ST. LOUIS — It's an unexpected bond.
A patient-doctor friendship was formed after an unforeseen diagnosis.
Randalynn Vasel's life took a turn more than six years ago.
"January 2017, I was diagnosed with ovarian cancer at the age of 36. I had severe pelvic pain, which started happening the first of the year," Vasel said.
She had other symptoms too, but she didn't know it was tied to ovarian cancer then.
After several visits with her nurse practitioner, she was urged to go to the emergency room.
"They found two masses," she said. "It took me one cyst being removed, which was the size of a cantaloupe."
Her body underwent surgery and treatment.
Life's detour led her to Dr. Andrea Hagemann, a Washington University gynecologic surgeon at Siteman Cancer Center.
Hagemann said the typical age for a diagnosis is in the 60's. She considers Vasel lucky to be able to catch the cancer at Stage 1C. Many patients aren't diagnosed until Stage 3 or 4.
"We've had so many advancements, we are helping people live longer through those advancements, but we are diagnosing it earlier," Hagemann added. "It’s a very hopeful time in cancer treatment, we have so many new things that we didn’t even have two years ago."
Vasel was also introduced to the St. Louis Ovarian Cancer Awareness organization, SLOCA.
She was invited to speak at their gala after beating cancer. Soon, her efforts and voice landed her on the organization's board.
"St. Louis Ovarian Cancer Awareness is the only sole ovarian cancer specific organization in the state of Missouri," Vasel said.
Here are some of its programs:
- Woman-to-woman peer-to-peer support: It's a peer-based mentoring program staffed by trained survivor-volunteers helping those newly diagnosed with ovarian cancer to navigate their journey.
- Sister box: A chemo care package provided at her first infusion treatment, which includes comfort items and notes of support, along with resources.
- Together in Teal Ovarian Cancer Patient Need Fund: Provides financial assistance to cover health insurance premiums, basic living expenses including rent/mortgage, renters or homeowners insurance, utilities, vehicle payments and insurance, telephone and wigs.
The duo's bond with each other and SLOCA pushes them to raise awareness about symptoms.
Symptoms include:
- Abdominal bloating or swelling
- Quickly feeling full when eating
- Weight loss
- Discomfort in the pelvic area
- Fatigue
- Back pain
- Changes in bowel habits, such as constipation
- A frequent need to urinate
Hagemann said it's important to know about family history. She said there's even access to genetic testing.
"We can run a blood or saliva test to understand cancer risk genes before a cancer is diagnosed," she added.
Hagemann said the fallopian tube is the source of about 50-70% of ovarian cancers.
After childbearing, the tube could be removed to prevent long-term ovarian cancer from developing. She also said the use of oral contraceptives can also be useful.
Both women said they wanted to bring hope.
Hagemann was with Vasel in her low and now, they can rejoice in the highs.
"I'm going to be six and a half years with no evidence of the disease, it's a huge thing to celebrate," Vasel said with a smile.
If you'd like to donate to the organization, click here.