My Story

I am a two-time breast cancer survivor. I lost my mother to the disease when I was four years old, and over the years, I have also lost three aunts and my sister. In 2005, while nursing my fourth child, I found a lump in my right breast. Given my family history, I had always been vigilant about my breast health. However, because I was nursing, I had to wait until my milk ducts dried up before I could undergo testing. I discovered the lump myself and initially thought it was nothing due to my consistent screenings over the years. Despite my optimism, I decided to get a biopsy.

I received the call the day before the Fourth of July. When I saw the hospital's number on the caller ID, I knew the news wasn't good. I will never forget that phone call—no woman ever does. I was in disbelief, thinking the doctors had made a mistake. My children were very young at the time, so I had to keep my emotions in check as I wrote down my appointment times in crayon while they played around me. When my husband called on his way home from the golf course, I couldn't speak; tears filled my eyes, and I collapsed to the floor, crying. Having seen many family members battle this disease, I knew the struggle that lay ahead.

On August 9, 2005, I underwent a double mastectomy and reconstruction on the same day. Fortunately, the tumor hadn’t spread, so I didn't need chemotherapy or radiation. Due to my strong family history, I was tested for the BRCA1 cancer gene. Oddly enough, I tested negative. Unsatisfied with this result, I sought answers to protect my daughter from experiencing the same fate. However, in 2007, cancer reappeared in my lymph nodes. I vividly remember crying on the way to that appointment, sensing the bad news. I was convinced that the BRCA1 gene test had given a false negative.

I traveled to Sloan Kettering in New York for a second opinion, which was worth every penny. The genetics department at Magee Hospital contacted me about sending a DNA sample to France, where they had more advanced testing methods. The results came back positive for BRCA1. This discovery changed everything for my family and me. Myriad Laboratories retested me using the sequencing deletions France had found, confirming the positive result. I was frustrated that it took so long and additional expense to get the correct results. My entire family was retested, and all tested positive for the BRCA1 gene. Prevention became key to keeping this cancer gene inactive.

I began chemotherapy and radiation treatments since triple-negative BRCA1 breast cancer is one of the most aggressive forms. My doctors also recommended a hysterectomy to reduce the risk of recurrence as I aged. In 2010, I had a robotic hysterectomy and contacted a functional doctor (My husband) who helped me with bioidentical hormones, nutrition, and detoxification to build up my immune system.

In February 2012 and November 2019, I experienced severe illnesses. My arm swelled, and I was rushed to the hospital with a fever and cellulitis. Streptococcus pyogenes, from a small cut near my elbow, was moving up my arm. After nine days in the hospital, I was diagnosed with Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy (RSD), which left me rehabbing my hand and arm. The doctors told me I would never regain full function. I was no longer able to work as a licensed skin care professional. After years of medical blocks, pain medications, and occupational therapy, I wanted to give up. But I had four little children and a loving husband who needed me. I refused to give in. I would fight and declare victory.

So, where am I now? I am alive and thankful, trusting Jesus for my complete healing. I am not anxious about anything; I present my requests to God with prayer and thanksgiving. He is my greatest physician. I am now cancer-free, celebrating 19 years of survival, and I give God all the glory. I share my passion as an advocate for health and wellness at my husband’s office, Functional Medicine Associates in Greensburg, PA. I am also the founder of The Hope Support Group, a Christ-centered community support group for anyone struggling with a cancer diagnosis or health concerns, offering encouragement and prayer. This support group was born out of my experiences with cancer and RSD treatments.

In my eyes, you can be the victim or the victor. You can live in failure or in faith. You can be defeated or fight. I emerged and transformed, like a caterpillar into a beautiful light, by the mercy and grace of God. He rescued me. My family grew closer, and I was blessed by great friends and my wonderful church, which cooked meals for me and prayed for me. It was a team effort to win this war against cancer and sickness. I have crossed the finish line, healed and restored. I believe I am healed, and no weapon formed against me shall prosper. Fear is faith in the negative, so we fight another day and share hope with others, enabling me to persevere and be a light in the darkness. Keep believing for it, never stop believing you have won.

I have won.

- Ovie Marshall