How it All Began

My name is Shantrall Johnson.  I am a mother, a daughter, a sister and a friend. But most importantly, I am a SURVIVOR. Over the past decade, I have had four victories over Metastatic Ovarian Cancer and planning to kick its butt a fifth time as I currently undergo treatments. One thing I hope you learn from my testimony is: Listen to your instincts and don’t let your concerns be dismissed. You know your body better than anyone so keep pushing and asking questions until you get answers.

My body was trying to tell me something. I was 26 with two children and a good life ahead of me. For several months, I’d had severe stomach problems, bloating and pain when using the restroom. I saw various doctors who all sent me away with a prescriptions and the assurance that it’s “no big deal.” The symptoms started to worsen and became unbearable. A trip to the ER revealed an outcome I could have never imagined. I was diagnosed with Ovarian Cancer.

My first bout with cancer was “easy.” I underwent laparoscopic surgery to remove small tumors from one of my ovaries and escaped radiation and chemotherapy. My doctor said I was “cancer free” and I felt invincible. This victory was short-lived, as over the next few years it would come back in my other ovary (I got a hysterectomy) and again in my intestines (surgery got it all out).

Several years passed. And my three bouts with cancer had changed my perspective a lot. I was determined to live life to the fullest. In August 2012, I got news that my cancer was back in my abdomen but this time I would have to undergo chemotherapy. For some reason, taking chemo and losing my hair finally made cancer real to me. I was told to “get my affairs in order” because the survival rate was less than two years. But cancer couldn’t compete with my God or my praying grandmother. After six rounds of chemo/radiation, I went into remission January 2013. This is when my faith kicked into full gear.

Two years later, cancer showed up in my lungs. Initially, I was diagnosed with bronchitis. After it had gone on for three months, I went to my oncologist and learned that the tumors were wrapped around my left lung and fluid was building up. I have stage 4 Metastatic Ovarian Cancer. I prayed non-stop for God to order my steps on the long road ahead.   I am currently undergoing chemotherapy, and have good days and bad. Cancer is a chronic illness. I will take chemo off and on for the rest of my life. I plan on living for many, many more years. Thanks to my village, I am doing well. I am a firm believer in “everything happens for a reason.” God blessed me with children at a very young age because he knew I would not be able to have them at 26. He also blessed me with challenges and victories so that I can share my testimony with others.

  I can remember being awake for 48 hours straight at one point.  So one sleepless night as I was pondering my life, the plans I had for my future and the detour I had encountered, it came to me:  Maybe I am suppose to create something that (maybe, just maybe) might bring healing, that will allow others to relate in a way that they , too, need healing.  By the next morning, Diva with a Diagnosis was in motion.  Initially, Diva with a Diagnosis was going to be a blog about my walk on this journey.  But as I grew on my journey and have spoken to others that have been diagnosed with all kinds of illnesses, I saw a greater need. As survivors we understand the need to celebrate every day. We understand one another in a way no one else can.

Being diagnosed was an eye-opener to say the least.  I now understand what it means to take care of my body and to LIVE each day.  It is important for me to  work towards a healthier lifestyle and surround myself with people who lift me up.  Before being diagnosed with Ovarian Cancer, I had heard very little of it.  Ovarian Cancer is often called the “SILENT” killer because many times there are no symptoms until the disease has progressed to an advanced stage.  One-third of American women will get some form of Cancer in their lifetime and approximately one and one half percent of those cases will be cancer involving one or both ovaries.  Why isn’t’ this talked about more?  Why is there not a screening test available? I, like many others, thought a Pap smear covered everything.  The truth is: it doesn’t. Early symptoms of Ovarian Cancer are often mild, making this disease difficult to detect.  Some early symptoms may include:

•An unusual feeling of fullness or discomfort in the pelvic region

•Unexplainable indigestion, gas, or bloating that is not relieved with over-the- counter antacids.

•Pain during sexual intercourse

•Abnormal bleeding

•Swelling and pain of the abdomen

    Most often these symptoms do not indicate Ovarian Cancer.  However,  if you experience them you should discuss them with your doctor.  Early detection of Ovarian Cancer offers a 90% cure rate.  Sadly, a lack of symptoms from this silent disease means about 75% of Ovarian Cancer cases will have spread to the abdomen by the time they are detected and, unfortunately, most patients die within five years. 

                   I celebrate my life because I have worked hard for it……….