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Ovarian Cancer

As the Assistant Superintendent of Curriculum and Instruction, Pennsbury School District, Patricia Johnston was used to a busy life. In addition to her demanding job, she enjoyed working part-time as an adjunct professor at a prominent Philadelphia university.

In her free time, Pat was always planning trips, exploring museums, spending time with close friends and watching live theater in New York. "I also enjoyed movies and dinner in Philadelphia with friends from different periods in my life," she said.

"Although my immediate family is small and spread across the country, My mother is the exception. She lives with me and I consider her a special and very dear friend. Our friendship has been a rock over the years that I truly value and appreciate," said Pat.

"I was gaining weight in my abdominal area."

In late 2006, Pat's mom pointed out that she seemed to be gaining weight in her abdominal area. Although she was taken back, Pat was not worried. "We were on a brief vacation over winter break and enjoyed our time celebrating the holidays. Toward the end of February 2007, I scheduled an appointment with my family physician. That is when the world turned upside down and I entered a period of emotional free fall."

Pat's family physician immediately felt something in her left pelvic area. CA 125 tests and CAT scans confirmed that she needed to meet with an oncological gynecologist for ovarian cancer. Pat had a complete hysterectomy and, after hearing her options, she began to network with friends and family regarding second opinions and next steps.

"At Fox Chase, I knew that found a place where I felt comfortable and cared for."

"Three people separately called to recommend the Ovarian Department at Fox Chase. I soon met with Dr. Robert Ozols and his nurse, Ms. Ginny Martin, and knew that I had found a place where I felt comfortable and cared for. They answered my questions and I decided this was a battle that I wanted to fight. I made it clear to Dr. Ozols that I needed a team to help me through this, and that I needed my team to believe in me," Pat expressed.

"Through it all I grew in my sense that healing was, and is, my goal."

Pat had never been hospitalized before, nor had a serious medical problem. Unfamiliar with the cancer nuances, she could not figure out what she was told. She explained, "I asked questions, reflected on the answers, and let everything sink in. Through it all, with prayer and faith, I grew in my sense that healing was, and is, my goal."

"Everyone was so supportive."

"My period of free fall ended when I made the decision for treatment," said Pat. She began chemotherapy and enrolled in a clinical trial at Fox Chase. Pat began to count on the support of her gynecologic oncologist, Dr. Laine Martin; her protocol nurse, Kristen Padavic; and the entire Infusion Room staff. "Everyone was so supportive, from the people behind the desk who give me my blue wristband, the nurses who draw blood, and the Infusion Room team who administer the drugs to make me well. All have been a constant source of compassion, understanding, and humor, and have helped me to keep on a steady path."

As an educator, Pat is always looking for the lesson to be learned, always seeking to make sense of a new experience. She is on her way to understanding what this disease has meant to her and to those within her care. "I look at my schedule much differently as I listen to my body and understand the importance of rest and renewal. I better understand the nature of compassion and know the significance of time spent with another to hear the pain and sense the sorrow of someone who is hurting," said Pat.

"There is great joy in seeing things from a new perspective."

As a former planner, Pat is now learning to enjoy each day, to be grateful for the day, and to appreciate the small things the day can bring. Pat summed it up by saying "There is great joy in seeing things from a new perspective. I have had to let go of a few illusions about life and living. Past the veil of illusion is a new reality. It brings a greater happiness and clearer vision."

Learn more about ovarian cancer treatment at Fox Chase Cancer Center.