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Spring 2018 : Survivors Say: Juanita Morris, ovarian cancer survivor

Survivors Say: Juanita Morris, ovarian cancer survivor

Juanita Morris splits her time between Houston and San Diego. Although she knew of MD Anderson as a world-renowned hospital, she never expected to become a patient. On Feb. 23, 2017, Juanita began experiencing severe pain in her right pelvic area, frequent urination and bloating. Doctors in San Diego found a softball-size tumor and recommended immediate surgery. She flew to Houston for an appointment with Charles Levenback, M.D., professor, Gynecologic Oncology and Reproductive Medicine. Levenback diagnosed stage III ovarian cancer and scheduled surgery. Once Juanita had recovered from the successful surgery, Levenback put her on a course of chemotherapy for 18 weeks. A year later, Juanita feels like her old self again. Here, she reflects on the strength that carried her through treatment.

BY Juanita Morris

Juanita Morris, ovarian cancer survivor, and her daughter, Caitlen. Photo by Steven Grant photography

"With the help of my strong faith, family and prayer-warriors, I was able to stay positive throughout my cancer journey. I told myself ― ‘No, ovarian cancer is not going to be in my body. I will not have ovarian cancer,’ and I was determined that I would remain strong throughout the journey.

It was depressing to see my hair starting to come out in lumps. Before it became an unsightly mess, I said to my husband, ‘Brian, it’s time. I’ve got to get my head shaved to remove what is left of my hair.’ I went to my hairdresser, who I go to church with, and she asked me, ‘Are you sure about this?’ I said, ‘Yes, I’m sure.’ She turned me around, so I wouldn’t have to watch. I felt like I was about to fall apart. This was one of the hardest things for me. I loved my hair. As she started shaving my head, Christian music began to play. The song that came on kept repeating, ‘You are so beautiful. You are so beautiful.’ I turned around in shock to look at Brian and felt this incredible peace. I knew I was going to be OK.

I never looked back. The peace of that moment instilled in me that I am beautiful inside and out. A month later, I joined my daughter on a photo shoot, and the photographer insisted that I be photographed as well. I felt absolutely beautiful taking that photo. It was all about inner strength and knowing that this is who I am and represented everything I was going through.

Promise invites cancer survivors to share their reflections. Email promise@mdanderson.org.

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