Living With Ovarian Cancer

Diane Brondello

Diane was diagnosed with Stage III ovarian cancer in March of 2006, after experiencing stomach discomfort, bloating, and weight gain. An intuitive nurse suggested she get an ultrasound. “My life has been different ever since,” she says.

Following her diagnosis, Diane was showered with support from the people who know and love her. Her triplet sisters have been by her side for every doctor appointment and milestone along the way, and the prayers of family and friends have, she says, given her the strength and healing she needed to get through the down times. In 2008, with the support of her many friends and family, Diane raised $25,000 with 54 team members at the Swedish SummeRun benefiting the Rivkin Center.

Although her life became a roller coaster immediately after she learned of her cancer, literally causing her to change her plans by the minute, Diane says she has calmed down over the years. She has been “cured” twice but both times has dealt with recurrences after 4-6 months. She has learned a great deal about herself and about new methods for treating ovarian cancer over the past two years, and has come to realize that she has a very blessed life.

“I no longer let little things bother me,” she says. “Life is too short to waste time on arguments. When life gets you down, you really find out who your friends are and I have found that I have friends and family who love me very much. That inspires me to keep fighting and to stick around.”