Mary Lou Lesseraux - Ovarian Cancer
Even before she was diagnosed, Mary Lou Lesseraux was no stranger to cancer. As an administrator in M. D. Anderson’s Radiation Physics department, she had been around cancer doctors and patients for 25 years—but it didn’t make her immune. “I guess I did feel a bit invulnerable, because it was such a shock when I got my diagnosis,” she says.
Mary Lou also knew that ovarian cancer is sometimes referred to as a ‘silent killer,’ which frightened her. “I knew it was not a good thing to have. I remember lying on my bed crying and thinking that I would never live to see any grandchildren.” Today, Mary Lou enjoys the affection of two grandchildren.
She had suffered from ovarian cancer symptoms for some time. “I had the abdominal bloating and fatigue, but chalked it up to middle age,” she says. However, they became too persistent to ignore when she became badly fatigued while touring a museum with her son—and again when her daughter’s dog stepped on her abdomen, causing extreme pain. Mary Lou was referred to M. D. Anderson the next day.
After surgery and five months of chemotherapy, Mary Lou has been cancer-free since 1996. She now works as a volunteer in M. D. Anderson’s hospitality room, talking to cancer patients. “This is a place where I can give something back and offer support to others going through what I did,” she says. She urges other women not to ignore symptoms. “I think women are reluctant to mention bloating, bladder pressure and other symptoms to their doctor. Never hesitate to take care of yourself.”
With the help of her children, Mary Lou is enjoying life. “They gave me a celebration of life trip to London after my treatment, and I’ve traveled every year since,” she says. “I never forget to be grateful for every day.”