Audrey Krebs first noticed a persistent ache in her lower right abdomen while moving from Littleton to Bailey. Initially, she thought it was related to the physical strain of moving. However, when the pain did not subside, she visited her primary care provider. After undergoing an ultrasound and CT scan, doctors discovered a tumor.
Despite having no BRCA gene mutation and no perceived risk, Audrey—whose mother died of ovarian cancer at age 73—underwent a hysterectomy. She expected the tumor to be benign but was diagnosed with Stage 1C ovarian cancer and began six months of chemotherapy.
Two months after completing treatment, tests revealed that the cancer had spread to her lymph nodes and pelvis. “If they had diagnosed it at that stage, I’d be a Stage 3C,” Audrey said. A new medication offered hope; after more than a year and a half on this drug, as of March 2025 there is no evidence of disease.
The treatment came with side effects such as vision changes, but Audrey continued activities like running, lifting weights, snowshoeing, hiking, and meditating. Support from Nicki’s Circle—a group through the Colorado Gynecological Cancer Alliance—was important for her mental health. “The scariest part wasn’t the hysterectomy—it was the port placement,” Audrey shared. “And losing my hair was the hardest. But it’s growing back, and I’ve got a couple of wigs.”
Audrey says her perspective on health has changed: “I don’t take life for granted anymore. Every day is a gift. Emotional health is just as important as physical health.” To address cognitive challenges after treatment, she started piano lessons and worked with an oncology physical therapist so she could keep running.
Her job as a care manager and placement advisor for elderly people also helped keep things in perspective: “It helps me get outside of myself,” she said.
Friends—many also survivors—and her medical team have been key sources of support during treatment. She praised Dr. Kate Dugan and nurse Jenny at AdventHealth Medical Group Gynecologic Oncology at Porter for their care, along with staff at AdventHealth Porter’s infusion center.
Chemotherapy brought difficult days when Audrey felt ill for several days alone: “But I knew by day six or seven, I’d feel better. Going through hard times makes you appreciate the good ones.”
She urges others not to ignore symptoms: “If something’s nagging you, please don’t ignore it.”
September is Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month—a time to highlight how early detection can improve outcomes for one of the deadliest gynecological cancers due to its often subtle symptoms that are easily overlooked according to the American Cancer Society. Regular screenings and attention to ongoing symptoms are important steps toward early diagnosis.
AdventHealth Orlando is located in Orlando, Florida and has operated since 1908 under current president Terry Shaw; it includes both pediatric services and training programs for healthcare professionals (https://www.adventhealth.com/hospital/adventhealth-orlando).
Audrey’s experience underscores the importance of awareness campaigns supporting research into ovarian cancer and encouraging people not to dismiss persistent symptoms.
