My Fight Against Ovarian Cancer

Family, friends and community, my name is Anna Catindig or Inah to my close family and friends. I’m 32 years old and married to my husband Mike Staier. Last October 7, I was diagnosed of Stage II Endometriod Adenocarcinoma(type of ovarian cancer). After I had surgery last Sept.16, 2019: they removed my left ovary and fallopian tube because of a big tumor then they sent it to the lab for biopsy.

After I was diagnosed my doctor suggested that I should do another surgery. But before that they asked us if we want to preserve my fertility. So we decided doing IVF and we had our retrieval last October 24. We got 4 eggs thats now freezing in Mt. Sinai Fertility Clinic in Toronto.

The cost of the fertility drugs are insane. But our clinic let us do payment plan. The total cost of the fertility drugs was almost $11k plus upfront $300 for the freezing/storage. So, thank God for letting us do the payment plan. 

I had my second surgery last Nov. 7, 2019: I had total hysterectomy, right salphingo-oophorectomy and omentectomy. Since the cancer cells already metastasize in my uterus, cervix and right ovary that’s why they needed to remove it as well. I had my first cycle of chemotherapy last Dec. 6(carbotaxol) then again after 3 weeks. I need to do it for 6 cycles.

Now, at the age of 32 I’m already menopause.

We were just starting our own family. We just got married last year. I felt bad that my husband is the only one who’s shouldering all our expenses right now since I need to stop working.

We created this gofundme campaign to help us in all our upcoming household expenses. I applied for disability benefit but unfortunately I was denied and through the help of a legal aid clinic we applied for internal review last February 18 and still waiting for the decision until now.

Your kindness and generosity is greatly appreciated. Thank you.

You can also donate thru
PAYPAL:PayPal.me/myovariancajourney