Teal Travels with Megan

05/05/2025

Did You Know...

Ovarian cancer affects 20,000 women annually in the United States. This rare and often deadly disease occurs in the ovaries, part of the female reproductive system. Its high fatality rate is due to the absence of early symptoms, with only about 20% of cases detected early. The tumors spread quickly to the pelvis, intestines, liver, and stomach, complicating treatment. Early symptoms are typically generic and easily confused with other conditions.

Paragraph AI summarized from https://facty.com/conditions/cancer/10-symptoms-of-ovarian-cancer/?style=quick&utm_source=adwords&adid=714100788120&ad_group_id=170686046154&utm_medium=c-search&utm_term=ovarian%20cancer&utm_campaign=FH-USA-Search-Signs-and-Symptoms-Group2-Ovarian-Cancer-Symptoms&gad_source=5&gad_campaignid=21724035049&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIr_SI-qONjQMVf4FaBR2gLwFHEAAYAiAAEgIyhfD_BwE

During my research, I found several entries regarding BEACH Ovarian Cancer. This is a term I had never seen, so curiosity made me look into it further. BEACH is an acronym for the top 5 "odd" symptoms to look for when questioning whether you have Ovarian Cancer. This information is provided by Kari Ring, MD.

"There are 5 very clear signs to watch for, Ring says. Just think of the acronym BEACH:

Bloating
Early satiety (feeling full quickly)
Abdominal (belly) pain or pelvic pain
Changes in bowel and bladder habits
Heightened fatigue (feeling run down and drained)"

https://blog.uvahealth.com/2022/05/03/odd-symptoms-ovarian-cancer-you-shouldnt-ignore/

Worried your odd symptoms could be ovarian cancer? A UVA Health cancer expert tells us the signs to watch for, plus those not to worry about.

05/05/2025

Megan just finished her Caribbean Cruise. She finally got to see Rhoatan, Honduras and Belize. Also, Puerto Costa Maya, Mexico and revisited Cozumel.

She had a wonderful trip and saw some awesome sights. Here are some of the pictures from her latest travels.

01/03/2025

Two years ago today, our Baby Girl lost her battle with Ovarian cancer. Miss her every single day.

Had dinner at one of Megan's favorite places and took her for an outing earlier today-a walk on the beach.

March 1 is always hard for us, but I know I'll see her again. Love and miss you, Sissy.

Share stories about Megan today, provide info that can increase awareness of Ovarian cancer, or buy a book and donate it to a local library. Megan was an avid reader! Need a book suggestion? Try My Friend, Megan by Abigail E. McKee. The book can be found at Barnes and Noble.

16/02/2025

I think of you every day, but yesterday, I sent a hug to you as well. I know you had a great Valentine's Day in Heaven. I bet it was a fabulous celebration.

You are never forgotten, Baby Girl!

01/01/2025

Still wearing Teal for my daughter and now wear it for yours. Happy 2925!

22/11/2024

Celebrating Megan Adkins birthday at Panera! Happy 30th, Baby Girl.

22/11/2024

30 years ago today @ 9:56 p.m., I gave birth to my beautiful baby girl. She was 7lbs. 1oz. and 20.5" and only 4 hours of labor. She was a sweet baby but also let it be know when she wasn't happy. When she was hungry, she wanted it now! That drive of hers was evident from birth. She kept life exciting though. We were so proud to be her parents. Megan fought hard for everything she wanted to accomplish (and she did a lot for the short time she was here). The only thing she couldn't overcome was Ovarian Cancer. If only we had caught it earlier.

Did you know... If Ovarian Cancer is caught at Stage 1 or 2 there is a 90% survival rate but if caught at Stage 3 or 4 that survival rate falls to 28%. That is why it is called the Silent Killer because you are usually in the advanced stages before the symptoms are most evident.

We can't bring Meg back, but we can help others from having to deal with the loss of a loved one. Please know the symptoms - it may save your life.

Today, we are going to celebrate her life and be thankful for the years we had her here with us. We bought her favorite birthday cake with some ice cream, and of course, we'll go to Panera Bread for dinner. Megan loved her soup bowls and her Mac and cheese. We'll eat these tonight to celebrate her special day.

Happy Heavenly Birthday, Baby Girl!

13/07/2024

Saw my first Tesla truck. I was waiting for Marty and Doc to roll down the window!

09/07/2024

Did you know...

Early detection of ovarian cancer can be a challenge because there are no reliable screening tests for it.

The American Cancer Society (ACS)Trusted Source recommends that people undergo regular gynecological exams and contact a doctor if they have any possible symptoms for longer than a few weeks.

Ovarian Cancer Risk Factors

Nobody knows exactly what causes ovarian cancer. The lifetime risk of being diagnosed with it is 1.3%. Common ovarian cancer risk factors include:

Older age

Genetic mutations. Approximately 15% of ovarian cancers are linked to genetic mutations. Most are due to BRCA1 (BReast CAncer gene 1) or BRCA2 (BReast CAncer gene 2) mutations. However, other mutations can also be associated with ovarian cancer, including Lynch syndrome.

Family history of ovarian cancer: People with a relative diagnosed with ovarian cancer (such as a mother, sister, grandmother or aunt) have higher risk.

Endometriosis

Obesity

Early menstruation and late menopause

Never being pregnant

The only factor Megan had was Never being pregnant. Her great aunt was diagnosed a couple of years after her, but it was a different type.

Since you may have limited factors, it is so important to know the symptoms of Ovarian Cancer.

09/07/2024

If you look down into the building, it looks like a tulip!

09/07/2024

The museum doesn't have 90 degree corner because evil spirits can hide in them (at least that is what the builder thought).

09/07/2024

Military Unknown Soldier memorial in Ottawa. Didn't get to see the changing of the guards though.