Hrush Achemyan's Ovarian Cancer Diagnosis
- Hrush Achemyan, 33, is a popular beauty influencer and makeup artist to the stars; in a candid YouTube video she shared that she has ovarian cancer and encourages others to get checked.
- Ovarian cancer has been called “the cancer that whispers,” due to its subtle symptoms, which may include feeling full, feeling bloated, changes in bowel movements, and pelvic pain.
- Coping with an ovarian cancer diagnosis can feel overwhelming; support can be found in your oncologist, as well as family, friends, and loved ones.
Ovarian Cancer Symptoms
Ovarian cancer has been called “the cancer that whispers” due to its hard-to-spot symptoms. Dr. Beth Karlan, a Gynecologic Oncologist at UCLA Medical Center, said in an earlier interview, “Ovarian cancer does not have any specific symptoms. It’s often referred to as the cancer that whispers, in that it has symptoms that are really very vague.”
Dr. Karlan says to be aware of any changes in your body, particularly in that region where your ovaries are. “The symptoms include things like feeling full earlier than you usually would when your appetite is strong. Feeling bloated. Some changes in your bowel habits. Some pain in the pelvis. These are not very specific. But what we’ve found from multiple studies, it’s this constellation of symptoms.”
Ovarian Cancer: The Cancer That Whispers
Coping with an Ovarian Cancer Diagnosis
After getting a diagnosis of ovarian cancer, like Hrush Achemyan experienced, it can feel overwhelming. Dr. Jayanthi Lea, a Gynecologic Oncologist at UT Southwestern Medical Center, said in a previous interview, “It’s not unusual for me to have patients tell me that they are having extreme anxiety, sadness, changing of the mood in coping with the disease diagnosis, and getting through with treatment. So first and foremost, what I tell them is are they focusing on getting sleep? Are they focusing on good dietary management, because very often people stop eating.”
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Dr. Lea emphasizes the importance of prioritizing physical and mental health. She said, “They can’t sleep. And then the other component is do they have somebody close to them that they can talk to– a spouse, a loved one, a friend? These are all important things because it’s important for people to get some type of normalcy amidst the chaos of being told that they have an advanced stage ovarian cancer diagnosis. It’s also important to go for walks, do breathing exercises, stretching exercises, make sure that you’re eating.”
It’s critical for people battling ovarian cancer to remember that they don’t have to go it alone; their doctors on their side said, Dr. Lea. “And then patients should not forget that oncologists GYN oncologists are very much a part of their team. We are on your side. So when you have spoken to your family members or your spouse and you still feel that you are having challenges in trying to just cope from day to day, come and talk with us. Let us know how you’re feeling, what your challenges are, because we can help you with your symptoms.”
Feeling Overwhelmed by Your Ovarian Cancer Diagnosis? Here Are Some Ways to Regain Your Equilibrium
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