Parsippany Helps 'Turn the Towns Teal' for Ovarian Cancer Awareness

Parsippany is turning teal for Ovarian Cancer Awareness month.

Teal-colored ribbons and signs adorn Intervale Road and Hills of Troy Park. The blue-green mix will appear afterward near Town Hall, through Lake Hiawatha and in the Sedgefield neighborhood. It's all part of Turn the Towns Teal, an awareness campaign inspired by , who passed away in June 2008 after a nearly 11-year battle with ovarian cancer.

Turn the Towns Teal was started in New Jersey four years ago and now has participation from more than 175 municipalities in eight states. This year, with the approval of Mayor James Barberio, Parsippany signed on to go teal.

The ribbons and signs will stay in place from now until September 30, the end of Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month.

Despite all of the inroads that have been made in cancer therapies, the mortality rates for ovarian cancer have not changed in 30 years, according to the National Cancer Institute. More than 21,000 women in the U.S. are diagnosed with the disease each year, while approximately 15,000 deaths are attributed to it. The lifetime risk of being diagnosed is 1 in 71. Caught in the initial stages, a woman with this form of cancer has a 93 percent chance at surviving five years, but only 15 percent of cases receive early diagnoses.

Debra Ploth, who lives in Parsippany's Lake Intervale section, takes part in Turn the Towns Teal because, for her, it's all about spreading awareness. With ovarian cancer, obtaining an early diagnosis is the best defense, but getting that early diagnosis can be difficult.

That is a fact that Ploth wants you to know, and it's why she shares her story.

It all started with a routine gynecology appointment that gave Ploth an unexpected pain when the doctor palpated her lower pelvic area. The doctor brushed off her pain and said that a lot of women felt discomfort.  

Ploth said she still had a sense that something was off, so she decided to pursue the matter and find out what was wrong.  She went back to the gynecologist six times in six months.  From there, she moved on to other specialists--12 different doctors in all--including a urologist and a gastroenterologist. Finally, she returned to her family doctor, who requested a CAT scan. That day, May 11, 2010, Ploth learned what was wrong: she received a diagnosis of Stage 3-C ovarian cancer.

She was 44 years old at the time. Ploth said she worried for her fiance, Mark Krutman, and their two young children, Matthew, 1 1/2, and Michael, 4, who would bear the effects of the disease. Adding to her concern was the first opinion she received that said she had just three months to live.

That prognosis was rejected by another oncologist, who offered Ploth a second opinion and a reminder that she “is a person, not a number.” The doctor also gave her the good news that the cancer had not been as  invasive as initially stated.

Currently in remission since Nov. 12, 2010 (she endured six rounds of chemotherapy), Debra said she remains fearful that the cancer will return. Rather that dwell on fear, she said she wants to teach women to know the symptoms of ovarian cancer and to be relentless in finding answers when health concerns arise.

Symptoms of ovarian cancer are often subtle and can be difficult to diagnose, according to the American Cancer Society. Signs include pain or discomfort in the abdomen or pelvis, gastrointestinal issues (nausea, gas or indigestion), frequent or urgent urination, unexplained weight or bowel changes, bloating, fatigue, menstrual changes and pain during sex.

Debra Ploth Answers Questions About Ovarian Cancer

Patch: Is there a test women can get to see if they have ovarian cancer?

Ploth: Yes, the CA 125 blood test can be given. It does not provide definitive diagnosis, but if it shows high levels, further testing is necessary. The problem is that the test is not always readily offered, since it is not always covered by insurance. It is a $60 test and you should request it, if you are concerned.

Patch: What were your symptoms?

Ploth: Just the pain at my regular gynecologist appointment. I also felt a little tired, which is not normal for me. It was only that my little boy noticed a pea-sized bump near my rib cage, which prompted my family doctor to send me for a CAT scan. My little boy saved my life.

Patch: Have you found a support network?

Ploth: I have connected with other women through the Cancer Hope Network and other support groups. Some of these women have lived with the disease for 15 years. I need to hear that. I have two young children to live for.

Patch: How has this impacted your family?

Ploth: The stress is immense. I have a bachelor’s degree in business, but I can’t find a job. When I’m asked about why I haven’t been working, I don’t want to say I had cancer and was receiving treatment, I just tell them that I was at home with my young children. My house is currently on the market and we are looking to downsize. This disease has really put my priorities in perspective--the most important thing in life is spending time with my family.

Patch: Have you received any community support?

Ploth: Yes. I’m so thankful for Hearts & Hands preschool. They offered my kids scholarships to attend this fall.

Patch: What is the most important message you’d like to send people?

Ploth: Know the symptoms. Know the signs. Be diligent about your health. Me being diligent found my tumor. If we hadn’t, my boys would have no mom.