Last October, I joined a club I never wished to be part of. At 40, I am a wife and mother of a toddler, and have worked as a journalist with Fox News for 15 years. I am now a member of the cancer club. Just after celebrating my birthday, I was diagnosed with metastatic appendiceal cancer. My reaction was as expected: everything went blank as my oncologist explained the scientific terms, treatment plan, and potential side effects of chemotherapy. I was stunned to learn that appendix cancer is a reality.
A study reveals an increase in cancer diagnoses among younger people, especially certain types.
As I processed the diagnosis, emotions like fear, despair, anger, and betrayal surfaced—how could my body turn against me?
The Beginning
In early June, I experienced dull abdominal pain. Cancer never crossed my mind, which is common for someone my age. My husband Jay and I, along with our daughter Sage, continued as usual. I attributed the discomfort to dietary habits. But as months passed, the pain intensified. Familiar with my body after 40 years, this felt different even compared to cramps or emergency surgeries.
Still convinced it was diet-related, I visited my doctor. Her initial suspicion was dietary, but she ordered a CT scan. I often think about what if she hadn’t? The pain wasn’t severe, and I might have carried on, allowing the cancer to spread.
The Diagnosis
After the CT scan, my doctor called unexpectedly. She urged me to see a gynecological oncologist immediately, suspecting ovarian cancer. I was home alone with my daughter and felt numb. It wasn’t news I anticipated receiving.
That night was filled with fear and confusion. My husband and I struggled to accept the possibility. I sought a second opinion from Dr. Nicole Saphier, a trusted colleague and radiologist. Although she confirmed the presence of cancer, its type remained uncertain. A mass showed on the scan, yet its exact location was unclear.
Further Tests and Discoveries
Within days, I met with an oncologist at Memorial Sloan Kettering. A month of tests, surgeries, and tears followed until a rare diagnosis was confirmed. Just two years prior, during pregnancy, I needed emergency lung surgery after a lung collapse. Tearful moments are frequent, and I question how many tears one body can produce. While I want to smash plates, I know it won’t help, so I focus on recovery.
I was previously diagnosed with Lymphangioleiomyomatosis (LAM), a rare lung disease affecting women during childbearing years. Facing not one but two rare diseases in less than two years was unfathomable. In my life before these, I’d only experienced the flu. The odds were against encountering such diseases.
Prior to chemotherapy, harvesting eggs was an option, but I chose not to. Blessed with a healthy daughter after all I’ve endured, I focused on treatment to ensure my longevity for her. I’ve completed seven chemotherapy rounds with five more to go. Surgery might follow. Chemo is harsh, yet I recover quickly and feel good in between sessions.
Living Beyond the Illness
For about ten days between treatments, I can live as if I didn’t have cancer, which is crucial for my health. We celebrate as a family after each round. Anticipating these joyful moments helps counter the severity of treatment. The alternative would be living from treatment to treatment in constant fear.
I hold faith over fear, drawing strength from my miraculous daughter—a reminder of beauty after trauma. My cousin Kelsey, who overcame Stage 4 neuroblastoma and later breast cancer, also inspires me. Her experiences show that overcoming severe health battles is possible.
Despite cancer, I remain a multifaceted person. I have lived 40 years without it. I’m a child of God, a mother, wife, daughter, sister, and journalist. I love the outdoors, skating, snowboarding, and music. Although I am now a cancer patient, I pray for the day I can declare myself a cancer conqueror.
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