Young Fox News Journalist Shares Her Cancer Journey: From Diagnosis to Treatment
It was October when Ashley Papa, a 40-year-old wife, mother, and journalist with Fox News, received the news that would change her life forever. She was diagnosed with metastatic appendiceal cancer, a diagnosis that came as a shock to her. In an article she wrote for Fox News, Ashley shares her journey from diagnosis to treatment, providing a glimpse into the emotional rollercoaster she has been on.
The Diagnosis: A Club No One Wants to Join
As Ashley processed the news of her diagnosis, she experienced a range of emotions – fear, despair, anger, and even betrayal. She couldn’t believe that her own body had turned against her. The diagnosis of appendix cancer was something she never expected. She questioned how such a seemingly useless organ could cause such devastation.
The Journey Begins: From Dull Pains to a CT Scan
Ashley first noticed some dull pains in her abdomen in early June. Like many people, she didn’t immediately think it could be cancer. She attributed it to her diet and carried on with her summer plans. However, as the pain slowly worsened over the next two months, she decided to see her doctor for confirmation. Although her doctor initially thought it might be related to her diet, she ordered a CT scan just to be sure.
The Unexpected Call: Ovarian Cancer?
The evening after the CT scan, Ashley received a call from her doctor. The news was not what she expected. Her doctor wanted her to see a gynecological oncologist as soon as possible because it looked like ovarian cancer. The call left Ashley numb and filled with fear and confusion. She reached out to Dr. Nicole Saphier, a trusted radiologist and colleague at Fox News, for a second opinion.
The Long Road: Tests, Surgeries, and Tears
Within three days of her scan, Ashley found herself at Memorial Sloan Kettering (MSK) meeting with an oncologist. The following month was filled with tests, surgeries, scans, and countless tears. Finally, the official diagnosis came – metastatic appendiceal cancer. This rare diagnosis added to the already rare lung disease called Lymphangioleiomyomatosis (LAM) that Ashley had been diagnosed with just two years prior.
Living with Cancer: Chemo, Strength, and Celebrations
Ashley made the decision not to harvest any eggs before starting chemotherapy. She already felt blessed to have a healthy daughter and wanted to focus on her treatment. She is currently seven rounds into her chemotherapy with five more to go. While chemo is brutal, Ashley has been fortunate to bounce back quickly between infusions. She cherishes the ten days of feeling fine between treatments and lives life as if she didn’t have cancer.
Finding Strength in Family and Faith
Throughout her journey, Ashley draws strength from her daughter and her cousin Kelsey, who has overcome her own battles with cancer. She believes in the power of the mind to overcome the body and strives for faith over fear. While there are moments of darkness and tears, Ashley remains hopeful for the day when she can proudly call herself a cancer conqueror.
A Small Part of a Larger Life
Despite the overwhelming impact of a cancer diagnosis, Ashley emphasizes that it is only a small part of her life. She is a child of God, a mother, a wife, a daughter, a sister, and a journalist. She loves the outdoors, skating, snowboarding, writing, and music. While cancer may have joined her list of identities, she refuses to let it define her.
In Conclusion
Ashley’s journey from diagnosis to treatment is a testament to the strength and resilience of the human spirit. Despite facing a rare and devastating diagnosis, she remains hopeful and determined to live her life to the fullest. Her story serves as an inspiration to others facing their own battles with cancer, reminding them that they are not alone.
