Clearity Perspective: For some people diagnosed with ovarian cancer, an important part of their “new normal” is returning to work. This can present opportunities and challenges. The impacts of cancer, surgery, and side effects from treatment may make re-entering the professional world difficult for patients. Yet, returning to work may also be an important and meaningful milestone in the recovery process. For people like Dusty, returning to work is a chance to infuse her passion with even more purpose and a way to give back.
Adding Purpose To Passion – Dusty’s Story
Dusty’s business, Ink Factory, is a creative visual communication agency which constructs dynamic visual representations of complex concepts. Dusty sat down with Clearity to talk about her ovarian cancer experience and how she is committed to giving back to Clearity and the ovarian cancer community through her work.
Clearity: How did you find out that you had ovarian cancer?
Dusty: I was diagnosed with ovarian cancer in February, 2024 after discovering a mass in December, 2023. I was originally assured the mass was a cyst after an ultrasound, blood test, and MRI. But when I had my initial surgery consultation in January 2024, the surgeon asked if I would consent to a radical hysterectomy if they found cancer during the procedure. I was not prepared to make that decision so I did not sign the consent. I was 44 and if they did find cancer, I wanted to understand it and my treatment plan. After the surgery in February of 2024, the biopsy of the cyst found a 1 cm tumor. I also learned I had endometriosis that day. The clear cell carcinoma of the right ovary was assumed stage 1c1 because the cyst that contained the tumor “inevitably ruptured” during laparoscopic removal. After carefully considering my options, I ended up going back for a second staging surgery in April, 2024 to have my reproductive organs and lymph nodes removed. It was a very difficult decision, as I’d still hoped to be a natural mother. I followed with 3 rounds of “just in case” chemo.
Clearity: So, you went from feeling an unusual mass in December to two surgeries and cancer treatment in 5 months. Did you feel like things were happening very quickly?
Dusty: Yes. When my doctor used the word “aggressive” multiple times in the 15-minute conversation to describe how this cancer behaves, I took it seriously and explored all my options as quickly as possible. It doesn’t feel like you can pause to let it sink in or linger on your next moves. I sought out 2 second opinions within a week and since not much is known about this cancer, there was only one clear, consistent prognosis. Honestly, I felt like I was constantly in the emergency room until recently. And now as I transition back to my new normal, I have a lot to process – including being post-menopausal!
Clearity: You have recently returned to work at the small business you co-founded with two other people, Ink Factory. How has that been?
Dusty: As a small business owner, I am very fortunate to have such a caring work culture. Thankfully, our leadership team had planned and forecasted for 2024. So, when I needed to step out, I did as much as I could to set everyone up for success to carry out the plan. As a company, we are a value-based culture and work-life balance is very important to us. I knew I would drop balls but I was able to take the time I needed for each surgery and chemo. It’s just in the last month that I am really back and trying to get used to what post-chemo detox brain is like. Things like finding the right word or thinking I have done a task, but I actually did not are tripping me up, but everyone has been so gracious and patient with me.
Clearity: You reached out to Clearity because you wanted to offer Ink Factory’s services to us as a way to give back after receiving decision support from our team. With so much going on, what motivated you to make this offer?
Dusty: I love to give back and at such a critical time in my life, the support offered to me from Clearity was invaluable. And since my business is about translating hard to understand concepts into visuals, it was a natural thing for me to want to “pay back” Clearity. As Ink Factory releases more creativity out into the world, our visuals can help support your mission. In a way it is a value exchange for the decision support that I was given from the Clearity team and the resources on your website.
Our work is really about making information more accessible and for those who have the gift of sight, the visuals create a deeper understanding. People in your audience may also be dealing with some of the same cognitive impacts that I am, so to have the visual as a side by side to explain tough concepts is a win-win!
Clearity: Your team created graphics to explain the mechanism of action for Antibody Drug Conjugates (ADCs). ADCs are a promising type of treatment so many people will benefit from understanding how they work and having the information to discuss with their care team.
Dusty: We are so happy to do it and feel great about how it turned out. Thank you for the partnership.
Clearity: So are we! Thank you, Dusty!