Ovarian cancer survivor strives to help other women

The Barney family Annie Barney didn't think too much about the abdominal discomfort she experienced a few months after the birth of her baby daughter in 2003. She figured the constipation and bloating symptoms were normal.

But after a diagnosis of stage IV ovarian cancer in August 2004, Barney learned that her pain had not been benign. She's been courageously fighting the disease ever since.

"I had every single symptom, but unlike breast cancer, I had no idea that ovarian cancer even existed, much less that I should go to a doctor," the Moorpark resident said.

Barney finally saw a doctor when the discomfort continued and she became concerned about the changes in her bowel habits.

Ovarian cancer indicators can include indigestion, abdominal pain or tenderness, changes in bowel habits and increased frequency of urination. These problems can easily be dismissed as normal monthly cycle symptoms, so patients may have difficulty providing correct information to their doctors, said Barney. Diagnosis may be delayed until the cancer has grown, said Barney, whose tumors had spread to the liver and gastrointestinal system.

"We were really just in shock. Had I been aware, I could have been a much better advocate for myself," she said. Barney is now on a mission to educate women about early detection.

Ovarian cancer affects one in 55 women and can occur at any age, according to the Cedars Sinai Women's Cancer Research Institute.

When ovarian cancer is detected early and treated properly, more than 95 percent of women survive longer than five years. Pap tests do not detect this type of tumor, so women need to see a physician if any of the abovementioned symptoms persist.

Following rigorous treatment that included surgery, chemo and regular monitoring using the CA125 blood test that detects ovarian cancer, Barney remains optimistic.

"I believe in all treatments and that the mix of Western and Eastern medicine is the most effective for me," she said. "For me the combination of the two balanced things out," she said.

"I treat my cancer as if it is diabetes," Barney said.

The illness can be managed and it's not necessarily a death sentence. "My intention is to meet my grandkids and have them over while my husband and I enjoy our golden years together," she said.

Barney was diagnosed with new tumors in her brain six weeks ago, but she is staying positive.

"I'm strong because my husband has my back. He's my knight in shining armor," she said.

"Annie is the strongest, bravest person I know," said Brett Barney. "Not once in the four years of speed bumps during the battle against this disease has Annie given up her conviction to beat the cancer," he said.

"We approach our life together as a team and this is how we deal with the cancer," Brett said.

Partners of individuals affected by life-threatening illnesses should provide support, he said, but should not take over control of the other's life.

"You need to allow them the opportunity to continue having daily successes in their life," he

said. "Winning becomes a habit and this habit of winning is what allows people to have the necessary strength they need to fight and win the battle against the cancer."

Caregivers must also take time to care for themselves, Brett said.

"If you don't take the opportunity to refresh periodically, you will wear down and that's when you become vulnerable to negative emotions of fear, anger, frustration, or just being overwhelmed."

The couple acknowledged all the help they receive from friends, extended family and medical professionals.

"I am in the best hands in the world, literally," said Annie Barney, who is being treated by Dr. Corrina Mosher and Dr. Harry Menco of Thousand Oaks and Dr. Beth Karlan at Cedars Sinai. "Dr. Mosher took over for us and did the research for the best of the best doctors in our area. She is a true hero of mine."

For more information about ovarian cancer and its symptoms, visit www.csmc.edu/7199.html