Middle Tennessee mother completes her treatment for ovarian cancer

Six days after welcoming her second child into the world, Beth Ellis, a wife and mother of two from Franklin, Tennessee, received life-changing news: she had ovarian cancer. 

Her journey began in March 2024 with what was supposed to be a routine c-section and the removal of her fallopian tubes. During surgery her surgeons discovered ovarian cancer outside one of the tubes. After consulting with several specialists, Beth chose Dr. Jason Barnett, a gynecologic oncologist at Ascension Saint Thomas Midtown, to guide her through her treatment.

Initially, Beth’s treatment plan seemed straightforward: surgery followed by chemotherapy. In late April, she went in for a full hysterectomy to have her reproductive organs removed and a lymph node biopsy to test the tissue in her body for cancers. But during surgery, Dr. Barnett discovered that Beth’s cancer had spread to other areas, prompting the team to stop the procedure. Now requiring a more comprehensive approach, her new treatment plan included three rounds of chemotherapy, surgery in July, and an additional three rounds of chemotherapy afterward.

On July 15, after completing her first three rounds of chemotherapy, Beth underwent a full hysterectomy, an omentectomy, a biopsy of the lymph nodes, and a treatment known as Hyperthermic Intraperitoneal Chemotherapy (HIPEC), which combines heat and chemotherapy to target cancer cells while minimizing damage to surrounding healthy tissue. Through it all, her positive attitude remained unwavering. "This is an undeniably hard experience, but there is strength and beauty in the journey," she said. "For me, a large source of strength is my family, and my children are a constant reminder of how resilient we can be."

Beth shared that the partnership with her medical team from Ascension Saint Thomas has been critical in her fight against the disease, adding “Dr. Barnett and his team really made me feel like an individual.”

As she nears the completion of her chemotherapy this September, Beth reflects on her journey with gratitude and hope. “I have had amazing support since day one from this incredible medical team,” she shared. “They go above and beyond in terms of care and compassion.”

Ovarian cancer is a rare cancer diagnosis

While ovarian cancer is relatively rare, it remains a significant concern for many women. According to the American Cancer Society, about 19,680 women in the U.S. will receive a new diagnosis of ovarian cancer in 2024. Ovarian cancer is one of the leading causes of cancer-related deaths among women, with a lifetime risk of developing the disease being about 1 in 87, and the risk of dying from it about 1 in 130.

Although ovarian cancer represents just 1 percent of all new cancer cases in the U.S., early detection and specialized treatment can significantly improve outcomes for those affected.

Recognize ovarian cancer symptoms

Ovarian cancer is often challenging to detect early because its symptoms can be subtle and easily mistaken for other conditions. According to Dr. Barnett, common symptoms to watch for include:

• A frequent need to urinate
• Back pain
• Changes in bowel habits, such as constipation
• Fatigue
• Feeling full quickly when eating
• Pelvic discomfort or pain
• Persistent abdominal bloating or swelling
• Unexplained weight loss

"These symptoms can often be vague, so it's important for women to listen to their bodies and consult with their doctor if they experience anything unusual," Dr. Barnett advised. Early detection is critical, as it can significantly improve the chances of successful treatment.

Find advanced cancer care near you

Dr. Barnett and the cancer care team’s dedication to personalized, patient-centered care has been important to Beth’s treatment. Ascension Saint Thomas cancer care teams provide specialized care in battling complex diseases like ovarian cancer. By listening to you, our cancer care teams create the best treatment plans that are right for you and your family. Learn more about Ascension Saint Thomas cancer care by visiting ascension.org/SaintThomasCancerCare.