Living With Ovarian Cancer

Linda Adler

Linda was diagnosed with Stage IIIC ovarian cancer in June 2006, after being treated for symptoms that she had had for 5 years that she now knows were early signs of her undiagnosed cancer. Linda is of Ashkenazi Jewish heritage and after her diagnosis genetic testing revealed that she had a BRCA1 mutation. She is currently in treatment for recurrent ovarian cancer and expresses her deep gratitude to Dr. Dan Veljovich for keeping her alive, and to Dr. Patrick Bufi, for keeping her healthy.

After a consult with Dr. Saul Rivkin, Linda told him that if she survived, she was going to start an ovarian cancer awareness project. Linda is acutely aware of the great need for public education about ovarian cancer. “Without a routine screening tool,” she says, “awareness is the key to early diagnosis.” She did her first educational presentation in October 2007 and has continued getting the word out wherever and whenever she is invited. Linda is also educating nursing students at Whatcom Community College and Bellingham Technical College about ovarian cancer. She says it is her gift to women.

“Life,” Linda says, “is our greatest gift. I am committed to enjoying it to its fullest for as long as I am blessed with having it. For what is more precious than enjoying my children, playing with my grandchildren, reminiscing and sharing time with friends and family, experiencing new adventures, and waking up to the joyous gift of another glorious day.”