"My last day of work as an in-home senior caregiver was February 8, 2013. Before that I had cared for children and adults with special needs. Now I am the one needing care"
After experiencing abdominal discomfort for a month, a scan in the ER suggested she might have ovarian cancer. The next six weeks were consumed with tests, doctor appointments and preparations for surgery.
"During that time I enlisted the support of many prayer warriors, which gave me peace about whatever lay ahead." she said.
Corinne had surgery on Valentine's Day. It was confirmed she had ovarian cancer, stage IIIc and it had spread throughout her abdomen. A total abdominal hysterectomy and removal of ovaries and fallopian tubes. After surgery the doctors said that all visible signs of cancer had been removed.
The surgery was rough, the the recovery was worse and three days later she ended up back in intensive care fighting for life with a nasty respiratory condition. She had a rough time of it with memory loss, hearing loss, muscle strength and nerve damage. But she says after all that she was finally home and that is when she began her warrior quest.
"Then I started the fight of my life."
In her first round of treatment she had 27 weeks of chemo. She then did water therapy to regain strength only to have a reoccurrence and get back on chemo. Now chemo is just a part of her survival.
"I have tried to stay positive and hopeful with a smile on my face. I like to wear hats and t-shirts with encouraging messages, especially when I go to the infusion center. One of my hats has a sparkly dragonfly on it. The dragonfly represents hope and the sparkles bring smiles."
She wears reminders to stay positive. Sayings on t-shirts and hats meant to inspire her and others to put forth positive thoughts. Things like hats with 'Believe' with the letters L-I-V-E highlighted, 'Don't Give Up The Spirit' shirt, a shirt that says 'Just Breathe' on the front, with the 't' in "just" forming a big cross. The back says 'One breath, one step, one day at a time'.
"That is my mantra!"
While recovering in the hospital after being in the ICU, one of the doctors asked Corinne what her goal was for that day and she said "to just breathe".
"My full time job has been to take care of me and continue this fight to the best of my ability."
She said Ovarian Cancer is thought of as a chronic disease. Therefore, she and her doctors and nurses work hard to stay on top of the lingering cells that keep trying to grow. Frequent blood tests, exams, scans and procedures are part of her life now.
"Cancer does not define me, but is part of who I am."
She says she endures the side affects and difficult days after treatment because she knows the chemo is working and there are better days ahead.
"The battle goes on so that life may go on."
Last year Corinne was able to witness her daughter's wedding and spend another week visiting her son in Rhode Island. This year she hopes to visit her other son in California.
"I live in hope, because there is so much more living to be done! Like Hallmark says, "Life is a Special Occasion".
Corinne says she is so grateful for her faithful husband who has been on this journey every step of the way. And for the love and support of her children and extended family.
"Through the kindnesses shown me from friends, I have learned how to be a supportive friend to others during their times of trial. My faith in God and the loving prayers on my behalf have lifted me up and helped me battle on. I am daughter, sister, aunt, wife, mom, friend, survivor. Not just survivor, but a walking, talking miracle!
I am Teal Warrior!"
(Teal is the color for ovarian cancer.)
Extra!
Corinne says she wants to educate others about Ovarian Cancer which is most often not diagnosed until stage III or IV.
The following symptoms are most common according to the Ovarian Cancer National Alliance:
Bloating
Pelvic or abdominal pain
Difficulty eating or feeling full quickly
Urinary symptoms (urgency or frequency)
See your doctor, preferably a gynecologist, if you have these symptoms more than 12 times during the course of one month or if the symptoms are new or unusual for you.
She said her abdominal pain and bloating was ongoing and got worse. By the time she had surgery she was actually anxious for relief. She also suggests if the doctor determines further exploration is necessary to request a referral to a gynecologic oncologist.
"I had my surgery and continue treatment at Roswell Park Cancer Institute in Buffalo. Cleveland and Pittsburgh are also options. Now there are Pittsburgh gyn/oncs who treat at UPMC Hamot's Women's Hospital on a rotating basis."