Georgia's Online Cancer Information Center

Janet Kempe: I, and others like me, exist


As a survivor of clear-cell ovarian cancer, Janet Kempe often wonders, “What is different about me? Why did treatment work for me, but not for many others?”

Because there is currently no diagnostic tool for ovarian cancer, Janet is likely one of many women who have received an abnormal diagnosis. When she went to see her primary care physician for back pain, her initial blood work came back normal. And when her OBGYN found a tumor during a vaginal ultrasound, the prognosis was surgery simply to remove it. But the biopsy came back positive.

“If you think there is any chance you may have cancer, particularly if you are going as far as to have surgery – have an oncologist ready,” Janet advises. “I didn’t, so I had to go back for a second surgery to have additional parts of the tumor properly removed and staged.”

Thankfully, the second surgery and the treatment that followed worked. While undergoing chemotherapy, however, Janet lost her job. A retail store designer in a slowed market, she decided to use her free time counseling the women she affectionately refers to as her “chemo buddies.” That volunteer work turned into a paid position, as Janet started and developed a support program at the practice where she was treated. Something she felt compelled to do became real, meaningful work, and she felt lucky.

Years later, Janet faced another turn of events – the practice closed, along with her job. But Janet, once again, didn’t take it lying down. Instead, she turned one support group into several, meeting in different locations all over north Fulton County.

During her interactions with other survivors, she began to realize that there weren’t many people like her. There aren’t many survivors of a cancer as rare and aggressive as hers. But she also could see that no matter what the type of cancer, patients need to see survivors, rather than only seeing other patients going through treatment. So she created a website that allows patients to identify survivors with similar diagnoses, to give them hope and encourage them to realize they, too, can survive.

“Cancer patients need to know I, and others like me, exist. People with all types of cancer are surviving and thriving.”

Back to Survivors' Voices

Survivorship

Looking Across Disciplines to Share the Breadth of Innovation in Cancer Care

On July 25, 2023, The American Journal of Managed Care® brought its Institute for Value-Based Medicine (IVBM) series to Atlanta, Georgia, where nnovation was on the agenda.

8/22/2023

DNA sequencing can lead to longer, better lives for cancer patients. But why do so few get it?

Guidelines now call for everyone diagnosed with advanced lung and colon cancer to get their tumor genetically sequenced, and increasingly, patients with earlier stage disease, as well.

6/09/2023

Georgia CORE releases report from Disparities in Cancer Clinical Trials Summit

On Sept. 30, Georgia's cancer experts shared advice and experiences with oncology providers, patient navigators and research managers - all to provide new ways to diversify participation in clinical trials. In February 2023, Georgia CORE issued a report with a recap and actions steps. Download the report >>

10/25/2022

Georgia CORE

 

Advancing Cancer Care through Partnerships and Innovation

Georgia CORE is a statewide nonprofit that leverages partnerships and innovation to attract more clinical trials, increase research, and promote education and early detection to improve cancer care for Georgians in rural, urban, and suburban communities across the state.