MY CANCER STORY: DIAGNOSED AT 20 / Ovarian Cancer Awareness

It’s Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month. As a stage 3 ovarian cancer survivor, I thought it would be a good time to share my cancer experience. I was diagnosed with cancer at 20 years old. I was a typical student: going to classes, studying, working part time, and going out with friends. My whole life changed dramatically overnight. I went from being a young and healthy student to a cancer patient at 20. I discuss my diagnosis, treatment, hair loss, and some of the aftermath of surviving cancer and dealing with survivor’s guilt.
Thank you for watching this lengthy personal and emotional video. It was difficult for me to film, but my hope is that sharing my cancer experience will be helpful to you, whether you’re a cancer patient, cancer survivor, or someone who has been impacted by cancer in some way. If you are currently going through your own cancer journey - YOU ARE NOT ALONE! I’m wishing you all the best with your treatment and journey to recovery and improved health and wellness. If you think it will be helpful to you, feel free to share your experience in the comments section below. Share this video with anyone who may find it helpful, comforting, or relatable. ❤️
TIME STAMPS
00:00 Intro, Disclaimer, TW
02:28 WHY I’m sharing my story
04:39 My life before
09:07 Surgery 1
14:05 How I found out I had cancer
17:27 Digging for info
18:31 Rare and fascinating case
21:25 Treatment Plan - Phase 1: Surgery 2
23:10 Family & Chris
24:44 Treatment Plan - Phase 2: Chemotherapy
28:38 Hair & support
31:51 Follow-ups
32:41 Coping / Not Coping
35:39 Survivor’s guilt
38:51 Buzz cuts then and now
40:12 Ask me Qs, share your story, impact
40:57 Nutrition and cancer
41:56 My perspective now
43:43 Thank you!
-----
Land Acknowledgements
My videos are recorded on the traditional territory of the Anishinaabe, Haudenosaunee, and the Huron-Wendat peoples. (Kingston)
My videos are recorded on the unceded traditional territories of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish), and səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) Nations. (Vancouver)
Territory Acknowledgements
native-land.ca/resources/terr...
vancouver.ca/people-programs/land-acknowledgement.aspx#:~:text=Vancouver%20Police%20Department-,Land%20acknowledgement,s%C9%99lilw%C9%99ta%C9%AC%20(Tsleil%2DWaututh%20Nation)
-----
COACHING
Need help losing weight and/or transitioning to a healthy plant-based lifestyle?
Contact me here - plantfitmeg.com/contact/ or email me - [e-mail] for more information about my coaching services. 🌱❤️
-----
LATEST VIDEO
WEIRD WEIGHT LOSS TIPS THAT WORK! / WFPB Weight Loss Tips - kzbin.info/www/bejne/jX_LiIihot2hrtk
RELATED VIDEOS
How I Regained My Health - Asthma, Endometriosis, Chronic Pain, Chronic Fatigue - kzbin.info/www/bejne/nJq3lYqboLmHpMk
SHAVING MY HEAD at Home - Shoulder Length Hair to Buzz Cut - kzbin.info/www/bejne/rpqUh2mhj7Wob7s
Check out my website for free printable recipes: plantfitmeg.com/
-----
OVARIAN CANCER RESOURCES
Canadian Cancer Society - cancer.ca/en/cancer-information/cancer-types/ovarian/what-is-ovarian-cancer
CDC - www.cdc.gov/cancer/ovarian/basic_info/index.htm
Mayo Clinic - www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/ovarian-cancer/symptoms-causes/syc-20375941
-----
Connect with me! 👋
Website - plantfitmeg.com/
Facebook - Plant-Fit-Meg-101106901719245
Instagram - plantfitmeg @plantfitmeg
TikTok - vm.tiktok.com/ZMeAwuLwJ/
-----
Plant Fit Meg Amazon Shop
amazon.com/shop/plantfitmeg
Check out my Amazon Shop for recommended reading, kitchen appliances, pantry staples, fitness equipment, and more!
As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
Donations
To further support my work, send me a Thank You using the "Super Thanks" button, or donate to my PayPal, by clicking the icon on my banner! Donations of ANY amount are GREATLY appreciated! 🙏❤️
-----
The Exam Room Podcast by The Physician’s Committee (PCRM)
She Survived Cancer, Stopped Yo-Yo Dieting, and Became Plant Fit Meg kzbin.info/www/bejne/roaYknp5hqybgMU
Chef AJ Live
Plant Fit Meg Makes Vegan Chocolate Zucchini Cupcakes / She Lost 80 Pounds and Reclaimed Her Health! kzbin.info/www/bejne/d3ashpZqaMegoZI
Mora Medical with Dr. Laurie Marbas
Against All The Odds | Meg Gray kzbin.info/www/bejne/ZqfOk39netOWpLM
-----
Remember to give the video a 👍 if you liked it! Please subscribe and share this video with anyone who may be interested! Leave any questions or comments in the comments section below! 😁
THANK YOU for watching & supporting the channel! 😊❤️
#cancer #ovariancancer #mycancerstory #mycancerjourney #cancersurvivor #ovariancancerawareness #plantfitmeg
My Cancer Story: Cancer at 20/ my cancer story diagnosed at 20/ Cancer at 20 years old/ stage 3 ovarian cancer survivor/ my cancer experience/ cancer aftermath

