A Journey Through Ovarian Cancer and Writing
June 5, 2025, marked a significant turning point in my life. On that day, I received a diagnosis of stage 4 ovarian cancer. This was entirely unexpected, especially since I had retired from academia at a prestigious Chicago university just a month earlier. I was preparing to release a book the next year. The saying, ‘Life is what happens to you while you’re busy making other plans,’ resonated deeply with my situation.
Instead of embracing retirement, I found myself embracing a new challenge: surviving. Ovarian cancer often remains undetected until advanced stages due to a lack of early symptoms. Diagnosed at stage 3 or 4, it usually has already spread. Despite having a pap smear six months before my diagnosis, a mass developed undetected since routine gynecological exams don’t include necessary scans.
I remained healthy, experienced weight loss, and wasn’t feeling other symptoms besides weakness and rapid heartbeat. A visit to the emergency room led to my admission to the hospital. A mass on my ovary caused blood clotting, which explained my symptoms. Further tests confirmed the cancer diagnosis.
My disbelief was compounded by surprise, as family history didn’t include cancer. I was frustrated that this illness interrupted my plans of promoting a book about Sylvia Moy, a less-known Motown Records music icon. Moy made a significant impact in 1964 as Motown’s first female in-house songwriter-producer, working with giants such as Smokey Robinson and Holland-Dozier-Holland.
Despite the obstacle cancer presented, my commitment to the book mirrored a parent’s dedication to their child. I felt responsible for ensuring Moy’s story was heard, especially after her 2017 passing. Timing was crucial since my voice through the book would be silenced if treatment failed.
The treatment path required major surgery to remove the cancer and six aggressive chemotherapy rounds. This treatment paradoxically involved poison that weakened both cancerous and healthy cells, impacting my immune system. My niece, a nurse practitioner, guided me through these emotional and physical challenges, reassuring me there was still much to live for, including the book release.
Neuropathy, a possible chemotherapy side effect, threatened my ability to write. To combat this, I endured ice mittens during treatments to preserve hand function. Every successful session boosted resilience and determination. Through this, I found a personal strength, akin to a warrior overcoming adversity.
Music played an unexpected yet vital role in my recovery. It sustained my spirit, offering solace and motivation. Sylvia Moy’s lyrics, especially to Stevie Wonder’s “My Cherie Amour,” resonated deeply, empowering me through tough times.
Writing the book sustained my optimism. Sharing Moy’s story provided hope and a reason to persist, transforming survival into purpose. Post-treatment, I shifted focus from quality of life to survival quality. I cultivated optimism and purpose to see life’s glass as perpetually half full and recognized shared experiences in the stories of others.
As Black women, we faced significant challenges, often underappreciated and undervalued. Despite adversity, we rise, demonstrating resilience and strength. Through intentional choices about energy and priorities, I embraced storytelling to illuminate others’ stories.
With no present disease evidence, a sense of protection and guidance remains strong. Faith proved crucial during my journey, helping overcome hardships without complaint. Music and storytelling continue to inspire, ensuring the narrative continues.
In Sylvia Moy’s words, ‘And this is love.’
Dr. Margena A. Christian authored It’s No Wonder: The Life and Times of Motown’s Legendary Songwriter Sylvia Moy. She is a professor emeritus and former internship director for undergraduate studies in English and professional writing at the University of Illinois Chicago, and ex-editor for EBONY and JET magazines.
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