Six days after welcoming her second child into the world, Beth Ellis, a wife and mother of two from Franklin, Tennessee, received life-changing news: she had ovarian cancer. Now, as part of Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month this September, Beth is sharing her inspiring journey to raise awareness and empower others to be proactive about their health.

Her journey began in March 2024 with what was supposed to be a routine c-section and the removal of her fallopian tubes. During surgery, however, doctors discovered ovarian cancer outside one of the tubes. After consulting with several specialists, Beth chose Dr. Jason Barnett, a gynecologic oncologist at Ascension Saint Thomas Midtown, to guide her through her treatment.

Initially, Beth’s treatment plan seemed straightforward: surgery followed by chemotherapy. In late April, she went in for a full hysterectomy and a lymph node biopsy. But during surgery, Dr. Barnett discovered that Beth’s cancer had spread to other areas, requiring a more comprehensive approach. Her new treatment plan included three rounds of chemotherapy, surgery in July, and an additional three rounds of chemotherapy afterward.

On July 15, after completing her first three rounds of chemotherapy, Beth underwent a full hysterectomy, an omentectomy, a biopsy of the lymph nodes, and a cutting-edge treatment known as Hyperthermic Intraperitoneal Chemotherapy (HIPEC). Through it all, her positive attitude remained unwavering. "This is an undeniably hard experience, but there is strength and beauty in the journey," she said. "For me, a large source of strength is my family, and my children are a constant reminder of how resilient we can be."

Beth shared that the partnership with her medical team from Ascension Saint Thomas has been critical in her fight against the disease, adding “Dr. Barnett and his team really made me feel like an individual.”

As she nears the completion of her chemotherapy this September, Beth reflects on her journey with gratitude and hope. “I have had amazing support since day one from this incredible medical team,” she shared. “They go above and beyond in terms of care and compassion.”

How common is ovarian cancer?

While ovarian cancer is relatively rare, it remains a significant concern for many women. According to the American Cancer Society, about 19,680 women in the U.S. will receive a new diagnosis of ovarian cancer in 2024. Ovarian cancer is one of the leading causes of cancer-related deaths among women, with a lifetime risk of developing the disease being about 1 in 87, and the risk of dying from it about 1 in 130.

Although ovarian cancer represents just 1 percent of all new cancer cases in the U.S., early detection and specialized treatment can significantly improve outcomes for those affected.

Recognizing the Symptoms of Ovarian Cancer - Ovarian cancer is often challenging to detect early because its symptoms can be subtle and easily mistaken for other conditions. According to Dr. Barnett, common symptoms to watch for include:

• Persistent abdominal bloating or swelling

• Feeling full quickly when eating

• Unexplained weight loss

• Pelvic discomfort or pain

• Fatigue

• Back pain

• Changes in bowel habits, such as constipation

• A frequent need to urinate

"These symptoms can often be vague, so it's important for women to listen to their bodies and consult with their doctor if they experience anything unusual," Dr. Barnett advises. Early detection is critical, as it can significantly improve the chances of successful treatment.

Dr. Barnett and his team’s dedication to personalized, patient-centered care has been vital to Beth’s treatment. Their expertise and innovative approaches highlight the importance of specialized care in battling complex diseases like ovarian cancer.

We thank Beth for sharing her brave battle against ovarian cancer. Her story is a powerful reminder of the importance of awareness, early detection and effective treatments.

About Ascension Saint Thomas - Ascension Saint Thomas is a leading health care system with a 125-year history of providing care to the community, and is the only faith-based, non profit health system in Middle Tennessee. Today, the health system offers a highly comprehensive system of care, with more than 250 sites of care that cover a 45-county area in Tennessee consisting of 16 hospitals and a network of affiliated joint ventures, medical practices, clinics and specialty facilities. Across the state, Ascension Saint Thomas and its partner organizations employ more than 13,000 dedicated associates who care for millions of patients each year. Ascension Saint Thomas is part of Ascension, one of the nation’s largest faith-based healthcare organizations committed to delivering compassionate, personalized care to all, with special attention to persons living in poverty and those most vulnerable. Ascension includes approximately 134,000 associates, 35,000 affiliated providers and 140 hospitals, serving communities in 19 states and the District of Columbia. Visit www.ascension.org.