[@pamhuntsinger7234]

Hi Meg, I also was diagnosed with ovarian cancer at a VERY young age, 17, just after graduating from high school. I had stage 4 ovarian cancer in 1981. My tumor was the size of a basketball they told me before it burst inside me. That was my diagnosis, a trip to the emergency room and emergency surgery, removal of the infected ovary, 2 years of chemo once a month, then exploratory surgery after that to make sure there was no cancer left. I'm now 60, I had 5 children and have been cancer free ever since. God is good, you are a fighter! God bless ❤😮

[@RamanDeep-gz9jd]

U hv children without ovaries।। Or with one ovary able to give birth

[@tabithamartin7945]

Please I'd like to get in touch with you

[@pamhuntsinger7234]

@@RamanDeep-gz9jd I still had 1 ovary left to have children

[@SophiaD-o7u]

Thank you for sharing. I’ve had super bloating, abdominal pain, constant pressure on my bladder and I’ve had multiple male doctors completely dismiss my pain. Finally I found a great female obgyn and am getting an ultrasound soon so I’m on the right path to figuring things out. I really appreciate you making this video because I feel like so many women have doctors brush symptoms under the table until things are really really bad.

[@markcayer4859]

How could living through an experience like yours at such a young age not change you? It is a testament to your exceptional empathy that you are willing to share this story as well as your WFPB journey in the hopes that someone out there ... feeling alone and scared ... can take some solace and be given hope. You are an amazing, inspirational individual.

[@PlantFitMeg]

Thank you so much. That means so much to me. ❤️

[@rebeccalosh1023]

I have two different types of cancer! Sertoli Leydig and Endometriod carcinoma which spread from the endometrial lining ! I had ovarian cancer in both ovaries, cervical, and Endometriod ( uterine)! My cancer was found because of a terrible car accident that I was in, and the ER did CT's from head to toe and found my cancer. I don't have any one to talk to about my feelings because my family doesn't want to talk about it!

[@DeeDee-wx7fi]

It hurts to know the amount of people who aren’t treated with kindness and compassion during the surgical process. I can recall feeling very uncomfortable and frightened by my health in the hands of individuals who seems cold and withdrawn. My hope is always in God.

[@SharonKayThomsen]

Thank you for sharing. I had similar symptoms of urine retention and was sent to a urologist who misdiagnosed me with a neurogenic bladder and telling me I needed to see a neurologist. I was handed a box of catheters and told I would be using those the remainder of my life. This just did not feel right to me so saw a Gyno NP who within 15 minutes found a softball size ovarian tumor. We need to always advocate for ourselves! Thank you for having the courage to share your story so other women can be empowered. 💙

[@PlantFitMeg]

Wow! Thank you so much for sharing your story SharonKay. You're absolutely right about advocating for ourselves! It's SO important to trust our instincts and follow-up if something doesn't seem quite right.❤

[@nicolalouise6564]

I just listened to you. Thank you for sharing your experience. My heart goes out to you 💗 Meg, I wish you a happy healthy future 🙏 ... I recently had a salpingo unilateral oophorectomy. 1 month later I was diagnosed with a rare type of ovarian cancer. I was misdiagnosed by nurses and doctors from 2 different hospitals over 3 years! I trusted my own instincts and I went back to my GP and I insisted on being referred to a different hospital. It has been a very worrying, stressful time for me. 😔

[@MargaritaWestbay]

Meg, thank you for sharing such a difficult and personal time in your life. Your story will help many people who are going through a similar situation.

[@PlantFitMeg]

Thanks so much, Margarita! ❤️

[@loulou7963]

Thank you for sharing your story. I lost my beloved mommy to stage 4 ovarian cancer. It was highly aggressive and came and overwhelmed her seemingly overnight though of course in reality it probably didn’t. She had 14 months. She was far too advanced and unwell for any surgery when diagnosed. Sadly the chemo just didn’t keep it down as they hoped

[@Agape70113]

Hi Meg, thank you so much for sharing your story. I’ve had two dermoid cysts and also removed my right ovary and fallopian tube. I can’t thank you enough for sharing your whole food plant based journey and the encouragement you give to everyone. It would be great to hear Chris’ thoughts if he’s comfortable sharing. Thank you again for sending positivity in the world.

