In 2021, my husband and I began infertility treatments after a year of trying to conceive. I had been diagnosed with Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome, though I did not have any cysts at that time. After three medicated cycles and two IUI cycles, we took a break from treatments and moved to a new state.

In October 2021 we found a new Infertility specialist who began running their own tests. A transvaginal ultrasound revealed that I had a mass on each ovary. Given my previous diagnosis, we monitored the masses for one cycle, hoping they would shrink, as hemorrhagic cysts often do. When they grew, my doctor ordered the CA-125 Cancer Antigen blood test, which came back 200x higher than normal. They referred me to a gynecologic oncologist for further consult and surgery.

In December 2021, after open abdominal surgery to remove the masses, my fallopian tubes, and other spots of potential metastasis,  I was diagnosed with Low-Grade Serous Ovarian Carcinoma, at age 29. Further tests and biopsies revealed the cancer had spread through the lymph nodes of my abdomen, chest and neck, making it Stage 4.

Over the next 3 months, I underwent an egg retrieval procedure and three additional surgeries to remove the infected lymph nodes, and complete the total hysterectomy. Thankfully, my surgeries had very good results, an optimal debulking.

After surgeries, I entered a clinical trial, which is aimed at studying the efficacy of chemotherapy on LGSOC, and was sorted into the branch of the trial receiving chemo and then maintenance medication. Six weeks after my final surgery, I began chemo with 6 cycles of carboplatin and taxol, once every 3 weeks.

Now, 2 and a half years later, I remain in good health, with no visible disease in my body. I have graduated to twice yearly scans (down from 4), though I still receive bloodwork 4x annually. My maintenance medication of Letrozole seems to be keeping the cancer away.

I am back to work, even planning to start a business with my husband. We are awaiting an adoption match, and taking every opportunity that comes our way to travel and spend time with those we love. I volunteer by sharing my story with medical students, and raising funds for Ovarian Cancer Awareness month and various other events.

I have Survived, so I choose to Thrive, Advocate and Advance Research along with wonderful organizations like STAAR. 

At STAAR, we believe in the power of sharing personal journeys to inspire and connect our community. This month, we highlight the story of our board chair, Nicole Andrews, and invite you to share your own story to foster hope and awareness.

In May 2020, Nicole was diagnosed with low-grade serous ovarian cancer (LGSOC). Despite undergoing chemotherapy during the pandemic, she organized a 5K for Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month that September, raising $25,000.

“I didn’t know the symptoms associated with ovarian cancer and assumed those I was having (menstrual irregularities, indigestion, fatigue) were linked to other things like perimenopause, not sleeping well, etc.,” she said.

Now, as a retired associate professor from the University of Houston and STAAR’s board chair, Nicole is dedicated to spreading awareness and supporting others facing LGSOC.

Read More Stories of Hope

Share Your Journey
There’s power in sharing your story. It can spark connection, raise awareness, and offer hope to someone facing a similar path. If you’ve been impacted by LGSOC—as a patient, caregiver, supporter, or friend—we’d love to hear from you.

Your story could be featured on our website, social media, or in future newsletters to inspire and empower others in our community.

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