Rachel Danchek, a 31-year-old from Pittsburgh, endured years of debilitating symptoms like extreme bloating, brain fog, heavy periods, and night sweats, dismissing them as typical menstrual woes. She normalized the discomfort, managing it with heating pads, painkillers, and acupuncture, and adapting her work schedule to accommodate the worst days of her cycle. The severity of her symptoms, however, significantly impacted her quality of life, often confining her to her home and making even simple tasks like driving anxiety-inducing.
The turning point came when Danchek and her husband decided to start a family. After a year of unsuccessful attempts to conceive, Danchek sought medical advice, focusing her concerns on infertility. While her initial gynecological examinations revealed no abnormalities, her persistence led to a referral to a fertility specialist. Subsequent tests, including a CA 125 blood test and an internal ultrasound, uncovered a grapefruit-sized mass on her left ovary. Given her young age, the specialist initially suspected endometriosis.
The discovery of the ovarian mass marked a shift from managing discomfort to confronting a potentially life-altering diagnosis. In February 2024, Danchek underwent laparoscopic surgery to determine the nature of the mass. The surgery confirmed her worst fears: she had ovarian cancer. The days following the surgery were filled with anxiety and uncertainty as she awaited the final staging of her cancer. The diagnosis ultimately revealed stage 3 high-grade ovarian cancer, a devastating blow to Danchek’s hopes of starting a family.
Danchek’s journey took a dramatic turn with the confirmation of her cancer diagnosis. The news was overwhelming, leaving her grappling with the possibility of her own mortality. However, amidst the despair, a glimmer of hope emerged. Her doctor categorized her cancer as a “favorable stage 3,” suggesting that treatment was possible. This provided a much-needed lifeline, motivating Danchek to pursue aggressive treatment while also safeguarding her future dreams of motherhood. Before commencing chemotherapy, she took the proactive step of freezing her eggs and creating embryos, preserving the possibility of having children in the future.
Danchek’s treatment regimen consisted of five grueling rounds of chemotherapy and surgery to remove an ovary and her appendix. The experience was physically and emotionally taxing, leaving her feeling disoriented and weakened. Despite the arduous journey, Danchek maintained hope and focused on her long-term goals. Thankfully, her uterus was unaffected by the cancer, allowing for the possibility of carrying a child in the future. While the couple plans to use a surrogate for their first child, Danchek remains optimistic about carrying their second child once her treatment is complete and she is off medication.
Danchek’s experience underscores the importance of persistent advocacy for one’s health. Her initial symptoms, often dismissed as common menstrual issues, ultimately masked a serious underlying condition. Her story highlights the challenges of diagnosing ovarian cancer, as symptoms are often vague and easily mistaken for other conditions. Dr. Aparna Kamat, Director of the Division of Gynecologic Oncology for Houston Methodist, emphasizes the need for women to pay close attention to the persistence and severity of symptoms, especially if they are new or cyclical. The BEACH acronym – Bloating, Early satiety, Abdominal pain and distention, Change in bowel and bladder habits, and Heightened fatigue – provides a helpful mnemonic for remembering potential ovarian cancer symptoms. Danchek’s story serves as a powerful reminder that women know their bodies best and should persist in seeking answers when something feels amiss. Since her diagnosis, Danchek has become a vocal advocate for ovarian cancer awareness, sharing her story on social media platforms like Instagram and TikTok to empower other women to advocate for their health. She encourages women to trust their instincts, prioritize their well-being, and seek medical attention if they experience persistent or unusual symptoms.
