Becky Drexler, of Minnesota, was diagnosed with stage 3B high-grade serous ovarian cancer in July 2018, less than a year after her best friend, Connie Dahl, died from the same disease. Dahl, diagnosed with stage 4 ovarian cancer in April 2015 at age 51, passed away in September 2017.
Drexler, now 65, initially dismissed her own symptoms—frequent urination, constipation, bloating, and hip pain—as common signs of aging. She was volunteering with the Minnesota Ovarian Cancer Alliance (MOCA) during Dahl's illness and, after retiring in 2017, was planning a post-retirement life of travel and hobbies. However, she experienced what she described as signs from her late friend, including the persistent appearance of dragonflies, a symbol of Dahl for Drexler. This led her to consult a doctor.
On Drexler's 57th birthday, her doctor informed her that a CT scan revealed masses on both ovaries. Following surgery and six chemotherapy treatments from September 2018 to January 2019, Drexler was in remission. During her treatment, she drew inspiration from Dahl's philosophy to "be positive, and to live, laugh and love to the fullest every day." Support from family, friends, her care team, and MOCA also played a crucial role.
In August 2020, Drexler's cancer returned, requiring surgery to remove a tumor from her pelvic area. She opted for targeted radiation, with chemotherapy as a backup. After completing radiation in January 2021, she was again in remission and began maintenance treatment with Lynparza, a PARP inhibitor, a therapy not available when Dahl was ill.
Drexler remained cancer-free until winter 2026, when gastric symptoms led to the discovery of a recurrent tumor. Following surgery and a PET scan that indicated remaining spots, she began an 18-week treatment cycle in May 2026, which has shown positive results. Her next step may involve an antibody drug conjugate (ADC) maintenance plan.
Throughout her experience, Drexler has continued her involvement with MOCA, serving on its board and reviewing grants. She noted the significant advancements in treatment options available to her compared to what was available for her friend, highlighting the critical need for research into reliable early detection methods for ovarian cancer.
Ovarian cancer, once called a "silent killer," can present with non-specific symptoms such as abdominal pain, bloating, increased abdominal girth, weight loss, and decreased appetite, according to Dr. Brian M. Slomovitz, director of gynecologic oncology at Mount Sinai Medical Center. He advises that any symptoms persisting or worsening over one to two weeks should be evaluated by a doctor.
Drexler urges women to advocate for themselves, stating, "If something isn’t feeling right or a seemingly minor issue persists, and you think you might be concerned, see your doctor. Advocate for yourself." She also stressed the importance of consulting a gynecologic oncologist for specialized care.
Despite ongoing research, a reliable early detection test for ovarian cancer has not yet been identified. While the cure rate for stage 1 ovarian cancer approaches 90%, the majority of cases are diagnosed at later, more aggressive stages.