Early Detection Of Ovarian Cancer Initiated by Pelvic Exam

http://t.today.com/klgandhoda/new-pelvic-exam-guidelines-what-you-need-know-1D79871721

Meet Valisia Lekae:  She is a young beautiful star on broadway who was blessed to have had her ovarian cancer detected early.  She is seen in the segment hosted on Today with Kathie Lee Gifford and Hoda Kotb.  Valisia is now the spokeswoman for the National Ovarian Cancer Coalition and together they move forward with our cause.

http://www.valisialekae.com/www.valisialekae.com/NOCC_Spokesperson.html

The NOCC also recommends that women continue to get annual pelvic examinations. Here is a link to their news section where you can find more information about this very important issue.

http://www.ovarian.org/ovarian_cancer_news.php

I was shocked to learn of the recommendation that asymptomatic women could bypass the pelvic exam.  Some women who were asymptomatic do have ovarian cancer, and it is important to allow your gynecologist the opportunity to perform a complete medical exam.

The bimanual exams are uncomfortable, yes. But they should not be painful.  Medical exams are never fun but the discomfort of a pelvic exam is minimal compared to the agony of cancer surgery and chemotherapy.  I only say this because women still need to arm themselves with information.  You may not really know where a doctor stands on any given medical issue and unfortunately we need to constantly double check what the primary care doctors are doing.

I am looking forward to learning more about Valisia Lekae and am very excited that such a strong and beautifully talented woman is our spokesperson.

ACOG Practice Advisory on Annual Pelvic Examination Recommendations - ACOG

ACOG Practice Advisory on Annual Pelvic Examination Recommendations - ACOG

ACOG Practice Advisory on Annual Pelvic Examination Recommendations

June 30, 2014

Washington, DC — The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (the College) has reviewed the recommendations from the American College of Physicians about annual pelvic examinations and continues to stand by its guidelines, which complement those released recently by the American College of Physicians.

The College’s guidelines, which were detailed in this year’s Committee Opinion on the Well-Woman Visit, acknowledge that no current scientific evidence supports or refutes an annual pelvic exam for an asymptomatic, low-risk patient, instead suggesting that the decision about whether to perform a pelvic examination be a shared decision between health care provider and patient, based on her own individual needs, requests, and preferences.

However, the College continues to firmly believe in the clinical value of pelvic examinations, through which gynecologists can recognize issues such as incontinence and sexual dysfunction. While not evidence-based, the use of pelvic exams is supported by the clinical experiences of gynecologists treating their patients. Pelvic examinations also allow gynecologists to explain a patient’s anatomy, reassure her of normalcy, and answer her specific questions, thus establishing open communication between patient and physician.

Of course, pelvic examinations represent just one part of the annual well-woman visit, which can help to identify health risks for women and which can also feature clinical breast examinations, immunizations, contraceptive care discussions, and health care counseling. Importantly, annual well-woman visits help to strengthen the patient-physician relationship.

“We continue to urge women to visit their health care providers for annual visits, which play a valuable role in patient care,” said John C. Jennings, MD, President of the College. “An annual well-woman visit can help physicians to promote healthy living and preventive care, to evaluate patients for risk factors for medical conditions, and to identify existing medical conditions, thereby opening the door for treatment. Annual well-woman visits are important for quality care of women and their continued health.”

For more information on well-woman visits, please visit www.acog.org/wellwoman.

The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (The College), a 501(c)(3) organization, is the nation’s leading group of physicians providing health care for women. As a private, voluntary, nonprofit membership organization of more than 58,000 members, The College strongly advocates for quality health care for women, maintains the highest standards of clinical practice and continuing education of its members, promotes patient education, and increases awareness among its members and the public of the changing issues facing women’s health care. The American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), a 501(c)(6) organization, is its companion organization. www.acog.org

50 YEARS AGO

I am in a complete state of awe, joy, sorrow, amazement, gratefulness and peace.  The woman at the top of this page is my beloved and dearly departed mom.  She goes by Jane.  She brought me into this world on this day 50 years ago.  It breaks my heart that she is not here today as I celebrate a milestone that I thought I would never see.

In this photo we are enjoying lunch at a little place in Ballard (Seattle).    It is called "The Barking Dog".  I remember that day so much because she was so excited to sit outside and get some warmer fresh air.  In Seattle it is not common to enjoy a meal outside because it can be chilly, even in the summer.

Once we got settled onto the patio we talked, laughed and shared a nice lunch.  These simple times with mom and other times with the people I love are what make me happy. 

I am grateful for these moments.  I am grateful for every drop of daylight. Every shimmer of moonlight. I am grateful for every conversation, meal, celebration, cup of coffee, family gathering and chance to say hello. 

I am grateful for every situation that tried my patience and gave me a chance to grow.  I am grateful for every person who made me look at myself and my life and challenge me to be better.  I am grateful for every way that I could contribute and give someone else a reason to smile too.

I am grateful for my family: mom, dad, sister, brother, nieces, nephew, aunts, uncles, grandparents, cousins, and all the wonderful friends I have made along the way. I am grateful for my doctors, nurses and support persons.  I am devoted to God.  I have stories to tell about the angels and saints. 

I also am grateful for the chance to be on the Today Show with my mom.  THAT was pretty amazing.  For my sister who rode the Seattle Great Wheel with me.  For my aunt, sister and brother, old boyfriends and Barb for literally plucking me off the ground after surgery to get me to Seattle for chemo.  For countless favors and kind gestures from others to keep me here....wow!

My sister especially gave so much of her precious time, of her heart, to be there and do what needed to be done.  All those trips to chemo, hospitals.  Plus helping with mom.  Both she and my aunt stayed with me before I moved to Seattle.  Oh and my brother drove my car to Seattle for me. 

Today I am on maintenance treatment with Avastin and starting a new regemin for my rheumatoid arthtitis, that has gone out of control.  With that I am resting up from the trauma of losing mom.  I am in a much better place than before.  I feel hopeful.  I feel like I am more on purpose.  Even though many things are changing all around me, there are things I am supposed to be doing.  I want to get them done.

I am very excited about what the future can bring. 

I was not actually planning that this post would be this way.  There is lots going on, especially with recent changes in recommendations for gynecological health care exams.  Cancer changes you and everyone around you.

I can write about all that another day.  Mom would want that, she was an activist at heart.

Today my dad called.  I spoke with my sister.  I received cards from my aunt and dad.  I have a special gift from my sister later today.  I am going to be talking with my aunt and brother today. 

Woweeeeeeee!

I am thrilled to be here to do all of this! I need nothing material.  I just want to give love and be loved.

The little video of the bees was taped at my mom's home.  She had beautiful lavendar bushes. They attracted the most amazingly large and puffy black and white bees.

Mom, until I see you again.....

Thank you God for this day today. 

Love to all.

Denise