Survivor encouraged walker to join Walk for Hope

Karen Hoffman is joining The Ovarian Cancer Walk for Hope because of an ovarian cancer survivor.

“Marilyn Robinson asked me to take part,” said Hoffman.

The event takes place Sept. 9 at Nicholls Oval. Registration opens at 10 a.m. and opening ceremonies start at 11 a.m. Choose a 2.5 or 5 km route.

We hope to have 120 walkers and hope to raise 25,000, said Robinson.

But Hoffman is also participating for another reason.

“I have been diagnosed with ovarian cancer,” said Hoffman.

In January 2016, she saw an internet post from Sunnybrook Hospital about ovarian cancer symptoms that focused her attention.

Ovarian cancer symptoms: -Abdominal bloating, indigestion or nausea

-Changes in appetite, such as a loss of appetite or feeling full sooner

-Pressure in the pelvis or lower back -A more frequent or urgent need to urinate and/or constipation

-Changes in bowel movements -Increased abdominal girth

-Tiredness or low energy

-Changes in menstruation Individually, those symptoms could be explained away. But Hoffman had all of them.

“I knew something was wrong,” she said.

Initially, she had three ultrasound tests for doctors thought was an ovarian cyst. Then in May, another ultrasound and a CA125 blood test, a marker for ovarian cancer.

“It took them a while to figure it out,” she said.

Since surgery is the only way to confirm ovarian cancer, she was immediately scheduled for May 19.

Hoffman, a teacher, wanted to explain her absence to her students before she went to the hospital and reassure them that she was going to be okay.

While in surgery, doctors discovered the disease had progressed, so it was not an option. She began four rounds of chemotherapy, had a CT scan and four more rounds of chemo.

She was sent to Princess Margaret Hospital, where she found out surgery was now an option and was scheduled for February 2017.

“She was going to the best place for her,” said husband Paul Plante, who has been constantly by her side.

With a week until surgery, the couple idly wondered if they could squeeze in a trip to Cuba.

“We had our bags packed and ready to go. Worst case scenario, we would come back home,” said Hoffman.

But they got approval for the trip, booked a last-minute flight and were back in time for the planned surgery.

Hoffman had planned to go back to teaching in June 2017. Then, the cancer returned and treatment resumed.

This August she was put on another drug for a month and found that she needed blood transfusions.

“My hemoglobin tanked,” she said. Throughout the process, Hoffman has been incredibly strong and positive. She had even continued going to the gym to work out when she can manage it.

“Karen and I are friends and she seems to be so positive and inspiring to people dealing with ovarian cancer, said Marilyn Robinson.

“It’s easier to get discouraged. I have worked hard at maintaining a positive attitude,” said Hoffman.