A Minnesota woman, Becky Drexler, 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. Drexler, now 65, initially dismissed her own symptoms—including frequent urination, bloating, and hip pain—as signs of aging, a common pitfall that delayed her seeking medical attention.
Drexler had been a caregiver and volunteer for Dahl during her battle with stage 4 ovarian cancer, which began in April 2015. Dahl passed away in September 2017. Inspired by Dahl's positive outlook and a series of seemingly coincidental signs, Drexler decided to consult her doctor on her 57th birthday. A CT scan revealed masses on both of her ovaries, leading to surgery and six chemotherapy treatments from September 2018 to January 2019.
During her treatment, Drexler found support through family, friends, her care team, and the Minnesota Ovarian Cancer Alliance (MOCA), where she had volunteered. She also felt her friend's presence and drew strength from Dahl's philosophy of living life to the fullest.
In August 2020, Drexler's cancer recurred, 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 in remission. She then began maintenance treatment with Lynparza, a PARP inhibitor, which was not available to Dahl during her illness.
Drexler remained cancer-free until winter 2026, when gastric symptoms led to a PET scan revealing a recurrence. Surgery confirmed a tumor around her small intestine. Following recovery, another PET scan indicated residual spots, leading to an 18-week treatment cycle that began in May 2026. A mid-treatment scan showed the therapy was working, with the spots no longer visible.
Her next steps may involve an antibody drug conjugate (ADC) maintenance plan, a recently approved targeted therapy. Drexler continues her involvement with MOCA, serving on its board and participating in grant reviews for ovarian cancer research.
Ovarian cancer, often called the "silent killer," frequently goes undiagnosed until advanced stages, with about 75% of diagnoses occurring at stage 3 or 4, according to Dr. Brian M. Slomovitz, director of gynecologic oncology at Mount Sinai Medical Center. While symptoms like abdominal pain, bloating, and changes in bowel habits can be non-specific, Slomovitz advises seeking medical attention for any persistent or worsening symptoms over one to two weeks.
Drexler urges other women to "advocate for yourself" and consult a doctor if they experience concerning symptoms, emphasizing the importance of seeing a gynecologic oncologist for specialized care. Despite decades of research, a reliable early detection method for ovarian cancer has yet to be identified, highlighting a critical ongoing goal for researchers.