[@PlantFitMeg]

You're welcome. Thank you for sharing your experience. I'm thrilled that my channel is encouraging and helpful to you! Thanks for letting me know that you'd like to hear from Chris about my cancer journey. I think he will likely share his perspective in a future video. Thanks for watching! ❤️

[@plantbasedgirl5854]

I am so sorry you have had to go through so much, but I am very grateful you survived because you have changed SO many lives, mine included. ❤🙏

[@PlantFitMeg]

Thank you so much for your kind message. It means so much to me that my channel has been helpful to you. Thanks for watching and being part of the Plant Fit Meg community. ❤️

[@trishdonley945]

Wow, Meg. Thank you for sharing this incredibly personal video. I am so glad you are not only a survivor, but a thriver❤

[@ellengray6947]

Thank you for posting this video. I can see how difficult it was for you to talk about. Your sharing what you went through is courageous and will help many. Proud of you!

[@PlantFitMeg]

Thanks so much Ellen! It means so much to me that you watched this video and commented. Thanks for your support! ❤️

[@keritreppish5694]

Hi Meg, I’m wishing you a full happy life❤️‍🩹

[@katherine2777]

love you! I know this was far from easy!!!! Bless you, you have shown great strength!!!

[@PlantFitMeg]

Thanks so much Katherine! ❤

[@jillglass4914]

sweet video.. thank you for sharing. Stage 4 ovarian one year and counting ... It's hard;/// best wishes for you, Jill

[@larrissakingston476]

Meg thank you for share I can’t imagine what you and your family was going though at the time Because just listen to your story I sat here and crying As you Inspire me too be a better person The best part is you have a great family and friends who stuck by you and now you feel better and cancer free

[@PlantFitMeg]

Thanks so much Larissa. It was a difficult time in my life and hard to film, but you're right - I'm thrilled to be cancer free with great health, and amazing family and friends. Thank you for being part of the Plant Fit Meg community. ❤️

[@marycorbett1744]

Thank you so much for sharing. My heart went out to you. God keep you.

[@PlantFitMeg]

You're welcome. Thank you for watching! ❤️

[@LindaR423]

I'm so sorry you had to go through all you've been through but I'm glad it's all been resolved. I'm so happy you survived it all. My hat goes off to Chris for sticking with you through some very difficult times. I would love to hear his perspective on all of this.

[@PlantFitMeg]

Thanks so much for your support Linda! 😊❤️

[@purpleviolet2058]

💜

[@janicehall3262]

Oh Meg, I can imagine how difficult this video was to make. I admire your courage and the empathy and compassion that you expressed in this video. I'm so sorry that you had to go through this. It must have been terribly traumatizing for a 20-year-old. Fortunately you have a wonderful family, good friends and Chris in your corner. Thank you so much for sharing this. I believe a whole food plant-based diet will definitely lessen your risk for illness and keep you healthy. I would be interested to hear Chris talk about his feelings of going through this with you. I wish you all the best in the future Meg. I'm so glad I have gotten to follow you on your WFPB journey. I found you early on in my plant based journey and have learned a lot from you as well as some very yummy recipes and smiled alot at the antics of your son talking about the veggies and fruits he likes. He is an amazing boy🌷❤️🇨🇦

[@PlantFitMeg]

Thank you so much for your kind and thoughtful message, Janice. I'm so glad that you found my channel early in your plant-based journey and have gotten a lot of value from my videos and recipes. I appreciate you being a part of the Plant Fit Meg community. 😊❤️

[@janicehall3262]

Me too Meg🤗

[@bettymaugeri7316]

Thank you for sharing your personal story - 🙏

[@PlantFitMeg]

You're welcome Betty. Thank you for watching! ❤️

[@devikaforeen7209]

You are awesome...Love and Blessings to you!

[@PlantFitMeg]

Thank you! ❤️

[@susanehlava3808]

You have expressed yourself perfectly ❤

[@PlantFitMeg]

Thanks so much ❤️

[@davidthescottishvegan]

Thanks for sharing this Meg because it would have been emotional to talk about it. Unfortunately there is a disconnection between cancer and other chronic illness and what people eat daily and it's a issue that needs to be discussed. I haven't experienced cancer but hopefully changing my diet to a vegan WFPB diet reduces the chance of that happening. Hopefully this video is encouraging and giving hope to others who are enduring cancer and I know at least one vegan WFPB KZbinr that I won't mention by name that this would help them. Love 🥰 the video and love 💕 Meg & family for enduring this and it's made Meg & family stronger and drawn them closer as a result. Have a good week and see you in the next video.

