In December of 2010, Mary Antonenko of Estevan was diagnosed with ovarian cancer.
"My symptoms were weight gain, some bloating, and being very tired," Antonenko writes. "At the time these symptoms were not enough to raise any flags because my life was very stressful and busy as I was self-employed owning a sewing business with no employees. I worked long hours and usually [six] days a week."
Though symptoms had presented in September, Antonenko thought it was nothing more than the usual side effects of stress and didn't think anything more of it until December when a sharp pain in her lower right abdomen caused her to black out.
An ultrasound was booked with her doctor for the next day and she was asked to go to Regina for a Computed Tomography (CT) Scan. Antonenko was then diagnosed with ovarian cancer. She had tumours on her bladder, liver, and bowel.
Surgery happened shortly after, however, although surgeons and a gynaecologist were involved there hadn't been consultations with a gynaecologic oncologist and after the surgery it was discovered they had missed a tumour on her bowel.
Antonenko had begun chemotherapy and was faced with now having to undergo another surgery as well as further chemotherapy following the second surgery.
It was an extremely trying time for Antonenko who had held up very well during the first diagnosis and surgery, but was discouraged by having already undergone so much.
In the end Antonenko was delivered good news; her cancer was in remission, it was gone. Yet, the experience left her feeling lost. She was unable to continue operating her business and was forced to figure out a way to restart her life at the age of 54.
Now, Antonenko, is spearheading a fundraiser for Ovarian Cancer Canada through organizing a golf tournament at White Bear Lake Golf Course. Scheduled for June 15 with a 1 p.m. shotgun start, organizers are hopeful of bringing together 100 participants.
The tournament is being held as a fundraiser by Team Teal Warriors, who will be walking in the annual "Walk of Hope," held in Regina.
Antonenko decided to hold the tournament in a central locale, as team members are from across the southeast, while the facilities are exceptional at White Bear.
For $100 each golfer receives 18 holes of golf, their cart rental, and supper at the Bear Claw Casino, while all funds raised will go to Ovarian Cancer Canada.
There will be a Chinese auction and 50/50 draws throughout the day.
To register contact Mary at (306)461-3030, Michelle at (306)634-5616, or the White Bear Lake Golf Course at (306) 577-4902 by June 6th.
"Saskatchewan is going to show up the rest of Canada this year!" Anne Chase, fellow organizer and survivor, exclaimed.
Last year Saskatchewan raised $63,000 specifically for research directed at ovarian cancer. This year those participating hope to raise $100,000.
Most often with ovarian cancer there is a failure to find the disease in its early stages because of a "(i) lack of sensitive detection tests and (ii) health care providers and even women themselves may ignore warning symptoms," Ovarian Cancer Canada writes.
Ovarian cancer is very difficult to diagnose as pap tests do not provide the necessary information. Pelvic exams, ultrasounds, and a cancer antigen (CA) 125 test are the only ways to discern for sure if a woman has ovarian cancer.
Warning symptoms are easily ignored or associated with another happening in someone's life, such as stress in the Antonenko's case. These symptoms may include stomach discomfort/pain, swelling/bloating, sense of pressure in the pelvic area, a lump in the abdomen, a change in menstruation, or abnormal vaginal bleeding.
