In October 2000, I was broad sided with
a diagnosis of stage IIIc ovarian cancer. It came on with
little warning. I was in Reno redecorating my parent's bathroom
on Wednesday and on Thursday I was in the hospital. I remember
feeling a little bloated and tired but thought it was because
I had just turned 40 the previous March.
My initial surgery removed several tumors
and immediately afterwards I began chemotherapy. In June
2001 I had a second-look surgery and more tumors were found.
My doctor then tried a different type of chemo, which I
completed this past January. All my tests now show that
I'm cancer free.
I feel lucky
and blessed that I'm able to be here. I don't believe I
could have made it without my support group by my side,
my family, my friends, my doctor, the great nurses at Los
Gatos Community Hospital and my wonderful partner, Greta.
I'm starting the Kathy Dennis Honorary Fund to help other
women who are dealing with advanced ovarian cancer so that
they will be able to survive this terrible disease and see
what our great big wonderful world has to offer. I plan
on being right here with them.
