Chasing Rainbows, My Triumph Over Ovarian Cancer

Chasing Rainbows: My Triumph Over Ovarian Cancer is the story of Luci Berardi who at 42 was diagnosed with Stage IV ovarian cancer a cancer that is the deadliest of the female cancers. Luci shares openly with you her initial discovery that something was amiss; her perseverance in trying to figure out what was wrong with her after doctors brushed her and her symptoms off; her mental and physical ups and downs; and her triumphant win over this stealth opponent as she chased the rainbows that brought her success and recovery. Chasing Rainbows is in your hands because you have been recently diagnosed with ovarian cancer or know a friend or family member who is in a fight against cancer. As you embark on this journey, as a cancer fighter or a caregiver, know: There will be times during this fight which may be more difficult than others; never lose hope. You will meet wonderful people on this path who will forever change the way you look at life. It s okay to ask for help. If there is one thing I hope every reader takes away from my experience, it is to be your own advocate. Do not just accept what a physician tells you; listen to your body. Make sure you ask questions and if something doesn t feel right, be sure to share your concerns with your physician or get a second opinion. Over 20,000 women will be diagnosed with ovarian cancer this year. If it is you, you are not alone. If it s a loved one, they are not alone. If ovarian cancer has entered your life, not only is ovarian cancer survivor Luci Berardi now part of your support system, she is here to share with you her journey to fight this fight with every stitch of your soul. Is Ovarian Cancer in Your Midst? You are a woman who has been diagnosed with ovarian cancer, a loved one who has or are a friend. You are now in a community, one that you never imagined that you would be a member of. It s an intimate group of amazing women and their care providers and loved ones that is instantly created with each confirmed diagnosis. Ovarian cancer is diagnosed in 20,000 plus women every year, often very late in the progression of the disease. Most women are stunned by the diagnosis. What makes this cancer hard to detect is that the warning signs often mimic pre-menstrual symptoms. Currently there is no accurate testing for this cancer. Some of the most common warning signs of ovarian cancer include: bloating bleeding pain during intercourse feeling full after eating small amounts Know this disease in one way or another touches everyone whether you are the fighter or the caregiver or a loved one. Each one of us has our own struggle in the fight.