Facing Ovarian Cancer: One Woman's Journey of Strength and Hope

Ovarian cancer is a diagnosis that affects thousands of women and their families each year. While it is the deadliest of all cancers of the female reproductive system, significant advances in treatment have led to greatly improved outcomes for patients. Understanding this disease, from its subtle symptoms to the latest therapeutic options, is crucial.

A Life-Changing Diagnosis

Yaimara Arias, known as “Gorda” to her friends and “Tata” to her family, built a life in Miami filled with love, centered around her husband, Savier, and their three children. Her days were a familiar rhythm of family life—cooking, cleaning and being present for her loved ones. She had always considered herself loyal, resilient and brave. A quitter was something she was not.

In June 2023, that resilience was put to the ultimate test. During a routine ultrasound, her OB-GYN noticed some abnormalities. Ms. Arias had been experiencing excessive bleeding and extreme fatigue but she could never have anticipated the cause. Further testing revealed a diagnosis of stage 2 ovarian cancer.

“Hearing that diagnosis shook me to my core,” Ms. Arias recalls.

Understanding Ovarian Cancer Statistics

Ms. Arias’s story is one of many. Ovarian cancer is a significant health concern for women in the United States.

• The American Cancer Society estimates that in 2025, approximately 20,890 new cases of ovarian cancer will be diagnosed in the U.S.

• The disease is projected to cause about 12,730 deaths in the same year.

• A woman’s lifetime risk of being diagnosed with ovarian cancer is approximately 1 in 91, or about 1.1%.

These numbers highlight the importance of awareness and early detection, which can be challenging due to the nature of the disease.

The Challenge of a “Silent” Disease

Ovarian cancer is often called a “silent killer” because in the early stages, its symptoms can be few or subtle. Many of the signs can be easily mistaken for less serious conditions.

“Patients may experience some abdominal discomfort or pelvic pain early on but these are symptoms that many people experience,” explains John Paul Diaz, M.D., chief of gynecologic oncology at Baptist Health Miami Cancer Institute. “If the problems are persistent or they’re getting worse, you need to see your primary care doctor or gynecologist. It really takes a patient to be attuned to their body and a physician that’s listening to their patient to find this.”

Key Symptoms and Risk Factors for Ovarian Cancer

It is important for women to be aware of the potential signs of ovarian cancer. Persistent symptoms should never be ignored.

Common Symptoms Include:

• Bloating

• Abdominal or pelvic pain

• Back pain

• Feeling full quickly when eating

• Vaginal bleeding, especially after menopause

• More frequent or urgent urination

• Constipation

Identified Risk Factors:

• Age: Ovarian cancer is more common in women aged 60 and older.

• Family History: A family history of ovarian, breast, or colorectal cancer can increase risk.

• Genetics: Inherited gene mutations, such as BRCA1 and BRCA2, are significant risk factors. Yaimara was found to have a BRCA2 mutation, which added a genetic component to her diagnosis.

• Personal Health History: Being overweight, having endometriosis, using hormone replacement therapy, and never having been pregnant can also increase risk.

Finding Hope and a Path Forward

Following her diagnosis, Ms. Arias’s family encouraged her to seek care at Miami Cancer Institute There, she met Dr. Diaz.

“From the moment I met him, I felt something I desperately needed: hope,” she recalls. “Dr. Diaz listened with patience and kindness, explained every step, but most importantly carried a knowledge and a calm confidence that made me trust him with this difficult and fearful chapter of my life. His team and the staff at MCI treated me with so much compassion and dignity that I never once felt alone in this fight.”

The first step was a biopsy to confirm the cancer, followed by the removal of her fallopian tubes. This was an emotionally difficult procedure for Ms. Arias, as these organs are central to the female reproductive system. “It felt like a great part of me was dying,” she shares. “However, God had already blessed me with all the children I dreamed of, so I reluctantly embraced any procedure necessary to retain my life.”

The Journey Through Treatment

Next came chemotherapy. The treatment was intense, leaving her exhausted and in discomfort as it targeted the cancer cells. By her fourth session, Dr. Diaz recommended a full hysterectomy and cytoreductive surgery – the removal of her uterus, ovaries and any visible cancer.

“Though losing these organs carried emotional weight, I already knew this is what was needed to finally crush this giant that haunted me,” Ms. Arias explains. “I was hopeful though scared. I knew I was in for a big surgery, but at this point I was fully surrendered to God and in the experienced hands of my medical team.”

The surgery was a complete success. Ms. Arias’s recovery was smoother than she had anticipated, impressing her and her family.

Survival Rates and the Importance of Staging

Survival rates for ovarian cancer are heavily dependent on how early the cancer is detected and treated. The stage of the cancer at diagnosis is one of the most critical factors in a patient's prognosis.

• The overall 5-year relative survival rate for all stages of ovarian cancer combined is about 55.1%.

• Localized: If the cancer has not spread beyond the ovaries, the 5-year relative survival rate is approximately 93%.

• Regional: If the cancer has spread to nearby structures or lymph nodes, the 5-year relative survival rate is about 75%.

• Distant: If the cancer has metastasized to distant organs, the 5-year relative survival rate drops to approximately 31%.

These statistics underscore why listening to your body and seeking medical advice for persistent symptoms is so vital. Early diagnosis, as in Ms. Aria’s stage 2 case, can lead to much more favorable outcomes.

Advances in Ovarian Cancer Treatment

The landscape of ovarian cancer treatment is evolving rapidly, offering new hope for patients. According to Dr. Diaz, the options available today are far more numerous than they were even a decade ago.

“We now have immunotherapies and a new class of drugs called PARP inhibitors,” he says. “And last year we had the first antibody drug conjugate approved for the treatment of recurrent ovarian cancer. It’s an exciting time in the management of this disease. We have a lot more options for our patients than we did in the past.”

For patients with known genetic risks, proactive measures are available, Dr. Diaz notes, adding that Miami Cancer Institute offers a high-risk clinic for individuals with identified genetic mutations. “We can work within a family to see if other members carry the gene. Additionally, we counsel these patients and talk about risk-reducing surgery, removing the potentially affected organ before a cancer starts.”

The Road to Recovery

After her hysterectomy, Ms. Arias’s treatment journey continued to ensure the cancer was fully eradicated. She underwent a total of seven chemotherapy sessions and ten immunotherapies. This rigorous regimen caused side effects like neuropathy, which left her with pain and numbness – symptoms that can be managed.

Today, Ms. Arias is in remission and continues her recovery. She is taking chemotherapy pills for the next two years and sees her doctor every 21 days for monitoring. While she still experiences some discomfort, she is on a path toward full health.

Throughout her ordeal, Ms. Arias leaned on her faith, her family and her church community. “My husband, my children and my loved ones carried me through moments when I thought I couldn’t keep going,” she says. “Their presence was my anchor.”

A Message of Hope

Ms. Arias’s journey is a powerful testament to the strength of the human spirit and the importance of a compassionate, expert medical team. Her experience highlights the critical need for women to advocate for their own health and to seek care when something feels wrong.

“If I could leave one message behind, it would be this: never lose hope,” she says. “This journey tested me in ways I never thought possible, but it also showed me the power of faith, family, and resilience. To anyone walking this road: you are stronger than you think. Lean on your loved ones, trust in your doctors, and hold on to hope. Brighter days are ahead.”

Her gratitude for her care team is immense. “Thank you so much, Dr. Diaz, and the entire team, for everything you have done. Forever grateful.”

John Paul Diaz, M.D., chief of gynecologic oncology at Baptist Health Miami Cancer Institute