Support Stefanie's Fight Against Ovarian Cancer

For those of you who do not know me, my name is Megan Dunn (Buckley). Stefanie is my cousin and has been dealt with news that has put a little divot into her life plans. We have so graciously been a group of people who have supported and are supportive to any one who needs it. Our community is amazing. Many families have unfortunately , and too commonly lately, been dealing with similar situations. My family is now in need of that same love and any possible support you can contribute to help them through this journey. As this diagnosis for Stef has come at a time of her moving back home, starting a new job, and getting back on her feet - it is only the beginning before she heads in for surgery number two and chemotherapy. For those of you who do not know the details of what has happened to Stef and what lies ahead, please take a minute to read her story. Stef is a young ,beautiful, sweet, and loving girl who has her whole life ahead of her. As she is ready to take this on and do what it takes to fight, we as her friends and family, plan to be by her side every step of the way. Anything, is something. We so greatly appreciate the help.

Stef's story:

"In August of 2023, I had a cyst rupture which lead me to the ER while I was still living in Florida. I had an ultra sound and CT scan done. Doctors there told me this is a really common thing for women my age to deal with (having cysts rupture) and that no follow up would be needed. I got some pain meds, rested for a couple of days and went about my life.

About a year ago, I started noticing my cramping, pressure and pain in my pelvis that was noticeable but not constant. I just thought it was due to my normal cycle. Fast forward to November 2024, I finally got into my gyno because by this time, I am having unbearable feelings of pressure, shooting pains, low pack pain, spotting- you name it, I had it. They ordered an ultra sound and discovered a 10 cm, right adnexa, large complex, solid mass surrounding my right ovary that extends posterior uterus. They then ran a few tumor marker blood tests. My CA-125 came back at 176 (which is high). So, at this point I am referred to a gynecologist/oncologist at Upstate which I was able to get into right away, which at the point was by mid December of this past year. She ordered me more tumor marker tests (LDH, AFP, HCG) which all came back within normal limits. An MRI was then ordered by my gyno/onc for the day after Christmas. The MRI result cam back as a serous borderline tumor.

After the results came back, it was determined that surgery would be needed. My gyno/onc explained to me that I would need to have an exploratory laparotomy on January 8, 2025. While I was in surgery, the tumor was removed along with my right ovoary, tube, and omentum. The tumor was tested during surgey and it came back borderline. There was some questioning with where the tumor was pressing up against the back of my uterus. My doctor told me she thought it was just inflammation but cauterized it anyways , to biopsy it and be sure. There was no other evidence of malignancy on any of my surrounding abdominal organs. I spent 4 days in the hospital recovering from this major surgery. I was told no chemo would be needed and only regular follow ups to tend to going forward.

On January 21, 2025, I went to my 2 week post op appointment at Upstate. This was the moment when my whole world got ripped out from under my feet. My doctor explained to me that the full pathology report came back and borderline was now considered, "Low Grade Serous Ovarian Cancer" or LGSOC, due to the invasive implants on my uterus. This type of ovarian cancer is rare, estrogen driven, presents at a younger age, and usually originates from serous borderline tumors. There are NO routine check ups for ovarian cancer YET it is one of the LEADING causes of cancer deaths among women!!!! It was then, I decided to get a second opinion.

Within a couple of weeks, I was at UR in Rochester seeing a different gyno/onc for a second opinion. UR's diagnosis was a little different but the treatment plan presented, was the same as Upstate's. I decided from there, that I will keep my care, for now, with Upstate, as it is closer to home.

My next steps will be going through CNY Fertility to freeze my eggs so I can have babies in the future. I will then need to undergo a second surgery to have a full hysterectomy at 31 years old (yikes!) After recovery from my second surgery, I will have to endure 6 rounds of chemo followed by taking letrozole for the unforseen future."