing similar battles.
Notable Quote:
“You're amazing and it shows. Seriously. And thank you so much.” — Eduardo [71:38]
“Just the importance of finding community and positivity and it's okay to... just talking about it and finding that light, I think has been the most helpful part in all of this.” — Lydia [69:48]
Key Takeaways:
- Self-Advocacy: Lydia’s story highlights the critical importance of advocating for one’s health, especially when initial medical consultations may overlook serious conditions.
- Community Support: Building a supportive network of friends, family, and medical professionals is vital in navigating the emotional and physical challenges of a cancer diagnosis.
- Emotional Resilience: Maintaining a positive mindset and finding ways to process emotions are essential for coping with unexpected life-altering events.
- Awareness and Education: Sharing personal health journeys can demystify rare conditions, reduce stigma, and provide hope and guidance to others in similar situations.
Final Thoughts: Lydia’s candid recounting of her struggle with ovarian cancer at such a young age serves as a powerful testament to human resilience and the importance of community support. Her story underscores the necessity for persistent self-advocacy in healthcare and the healing power of shared experiences.