Remembering Baby Sis’
Today, June 14th 2025 marks 27 years ago today and 12 days before my 27th birthday since my mom passed away from ovarian cancer. We lived in the projects in Garysburg, NC at that time. I often drove her to the hospital in Greenville. I had only been home from the Army maybe 4 or 5 years. My brothers and I searched nonstop for answers—juicing, researching, trying anything we thought might help. She was the glue of the family, especially when it came to holidays. Fourth of July wasn’t right without her Brunswick stew. Most all of us are familiar with the role of a highly impactful mom.
In this post, I want to share what that time was like. The signs we missed. The stuff we tried. And what I’ve learned since then—about ovarian cancer symptoms, treatments, and ways to help others facing this now.
My Mom’s Journey Begins
It started with bloating and fatigue—things that didn’t seem like a big deal at first. Life was hectic.
We bought a Jack LaLanne juicer and went all in on homemade juices—carrot, green veggie mixes, anything we thought would help. This was early internet days, so we’d spend hours searching for natural cancer cures. I still have that same juicer. We even tried stuff like shark cartilage. We were doing everything we could. The internet was fairly new around 97′, 98′. We tried and ordered what we found.
After a while, the hospital sent her home for good after staying a several times. I believe now that they knew the treatment wasn’t working. A few days later, my brother called. She needed to go back. After I got there, I walked into the house, saw the look on her face, as I past her room, and just knew. I didn’t even go in her room. At the time she was sitting in the room with my brothers girlfriend at the time. Turned around, got in the car, and drove. My phone wouldn’t stop ringing. That was the day we lost her.
Understanding Ovarian Cancer
So, what exactly is ovarian cancer?
It’s when abnormal cells start growing in the ovaries and can spread fast. The scary part? It’s hard to catch early.
Stages of ovarian cancer:
- Stage I: Cancer’s only in the ovaries.
- Stage II: It’s moved to nearby pelvic areas.
- Stage III: It’s spread to the abdomen or lymph nodes.
- Stage IV: It’s reached distant organs like the liver or lungs.
In the early stages, you might not even feel sick. That’s what makes it so dangerous.
Spotting Ovarian Cancer Symptoms
Looking back, missed signs. Here are the common ovarian cancer symptoms people should pay attention to:
- Bloating that doesn’t go away
- Pelvic or belly pain
- Feeling full too fast when eating
- Needing to pee more often
- Feeling tired all the time
- Backaches
- Constipation or changes in bathroom habits
Here’s when to take it seriously: If these symptoms last more than two weeks or keep coming back, it’s time to talk to your doctor. Especially if you’re over 50 or have a family history. A blood test called CA-125 and a transvaginal ultrasound are often used to check things out.
What Raises Your Risk?
Some things make ovarian cancer more likely:
- Being 50 or older
- Family history of ovarian or breast cancer
- BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene mutations
- Never having kids
- Hormone therapy or endometriosis
You can’t change your age or genes, but there are a few things you can do:
- Eat healthy and stay active
- Birth control (used long-term) may lower risk
- Ask about genetic testing if cancer runs in your family
Diagnosis & Treatment Options for Ovarian Cancer
Here’s how doctors usually check for ovarian cancer:
- Pelvic exam
- Transvaginal ultrasound
- CA-125 blood test
- Imaging (CT or MRI)
- Surgery to confirm diagnosis
Treatments recommended by doctors often include:
- Surgery to remove tumors or reproductive organs
- Chemotherapy, often using platinum-based meds
- Targeted treatments or clinical trials
- Immunotherapy (in some cases)
My mom tried whatever they were offering at the time. She was in research studies, hoping something might work.
The Emotional Rollercoaster
Ovarian cancer doesn’t just affect the body—it hits the heart and family too:
- Worry and stress become constant
- Roles change: one day you’re a son or daughter, the next a caregiver
- There’s always the “what if we had caught it sooner?” feeling
Ways to cope:
- Join a support group (online or local)
- Talk to a counselor or therapist
- Don’t try to do it all alone—lean on your people
- Keep their memory alive through stories, traditions, even meals
Every Fourth of July, we still talk about Mom’s Brunswick stew. That black pot outside with the wood fire under it is more than food—it’s a tribute.
There’s Still Hope for Ovarian Cancer
Ovarian cancer survival rates are better than they were back then. If caught early, the 5-year survival rate is around 90%. But if it’s found late, that number drops to about 30%.
Here’s what’s better today:
- Surgery is more advanced
- Immunotherapy is making waves
- Genetic screening helps catch cancer earlier in high-risk people
Even though my mom didn’t get these options, I believe everything we tried contributed to where things are now.
What You Can Do Right Now
Whether you’re dealing with ovarian cancer or just want to stay informed, here’s where to start:
1. Know the symptoms — Don’t brush off bloating or changes in appetite.
2. Learn your risk — Ask family members and look into genetic testing.
3. Speak up — If something doesn’t feel right, push for tests.
4. Build your team — Doctors, family, support groups—get people around you who care.
Learn more or support research at the Ovarian Cancer Research Alliance (ocrahope.org).
Remembering My Mom, 27 Years Later
It’s hard to believe it’s been almost three decades. But I still feel her around—at cookouts, in the kitchen, in quiet moments. Watching older TV shows like Sanford and Son, Andy Griffin. I still talk about that old juicer, the hospital trips, the day it all changed.
If this post helps even one person catch symptoms early or feel less alone, it’s worth it. That’s her legacy. That’s the power of telling our stories.
Final Thoughts
Ovarian cancer is sneaky. But knowledge gives us a fighting chance. We’ve come a long way since 1998. The medicine’s better. The science is smarter. Information is more prevalent. But the stories? They still matter most.
Do me a favor—share this. Talk to your people. Ask questions. Pay attention to your body. Let’s keep fighting this thing together.
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