Hope and Support Guides Survivor Through Ovarian Cancer Journey

Mary Barbera describes how her family’s support and her care team’s guidance carried her through stage 3C ovarian cancer treatment. From sleepless nights during chemotherapy to long months in rehab, she leaned on loved ones to get to appointments and find strength in everyday moments.

Now, Mary gives back by mentoring other women through Imerman Angels and Cancer Hope Network, reminding them they are not alone. Her story shows how hope and connection can empower survivors to reclaim independence and meaning after cancer.

CURE: When you first felt that unusual pain in July 2016, what made you trust your instincts to seek emergency care?

Barbera: Because I’ve had IBS — and usually, you get pains — you do what you got to do, then it’s over with. But this went on for a whole week, and it just wouldn’t stop. I knew something was not right, and I had to get checked out. I was very scared. I didn’t know what was going on. I thought maybe it was just a stomach problem or something. And then when I heard what it was, I was shocked. I hate to admit this, but in my head, I said, “Oh, now I’m going to die.”

Can you describe the moment you met your doctor?

I think I met her after they gave me a CAT scan in the emergency room, and then they said they found a mass in my stomach area. They admitted me for the weekend because something else was going on with my stomach, and they had to give me medicine. I believe I first met her then, and my impression was just wow. She knew what she was talking about, she made me feel very comfortable, and my first impression was that I loved her already.

How had her approach helped you ease your fears before surgery?

I lost my husband while I was sick, but at the time of my diagnosis, he was still with us. We had a meeting with her before surgery at the cancer center. She went through everything step by step, told us what would happen and what might happen, even drew pictures. She was right on. Everything she said would happen, happened. At least she prepared me. I was fully prepared and confident in her.

Your chemotherapy story is very intense. What helped you push through those toughest days?

I knew I had to have a good attitude and hope in order to have any chance. I couldn’t give up. My friends and family were always around, helping me when I didn’t feel well. Sleep also really helped me. Mostly all I did was sleep, but I needed that to get through. The chemo made me very sick for a few days, but I made it through. I understood they had to get me sick to make me better.

Looking back, how did moving back into your condo symbolize your return to life after cancer?

When I got out of rehab, I was there for three months after surgery. I couldn’t come back here right away because I couldn’t take care of myself, and there are three flights of stairs. My family took me in, and my brothers, sister, and friends got me to all my appointments and chemo treatments. By April 2018, I was finally able to move back in here. It was hard because my husband had passed away, but it also made me feel empowered. It was like freedom. It felt good to get back to my life and be independent again. That was a very big victory for me.

How has mentoring other women through Imerman Angels and Cancer Hope Network helped you process your own survivorship?

It’s made me feel more thankful for everything. Even though I’ve been through a lot, I got through it, and it made me stronger. I believe I lived for a purpose — to help others get through what I went through. Letting them know they have hope doesn’t just help them, it helps me too. It keeps me going with my survivorship. I just want people to have hope. That makes me happy.

You mentioned your family earlier. How important was that support system during your story?

I would have been in so much trouble without them. I could barely do anything on my own. They were always around to cheer me up and visited me often in rehab. It felt good to have them there. You need support. Without it, it would have been too difficult, and I think we may have had a different outcome.

What advice would you give to a patient who doesn’t have immediate support or family?

I would hope they reach out to Imerman Angels or the Cancer Hope Network. They have resources. Cancer centers also have resources, so ask about them. If you have friends, try to rely on them, even though sometimes it’s hard for friends to see someone go through that. I also saw a therapist, which really helped. I strongly suggest that too.

What message do you hope others take away from your story, especially those newly diagnosed with ovarian cancer?

I want people to have hope. I don’t sugarcoat it and say it’s going to be easy — it’s going to be hard. But even if you take it one minute at a time, just keep going. Each time you get through something, keep going and stay hopeful. If you’re not hopeful, I think you have less of a chance of making it through.

Transcript has been edited for clarity and conciseness.

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