Perla

As a mother of three, wife, author-in-progress, and cancer survivor, it isn’t an overstatement to say that Perla is one of the bravest people you’ll ever meet. 

Just months ago, Perla awoke around midnight to phone call after phone call. Assuming it was a spam caller, she ignored the calls and continued to rest. However, when the calls continued in the morning, she decided it was time to answer the phone. What she heard shook her to her core. “Come down to the office immediately,” her doctor said. After a drive that felt like hours, Perla arrived at UT Medical. They had found a cancerous tumor. Once again, she would have to fight one of the hardest battles a person can fight. 

Ovarian cancer is one of the most difficult to diagnose due to its vague warning signs (often similar to menstrual symptoms). These can include back pain, constipation, bloating, and loss of appetite. Perla notes that she is full after her morning cup of coffee, and has lost forty pounds following her diagnosis. 

Due to the pain of her disease, Perla is no longer able to work. 

On Wednesday, April 10th, she had a massive tumor removed, and is now in recovery. Although she is doing well, the cost of such a surgery threatens her ability to provide for herself and her children. With an average recovery time of 4-6 weeks, she is forced to wait even longer to search for employment. 

Perla hopes that with the help of Kickin’ Cancer, and support from her loving family that she will make a full recovery. She plans to have her book published, spend time with her family, and continue to live life to its fullest every day.  

More women die every year of ovarian cancer than any other gynecologic cancer. It is not recommended to get tested if you are asymptomatic. However, there are multiple options for testing if you are symptomatic, including the CA-125 blood test, a transvaginal ultrasound, or a combination of the two. Speak to your gynecologist to figure out what is best for you, and never ignore possible warning signs