Sign out
After Stage 4 ovarian cancer, she’s still going strong
Donna Budway received prompt surgery followed by chemotherapy. She credits her care team with extending her life.
When Donna Budway discovered a lump in her groin, she made an appointment with her doctor.
“This symptom could have been very benign,” Budway said. “But everybody took it very seriously and got me in right away.”
She was referred to Jenny Hong, MD, a surgical oncologist who specializes in cancer care at Kaiser Permanente.
Dr. Hong tested the lump. A lab workup showed that Budway had Stage 4 ovarian cancer.
What is ovarian cancer?
Jenny Hong, MD, talks with Donna Budway about her care.
Ovaries are small organs on each side of the uterus. They make eggs and hormones.
Ovarian cancer occurs when cells in or near the ovaries grow abnormally. This cancer can spread easily to the bowels, bladder, and the lining of the abdomen.
In Stage 4 ovarian cancer, the cancer travels to other parts of the body, such as the liver or lungs.
Women are most at risk for ovarian cancer after menopause. Other risk factors include:
- • Having endometriosis
- • Never having had a baby
- • Starting periods before age 12 and then going through menopause after age 52
What are the symptoms of ovarian cancer?
It’s hard to find ovarian cancer early because people with ovarian cancer often don’t have symptoms until it’s at an advanced stage. Ovarian cancer usually doesn’t cause symptoms until it spreads to other parts of the body.
“If you experience bloating, pain, or other concerning symptoms in your abdomen or pelvis, talk to your doctor,” said Dr. Hong. “Especially if these symptoms start suddenly and don’t resolve on their own.”
Other symptoms of ovarian cancer can include:
- • Fatigue
- • Indigestion
- • Back pain
- • Pain with intercourse
- • Constipation
- • Menstrual cycle changes
These symptoms don’t mean you have ovarian cancer, but it’s good to get checked if they happen almost daily for more than 2 or 3 weeks.
Treatment for ovarian cancer is based on the stage of the cancer and other factors, such as your overall health. The main treatment is surgery to remove the cancer.
Other treatment options include chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and endocrine therapy. Sometimes, targeted medicines are available that can attack specific aspects of cancer cells.
Quick ovarian cancer treatment speeds recovery
After her diagnosis, Budway received prompt surgery from Dr. Hong followed by chemotherapy.
“Kaiser Permanente has everything we need in one place, which helps our members get treatment quickly,” Dr. Hong said. “That’s especially important for when someone has cancer that has already spread.”
At Kaiser Permanente, doctors and other clinicians collaborate seamlessly across departments and specialties to coordinate diagnosis, treatment, and recovery. Our care teams are all connected to a shared electronic health record system, so it’s easy for them to consult with each other on important health decisions.
More than a year after her diagnosis and treatment, Budway is cancer-free.
She’s grateful to Dr. Hong and her entire cancer care team at Kaiser Permanente.
“It’s great to have people who are really committed to my health care,” Budway said. “I feel very lucky.”
Learn more about cancer care at Kaiser Permanente.