August 29, 2024
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.
Budway feels grateful for how seriously her doctors and specialists took her situation: “It was personal to them, too.”
When Donna Budway discovered a lump in her groin, she made an appointment with her doctor.
She was referred to Jenny Hong, MD, 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.
Ovarian cancer is the abnormal growth of cells in or near the ovaries. Ovaries are small reproductive glands on either side of the uterus. They produce eggs and hormones.
Ovarian cancer can spread to other parts of the body. Like any cancer, it can be deadly. The earlier it’s found and treated, the better.
Ovarian cancer usually develops after menopause. It’s hard to find ovarian cancer early because it usually doesn’t cause any symptoms.
When symptoms do appear, it’s often because the cancer is advanced.
“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.”
These symptoms don’t mean you have ovarian cancer, but it’s good to get checked. And if ovarian cancer runs in your family, it’s important to share that information with your doctor, too.
Quick treatment
After being diagnosed, Budway had prompt surgery followed by chemotherapy. Nearly a year after her diagnosis, she is cancer-free.
She is 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.
