Making the Most of the Moments at The Wellness Community–Arizona!
Ovarian Cancer Survivor
Diane Marinez
We have all heard compelling stories about life’s challenges presenting opportunities for extraordinary changes. Diane Martinez embodies this concept as an ovarian cancer survivor for 7.5 years and counting!
Diane was living in Dallas, TX when she was diagnosed with ovarian cancer, stage IIIC. Prior to her diagnosis, she was diligent about yearly exams with no major medical problems. After surgery and 18 months of chemotherapy, she remained symptom free for three years until she says, “my cancer likes me … it came back.” Her second round of chemotherapy was successful. She was again symptom free and remained at stage IIIC until January 2011, when she learned her cancer had moved to stage IV.
There wasn’t a TWC in Dallas in 2004 but Diane found Gilda’s Club. She felt blessed to have found a place where she could get all the support she didn’t even know she needed! Upon her move to Phoenix, she found TWC-AZ. Diane regularly attends her weekly participant group and knows she “could not have made this journey without my support group.” She attributes her ability to maintain a positive attitude to her group members saying, “I cannot leave a meeting without feeling more hopeful and upbeat.”
She credits TWC-AZ’s educational programs for keeping her up-to-date on new treatments. She is able to stay informed and work with her oncologist as a vital part of her treatment team, ensuring she gets the best treatments available.
Ovarian cancer is a challenge, but it has presented Diane with extraordinary opportunities. She retired early, has grown closer to old friends and made supportive new friends. Most importantly, she has been able to develop her relationship with her adult daughter, who is facing her own medical issues. Diane has built a simple, quiet life that is not focused on worrying about cancer, but on “living life and enjoying every moment.” |  |