Uploaded August 2026 | Updated September 2026, 1 week ago
Brooke was still grieving a miscarriage when the bloating started. She told herself it was just her body recovering. A month later she couldn't stand up straight. What followed was a diagnosis so rare most oncologists never see it in their career: small cell ovarian cancer.
In this story with @thepatientstory, Brooke shares how she and her husband fought for a second opinion, traveled across state lines for a specialist who actually had experience treating this cancer, and rebuilt a life (and a voice for other young women) after six rounds of chemo and a stem cell transplant.
Nearly seven years later, Brooke's still here, and still speaking up for the community she found along the way.
Thank you, Brooke, for sharing your story to help others.
#cancerpatient #cancersurvivor #patientstories #thepatientstory #cancertreatment #cancerprevention #cancersymptoms
The Patient Story:
The Patient Story is led by a dedicated team of medical, editorial, and video experts, committed to authentically portraying the cancer patient experience. Sharing your story holds transformative power, culturally and personally. We handle each narrative with utmost care, compassion, and scientific rigor.
Our editorial process adheres to the highest journalistic standards, ensuring medically researched, vetted, and fact-checked content. Backed by experienced medical professionals, we offer insights into the latest medical advancements.
Beyond patient narratives, we provide comprehensive coverage of cancer news and medical resources. From symptoms to clinical trials, insurance, finances, and support groups, we offer guidance in a humanized manner.
Chapters:
00:00 Miscarriage & Early Warning Signs of Ovarian Cancer
00:24 The Phone Call: "You Have Cancer"
00:53 First Symptoms: Bloating, Pain & Abdominal Lump
02:00 ER Visit & CT Scan Reveals 14cm Ovarian Mass
03:35 Emergency Surgery on Thanksgiving Eve
05:43 Small Cell Ovarian Cancer Diagnosis Confusion
06:33 Telling Family: The Hardest Phone Calls
08:16 Genetic Link? Twin Sister's Cancer Story
08:58 Finding Support: Facebook Groups & Small Cell Foundation
09:34 Getting a Second Opinion from Dr. Pressey
11:05 Choosing the Right Oncologist & Treatment Plan
13:17 Chemo Rounds, Stem Cell Collection & Transplant
16:00 Fertility Loss & the Genetic Test Result
17:00 5 Years Cancer-Free: Life After Treatment
18:02 Becoming a Voice for Ovarian Cancer Awareness
19:57 Final Advice: Take Life One Day at a Time
Join Our Community:
Sign up for our FREE website: thepatientstory.com
Facebook: facebook.com/thepatientstory
Instagram: instagram.com/thepatientstory
Twitter: twitter.com/Patient_Story
TikTok: tiktok.com/@patientstory
To watch other ovarian cancer stories, click here: youtube.com/playlist?list=PLX_-dE9R0W4re2_RV0D9uoYNIqZQs--Sz
Brooke was still grieving a miscarriage when the bloating started. She told herself it was just her body recovering. A month later she couldn't stand up straight. What followed was a diagnosis so rare most oncologists never see it in their career: small cell ovarian cancer.
In this story with @thepatientstory, Brooke shares how she and her husband fought for a second opinion, traveled across state lines for a specialist who actually had experience treating this cancer, and rebuilt a life (and a voice for other young women) after six rounds of chemo and a stem cell transplant.
Nearly seven years later, Brooke's still here, and still speaking up for the community she found along the way.
Thank you, Brooke, for sharing your story to help others.
#cancerpatient #cancersurvivor #patientstories #thepatientstory #cancertreatment #cancerprevention #cancersymptoms
The Patient Story:
The Patient Story is led by a dedicated team of medical, editorial, and video experts, committed to authentically portraying the cancer patient experience. Sharing your story holds transformative power, culturally and personally. We handle each narrative with utmost care, compassion, and scientific rigor.
Our editorial process adheres to the highest journalistic standards, ensuring medically researched, vetted, and fact-checked content. Backed by experienced medical professionals, we offer insights into the latest medical advancements.
Beyond patient narratives, we provide comprehensive coverage of cancer news and medical resources. From symptoms to clinical trials, insurance, finances, and support groups, we offer guidance in a humanized manner.
Chapters:
00:00 Miscarriage & Early Warning Signs of Ovarian Cancer
00:24 The Phone Call: "You Have Cancer"
00:53 First Symptoms: Bloating, Pain & Abdominal Lump
02:00 ER Visit & CT Scan Reveals 14cm Ovarian Mass
03:35 Emergency Surgery on Thanksgiving Eve
05:43 Small Cell Ovarian Cancer Diagnosis Confusion
06:33 Telling Family: The Hardest Phone Calls
08:16 Genetic Link? Twin Sister's Cancer Story
08:58 Finding Support: Facebook Groups & Small Cell Foundation
09:34 Getting a Second Opinion from Dr. Pressey
11:05 Choosing the Right Oncologist & Treatment Plan
13:17 Chemo Rounds, Stem Cell Collection & Transplant
16:00 Fertility Loss & the Genetic Test Result
17:00 5 Years Cancer-Free: Life After Treatment
18:02 Becoming a Voice for Ovarian Cancer Awareness
19:57 Final Advice: Take Life One Day at a Time
Join Our Community:
Sign up for our FREE website: thepatientstory.com
Facebook: facebook.com/thepatientstory
Instagram: instagram.com/thepatientstory
Twitter: twitter.com/Patient_Story
TikTok: tiktok.com/@patientstory
To watch other ovarian cancer stories, click here: youtube.com/playlist?list=PLX_-dE9R0W4re2_RV0D9uoYNIqZQs--Sz
