Minnesota Woman Diagnosed with Ovarian Cancer After Best Friend’s Death from Same Disease
A Minnesota woman named Becky Drexler was shocked to learn she was diagnosed with ovarian cancer less than a year after her best friend, Connie Dahl, passed away from the same illness. In April 2015, when Dahl was diagnosed with stage 4 ovarian cancer at age 51, Drexler stood by her side. Despite a brave fight, Dahl died in September 2017.
During Dahl’s battle, Drexler began volunteering with the Minnesota Ovarian Cancer Alliance (MOCA). After retiring in 2017, she planned to travel and spend more time with loved ones. These plans were disrupted in July 2018 when Drexler herself was diagnosed with stage 3B high-grade serous ovarian cancer.
At age 57, her doctor discovered masses on both ovaries. After consulting an oncologist, she underwent surgery four days later and began chemotherapy from September 2018 to January 2019. Supported by family, friends, and her care team, Drexler also found encouragement from MOCA meetings and the memory of her friend’s positive outlook.
In August 2020, Drexler faced a recurrence of cancer and chose targeted radiation as her treatment. Post-treatment in January 2021, she was considered to have no evidence of disease (NED). Drexler then continued maintenance treatment with Lynparza, remaining in NED status until February 2026.
Experiencing gastric symptoms in 2026, Drexler’s PET scan revealed a tumor near her small intestine, confirmed as a recurrence. After surgery, her treatment included chemotherapy and radiation. A mid-treatment PET scan in late July showed promising results, with previously visible spots no longer present.
Drexler continues advocating for herself and others in her cancer journey, remaining active with MOCA and emphasizing the importance of early detection. She reflects on how treatments unavailable to her friend are now helping her and other women.
Recognizing Symptoms
Ovarian cancer has been referred to as a “silent killer” since many women discover it late due to its subtle symptoms. Dr. Brian Slomovitz of Mount Sinai Medical Center in Miami Beach noted that about 75% of women are diagnosed in stage 3 or 4. Common signs include bloating, frequent urination, constipation, and hip pain.
Although these symptoms can be easily mistaken for everyday ailments, anyone experiencing persistent or worsening symptoms should consult a doctor. Early signs are often vague and dismissed as aging or stress.
Advocacy and Awareness
Drexler stresses the importance of paying attention to your body and advocating for yourself when something feels off. Consulting a gynecologic oncologist is crucial for those diagnosed with ovarian cancer, as they have specialized training.
Currently, no reliable screening test exists for ovarian cancer in average-risk women, making early detection challenging. With a 90% cure rate for stage 1 detection, ongoing research is vital to improving outcomes.