I wanted to share an update on how things went with my surgery and what the doctors found. The procedure was part of my treatment for advanced ovarian cancer and included several steps to remove remaining cancer and deliver heated chemotherapy (HIPEC) directly into my abdomen.
What the Doctors Did:
– Removed my uterus, ovaries, fallopian tubes, and nearby tissues
– Took biopsies to check for any remaining cancer
– Performed HIPEC (a specialized chemo treatment during surgery)
What They Found:
– Chemo worked really well! There was very little cancer left.
– Only small areas of disease remained — a small mass on one ovary and tiny spots in the abdomen, which they fully removed.
– The cancer had not spread to other organs or distant areas.
– No cancer was found in the lymph nodes or in the fluid around my organs.
What the Lab Results Say:
– The main cancer type is called high-grade serous carcinoma, which is common in ovarian cancer.
– All visible tumor was removed — the doctors call this an R0 resection, which is the best possible surgical outcome.
– The tissue showed good response to chemo — some areas had only scarring or signs of healing, not active cancer.
Stage & Outcome:
– Based on everything, my cancer stage is now IIIB, meaning it had spread locally but not to distant parts of my body.
– My team is very encouraged by the results, and I’ll continue with the next phase of treatment.
Looking Ahead:
I’ll begin my second round of chemotherapy next week. The plan is to complete just two more treatments, bringing me to a total of six rounds. My personal goal is to be NED (no evidence of disease) by the fall equinox — a time of balance and renewal.
Because I carry a BRCA1 genetic mutation, I will begin a targeted maintenance treatment with a PARP inhibitor called Lymparza (olaparib) after chemotherapy. This therapy is designed to prevent recurrence by blocking cancer cell repair. I’ll be taking Lymparza for 1–2 years as part of a clinical study — a promising step forward in personalized cancer care.
Gratitude & Grace:
This journey has tested every part of me — body, mind, and spirit. I am filled with gratitude for the incredible care I’ve received, the support of my family and friends, and most of all, the grace of God that has carried me through. Each step has reminded me that healing is not only physical — it is spiritual, emotional, sacred, and transformative.
Thank you for all the love, encouragement, and prayers. I am so blessed to have you all in this life.
Fireside with Sarah. 