I was an exercise enthusiast my whole life. Taught group fitness since my Sophomore year of college. I majored in Health Education and was supposed to be a teacher, but that didn’t work out. I continued to teach group fitness classes for years.
After having 4 children, I had a small bump outside of my right vulva for years. My ob-gyn said it was just a fatty mass and nothing to be worried about.
In the spring of 2018, I was having work done on my varicose veins and asked the nurse to scan my lump- at first she said no, but I asked again. Since I was on valium that day due to vein surgery, there wasn’t anything to do. The following week, at my post-surgery vein check-up, I asked the nurse to scan me again because out of the blue, that small lump had grown. She scanned me and said nothing. She contacted the vein surgeon and told me the office would contact me about a scan I would need.
I was sent for a CT scan 2 days later, and 20 minutes after my scan, they called and said I have a 9.5 x 11 cm mass on my ovaries, and I was being referred to Levine’s Cancer Center to see Dr. Miller. The nurse had found my mass but couldn’t say anything to me- she was a lifesaver!!
Within 4 weeks, I was scheduled for surgery. 4.5 hours after surgery, I awoke to my dad coming to my bedside to let me know I had ovarian cancer. I picked up the bed sheets and looked at my belly, which was taped from the top of my vagina up past my belly button. My mass had grown to the size of a cantaloupe! I had the mass removed along with a full hysterectomy, left lymph nodes, appendix, and all the fatty tissue underneath my lungs. I had life-saving surgery.
It took me about 2 weeks to walk up and down the steps and walk down the street. Being so active previously, I knew it was important to get my body moving.
Within six weeks, I was back on my yoga mat and at the gym, although I took things very slowly.
Every day I look at my scar and remind myself how far I have come, how strong I am, and how I can continue to share my story.
I start my day at 5 am, and by 6, I am working out at Burn Boot Camp. Even though I work a full-time job, I make it to my yoga mat most days at 4:30 pm. Affirmation journaling was also a big part of my recovery journey.
I am thankful every day I have, Lynn
No matter where you are on your wellness journey—just getting started or already in full stride—now is the perfect time to take that next step. It could be as simple as a stroll around the block or as ambitious as logging daily miles with purpose.
We invite you to be part of Mile for Her, our September virtual challenge. Walk, run, or roll at your own pace while helping raise awareness for women like Mai Linh, who continue to fight every day.
Every mile matters. Every step makes a difference. Start your Mile for Her today.
