A Middle Tennessee woman shares her six year fight against ovarian cancer

At 62, Sharon Nowlin of Mt. Juliet, TN, is finally in a good place, mentally, emotionally and physically. A retired professional, she now spends her days enjoying life post-ovarian cancer treatment. But the road to this peaceful chapter has been anything but easy.

 Sharon’s story began in June 2016, just months after retiring. She was feeling perfectly healthy, until one Sunday morning, she experienced unexpected vaginal spotting. Her primary care provider moved quickly, ordering a transvaginal ultrasound that led to a hysterectomy. Pathology from her hysterectomy results revealed something she never expected: ovarian cancer.

 “My doctor called and said, ‘It will be okay, we caught it early.’ But when I started researching, all I could see was a five-year life expectancy,” Sharon recalled.

After some additional testing and a procedure to help confirm her diagnosis, Sharon began her treatment journey at Ascension Saint Thomas Hospital Midtown and Tennessee Oncology in Nashville. Her early treatment team consisted of Dr. Johnetta Blakley, medical oncologist with Tennessee Oncology, who led her through the initial stages of diagnosis and treatment.

 Sharon began treatment with six rounds of chemotherapy, but her abdominal pain continued. After a second surgery revealed ovarian tissue still remained, she started another course of chemotherapy. Midway through, Sharon experienced a severe allergic reaction to the medication, which happens to some patients after repeated treatments. Because of this, her care team safely stopped the IV chemotherapy and transitioned her to an oral maintenance therapy to continue her fight against cancer.

As her symptoms continued, Sharon’s care team recommended hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC), an advanced procedure combining surgery with heated chemotherapy to target cancer cells in the abdomen. During surgery, doctors discovered the cancer had spread to her colon.

 Her spleen and part of her large intestine was removed. She returned home with a temporary ostomy bag and once again began chemotherapy, only to experience another adverse reaction that required yet another change in her treatment plan. Radiation followed, bringing intense side effects and multiple ER visits. “It was devastating and physically debilitating,” Sharon said. “The pain was unlike anything I’d ever felt.”

It was during this chapter that Sharon, supported by her care team at Ascension Saint Thomas in close partnership with Tennessee Oncology, became one of the first patients enrolled in the Tennessee Oncology Integrated Care Program. This program offers a holistic, team-based approach to pain management and supportive oncology care. “They looked at everything like vitamin deficiencies, diet, even mindfulness,” she said. “That program made a world of difference.”

Over eight tumultuous years, Sharon endured 14 major surgeries, 28 procedures, and faced three cancer recurrences. Her care was eventually transitioned to Dr. Michael Stany, gynecologic oncologist at Tennessee Oncology. With a philosophy of monitoring and managing symptoms as they arise, Dr. Stany worked closely with Sharon to navigate the complexities of her case. After years of imaging, they discovered a hidden mass. Surgery was scheduled, and within two days of the procedure, Sharon experienced something she hadn’t felt in years. She was completely pain-free.

“We threw everything at this,” Sharon reflected. “Every patient’s cancer journey is different. It took six years, but we got there. You just have to trust the process and the people walking beside you.” 

Sharon’s resilience doesn’t end with medicine. In December 2024, she proudly earned her master’s degree in Agricultural Leadership, Education, and Communications from the University of Tennessee.

Today, Sharon fills her life with creativity and connection. She and her partner travel often, and when she’s not on the move, Sharon finds peace in painting. She remains under close observation, with scans every four months, and is celebrating two years with no evidence of disease.

Her message to others facing ovarian cancer is: “Have patience, perseverance and pray. You keep going, and you keep fighting.”

Looking ahead, Sharon is hopeful for what’s next—not just for herself, but for other women facing similar diagnoses. Ascension Saint Thomas and Tennessee Oncology have opened the Women’s Comprehensive Cancer Center at Midtown, a step forward in delivering advanced, personalized care for women across Middle Tennessee. This new destination will unite surgical, medical, and radiation oncology under one roof. Patients will be supported by oncology navigation, clinical trials, genetic counseling, and wellness programs, all designed to care for the whole person.

Learn more about the Women's Comprehensive Cancer Center at Ascension Saint Thomas