4 Years

I walked out to the car the other day and I was struck by utter sadness as I looked at the ovarian cancer awareness ribbon we've had displayed on our car.  How has it been on our car long enough that the magnet has faded and cracked?  How has Jenn been gone that long?  How has it been almost 4 Thanksgivings without her?  It doesn't seem possible. Part of me expects that we are just a car trip away from seeing her again, and I so wish that were true. 

We miss our cousin, our friend, Jenn today and every day.  We are thankful for the time we had with her and the connections she gave us that have brought joy and love to our life.  It is a testament to who she was--the planner, the connector, the warm soul with a friendly smile.  We miss her!

Jenn is in the teal to the right of Minnie. 
How can it have been that long ago?

Cancer sucks!  Please remember that ovarian cancer's symptoms are often subtle.  Most women with ovarian cancer ignore or rationalize away the symptoms-- bloating, pelvic and/or abdominal pain, difficulty eating or feel full too soon, either too frequent or too urgent urination, fatigue, indigestion, back pain, constipation and/or irregular periods.  If you or someone you know has a plurality of these symptoms for any length of time, please get checked!  There is no reliable, early detection test for ovarian cancer.  Survival rates are high when the cancer is found early, but because the symptoms are quiet and there isn't an early detection test, most cases of ovarian cancer are found at later stages when the survival outlook is not very positive. Be aware! The Ovarian Cancer National Alliance offers a free Symptom Diary App, which women can use to track symptoms and risk factors. Learn more and access the app at OvarianCancer.org/app.