[@PlantFitMeg]

Thanks David. This video was difficult to film, but I hope it's helpful to those dealing with cancer (or those who have dealt with it in the past). I wish I knew about a WFPB diet sooner, but am so grateful that I'm living a healthy lifestyle now and doing what I can to reduce my risk of disease in the future. Wishing you good health now and in future. Thanks for watching! ❤️

[@Inspirationmotivationnfaith]

Love you Meg, thank you for posting this!

[@PlantFitMeg]

Thank you Diana! ❤️

[@Inspirationmotivationnfaith]

@@PlantFitMeg I just wanted to give a hug while I cried through your video.

[@PlantFitMeg]

@@Inspirationmotivationnfaith Aww! Sorry I made you cry. Thanks for watching and being a part of the Plant Fit Meg community. ❤

[@Inspirationmotivationnfaith]

@@PlantFitMeg You story was just so touching and I am so glad you told it. All of your feelings expressed will help someone else with their journey

[@PlantFitMeg]

@@Inspirationmotivationnfaith Thanks Diana! It was difficult to open up about my cancer journey, but it's worth sharing my story if it can help others. ❤

[@sheilataylor9579]

Meg, thank you for sharing. I’ve had multiple family members pass due to different cancers. I worry that I could end up with cancer. All of my drs/specialists are aware of my concerns about cancer. I get my yearly checkups/exams. Again thank you for talking about something very personal to you. ❤

[@PlantFitMeg]

You're welcome Sheila. I'm so sorry to hear that you've had multiple family members pass away due to cancer. It sounds like you're doing what you can to minimize your risk by living a healthy lifestyle and getting regular checkups. Wishing you good health now and in the future. ❤️

[@alisonlutton9378]

❤❤ and just more ❤❤❤ 💐

[@PlantFitMeg]

Thanks so much! ❤️

[@carolynlapota5495]

I am sorry you had to have to go through that and especially at such a young age. Do you know of Jessica on Krocks in the Kitchen a plant based KZbin. She has stage 3 or ovarian cancer at age 36. The doctor told her the risks were very small of her having cancer. If you are interested, you can find her channel and here her story. But it might might something too much for you. You ate doing good work by sharing this way of life.

[@PlantFitMeg]

Thank you Carolyn. Yes, I'm familiar with Jessica and Brian from Krocks in the Kitchen. I reached out to Jessica to lend support and offered to have a chat anytime if it would be helpful to her. ❤️

[@ann8344]

This story was hard to share, but more and more late teens and young adults are getting the diag. of overian cancer--- Hope is what you have passed on. Thank you

[@PlantFitMeg]

Thank you Ann. ❤️

[@gulchehrakarimova3470]

@@PlantFitMeg HI sorry my English is not good i am from Uzbekistan so can tell how long have you been surviving from ovarian cancer. How many years have you got ovarian cancer

[@ismaelvallejo6832]

Hello sorry if I missed it but what kind of ovarian cancer did you have?

[@meaghanhayward8160]

I’m not sure how to approach my doctor about wanting to get checked out, I’ve had some issues that raise some alarms but I know most symptoms could be one of many things, I’ve been waiting to see the gynaecologist and I’m not sure how to approach that things could be getting worse

[@sarahtoth391]

Thank you for sharing ❤

[@PlantFitMeg]

You are so welcome! Thanks for watching! ❤️

[@lyndajane9870]

💕💕

[@PlantFitMeg]

Thanks for watching, Lynda Jane. ❤️

[@denisepaulsenful]

You’re so incredibly beautiful ❤

[@r-jproductions1343]

Hi Meg, How did you know know it was a dermoid cyst? Did your US results report showed that? How big was your cyst? My prayers are with you.

[@PlantFitMeg]

Yes, the ultrasound showed that it was a dermoid cyst and that was confirmed upon removal. I don't recall how large it was, but it was causing me pain and interfering with my ability to function normally. I'm happy to be cancer free and thriving now! I'm also doing everything I can to minimize my risk of a recurrence. 🙂

[@dollyfuchs3640]

Thank you for sharing 😊 I would like to see your husbands video. I found out I had Stage 4 ovarian cancer in December. Do you mind if I ask what stage your cancer was? Your video was very informative. ❤

[@PlantFitMeg]

I'm so sorry that you have stage 4 ovarian cancer. Mine was stage 3. I'm glad you got something out of this video and I'll check in with Chris about filming a video about his perspective and experience during that time. I'm wishing you all the best with your cancer treatment and your health and wellness overall. ❤️

[@gulchehrakarimova3470]

@@PlantFitMeg hi . Sorry I don't know English well so I didn't understand well your video so can you tell me how many years have you been surviving ovarian cancer .? When did you diagnosed with ovarian cancer

[@tjj5337]

I get yearly ultrasounds….. All women should be educated to know this, but they are not.

[@jasminhuber7573]

I am so happy you are good now. Sorry my engslish🙈💜🌷🌺 . How old you are now?