Carrie Serigney CaringforCarrie

On Monday, January 30, 2017, I went to see my OBGYN after experiencing discomfort and a lump on my lower right side. I was diagnosed with a large ovarian cyst and recommended for surgery to remove the cyst. The cyst removal surgery took place on Friday, February 3rd and my doctor decided to remove the entire ovary since the cyst was so large and a blood clot had formed. On Monday, February 13th, I went for a "routine" post-op visit with my OBGYN for the purposes of making sure that I was healing properly. There was no reason to expect anything was out of the ordinary but my doctor told me that the pathology report came back and I was told that a malignant tumor had been found in the ovary that had been removed. I was diagnosed with low grade Serous carcinoma. The next day was spent at the oncology office where I learned that I would need a CT scan immediately and surgery within the next 2 weeks. This is where my story begins.......

My current status is considered to be Stage 1C as of now and I am scheduled for surgery on Tuesday, February 28th at 7:30AM. After the surgery, we will know more information based on what my doctor can see and the biopsy results. I did have a CT scan that revealed no abnormalities in any of my major organs but there is a pocket of fluid in my pelvic area and another cyst has been found on my left ovary. My oncologist will be focusing on these items during my surgery as those things will be of concern.

I want my care community to know that my faith in God is very strong and although I am facing a scary situation, I know that He is with me. Many people have asked what they can do or what I need and the honest truth is, I don't know what I need yet. Please keep me, my husband, and my boys in your prayers and I will be glad to continue to update this page with the latest information so that you will know exactly what is going on. Those of you that know me, know that I love the children of Shiloh UMC and I would ask that you carry on that love and give them your support and encouragement as I look forward to returning to them very soon!! I also want you to know that there will be times where I may need privacy and I don't want anyone to be offended but just know that I know that you are still supporting me and praying for me but sometimes, you just need a moment. I am on a journey......

Cancer is a scary illness and although I have it, it DOES NOT define me. God, the Creator of all and the lover of my heart and soul is Who defines me and determines my path. Many people see cancer as an object to fear but I see it as an opportunity, an opportunity for the love and power of God to be revealed not only in my life but the lives of those around me. God is so good and I have already seen His wonderful and generous hand in my situation and I look forward to seeing His continued grace, mercy, and power in His time. It would be very easy for me to be angry or ask, "why me?" I want you to know that I am not angry - Jesus said that "in this life you will have trouble" and I know that I am not exempt from experiencing things such as this. I don't want anyone to be angry for me or question God as I know that His good and perfect will is taking place. I am not afraid and don't want any of you to be either. God is holding on to me tightly.