A Minnesota resident, Becky Drexler, faced an unexpected diagnosis of ovarian cancer after her best friend, Connie Dahl, succumbed to the same disease. Dahl was diagnosed with stage 4 ovarian cancer in April 2015 at the age of 51 and passed in September 2017. During Dahl’s battle, Drexler supported her friend and volunteered with the Minnesota Ovarian Cancer Alliance (MOCA).
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After retiring in 2017, Drexler planned to embrace travel, gardening, volunteering, and spending quality time with loved ones. However, in July 2018, those plans were disrupted when she received a diagnosis of stage 3B high-grade serous ovarian cancer.
Drexler, aged 65 during the interview, initially ignored symptoms such as frequent urination, constipation, bloating, and hip pain, attributing them to aging. She shared with Fox News Digital how she ultimately sought medical advice due to signs she associated with her late friend Connie, including frequent sightings of dragonflies, which symbolized Connie to her.
“Dragonflies represent Connie to me since she passed, and I saw them everywhere. One particular moment on my patio led me to finally seek medical help.” – Becky Drexler
On her 57th birthday, Drexler’s doctor informed her of masses detected on her ovaries through a CT scan. She consulted an oncologist and underwent surgery shortly after.
Drexler underwent six chemotherapy sessions from September 2018 to January 2019 with support from her network, reflecting on her friend Connie’s vow to “live, laugh and love to the fullest.” This motto, coupled with MOCA support group discussions, provided strength throughout her treatment.
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In August 2020, Drexler experienced a recurrence of cancer, leading to surgery and a discussion with her oncologist about treatment options. She opted for targeted radiation therapy instead of chemotherapy, which resulted in a “no evidence of disease” (NED) status post-treatment.
Drexler started taking the PARP inhibitor Lynparza in January 2021, a therapy unavailable during Dahl’s treatment. While this kept her in NED status until February 2026, a recurrence was discovered, prompting a new treatment cycle.
In May 2026, Drexler began an 18-week regimen involving carboplatin, taxol, and avastin. A mid-treatment PET scan showed positive results, and future plans may include an antibody-drug conjugate maintenance plan.
Throughout her battle, Drexler remained active in MOCA, serving on its board and participating in cancer research initiatives, recognizing advancements that might have helped Dahl during her fight.
“I believe advancements in treatment have contributed to my survival. The early detection test for ovarian cancer remains an important research goal.” – Becky Drexler
Recognizing Ovarian Cancer Symptoms
Ovarian cancer, previously termed the “silent killer,” often progresses without notable symptoms. Dr. Brian M. Slomovitz from Mount Sinai Medical Center highlights that 75% of women are diagnosed at stages 3 or 4, though non-specific symptoms often occur early.
These may include abdominal discomfort, bloating, weight loss, and decreased appetite. Persistent or worsening symptoms over one to two weeks should prompt medical consultation.
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Drexler emphasizes self-advocacy, urging women to heed bodily signals. Ignoring symptoms under the guise of aging or stress can be detrimental. Consulting a gynecologic oncologist is vital for those diagnosed, as they specialize in cancer care.
Continued research into early detection and screening remains crucial, with stage 1 detection significantly increasing cure rates to nearly 90%.