Fit for Treatment: Facing Cancer Twice at Peak Fitness Level

Pamela Hess discusses her increased faith in doctors after her two battles with cancer.

I am fortunate to be a two-time cancer survivor!

Life in my early 40s took a turn on easy street: job security with a great raise, college payments done, childcare was no longer an issue, and physically I was feeling fitter than ever. I decided to get a physical since I was in my mid 40s, just to get a baseline on my cholesterol and other measures. This led to the discovery of a high blood calcium level, which was climbing higher with each blood work follow-up.

I innocently thought it was good to have a high calcium level until my primary care doctor started to get me immediate visits to specialists and new tests. During the blood work stage of the diagnosis, I started to notice nausea, a vague ache in my belly, and frequent urinating just before my monthly period. The cause was a clear cell carcinoma ovarian tumor, which exploded my ovary to the size of a small banana.

The surgeons prepared me for the worst since the scans looked horrendous. Thankfully, surgery and chemo quickly cleared the ovarian cancer. The doctors and nurses were very supportive and I felt grateful this cancer was found at a treatable stage. Knowing I was so lucky gave me a great appreciation for my health, which made me keep my fitness goals.

My family, who cared for me, was much more supportive of my need to work at maintaining my physical and mental health. I also built a stronger relationship with my primary care doctor and had a newfound appreciation in the wisdom of my doctors. I am happy to report that my high calcium blood work and pathology was published in medical journals.

Fast forward to my late 50s, and  I am more fit and better than ever. Suddenly, at the age of 59, I was having unusual symptoms with respiratory illnesses and bowel habits. Pancreatitis and sepsis landed me in the hospital, which led to a diagnosis of gall bladder cancer—rare and advanced.

This time I needed a surgeon that specialized in that type of surgery, and I was fortunate to be near New York City where there were three of them. Recovery from this surgery was arduous, and the chemotherapy was harsh and lasted six months.

I entered that cancer diagnosis with more faith in doctors and chemotherapy. I also worked with integrative doctors to deal with the symptoms of this complex disease and its recovery. My doctors commented on how my physical fitness and dedication to developing my emotional resilience are part of my successful survivorship.

Again, my DNA was given to international research. I am hopeful this may help with future cures.

My journey with two cancers has given me many gifts. I joke that I have been to “Cancer College” with a degree in survivorship. Cancer has given me a focus to live with less fear, more faith, and joy. At the beginning of each illness, I did feel as if my body betrayed me; however, I have learned to thank my body for giving signs of illness.

I have learned that I am a fighter and I can win! I have also learned it takes teamwork to win the cancer battle, and I am grateful for research!

Whether you are a patient, survivor, caregiver, or loved one touched by cancer, your story can have an enormous impact. You can provide hope and inspiration to someone recently diagnosed with cancer or a patient undergoing therapy.

Share Your Story