Finding Strength and Humor in the Face of Ovarian Cancer: Patti Fisher’s Story

When Patricia “Patti” Fisher moved to Dover in 2019 after the sudden loss of her husband, she wanted a new beginning near family. She never expected that a routine CT scan would reveal ovarian cancer.

“I wasn’t sick at all,” Fisher said. “I felt great. My brother had just had a heart attack, so I asked my doctor to run some tests. She suggested a CT scan, and that’s when everything changed.”

Her primary care clinician explained that even though Fisher felt fine, cancer could still be growing. The clinician referred her to Vinay Keshava, MD, a hematologist and medical oncologist who treats a variety of blood diseases and types of cancers at the Bayhealth Cancer Institute. Dr. Keshava quickly ordered additional tests. “I thought he’d say, ‘We’ll monitor it,’” Fisher said. “Instead, he told me we needed to move fast. That’s when I knew it was serious.”

At first, Fisher was in disbelief. “I told a friend, ‘I can’t have cancer — I feel fine.’ I was angry. I had plans, and this wasn’t one of them,” she recounted.

She leaned on humor to stay strong. “When I lost my hair, I sent friends pictures of my new ‘Hair Don’t.’” she joked. “When chemo took my taste buds, I joked about my new ‘diet plan.’ Laughing helped me take the fear out of the unknown.”

Through every step, Dr. Keshava and the Bayhealth Cancer Center team supported her with patience and compassion. “He always takes time to explain things and never rushes me,” Fisher said. “I trust him completely.”

Now well into her treatment, Fisher focuses on positivity and gratitude. “The staff always smile and treat me like a whole person, not just a patient,” she said. “Friends and family have been amazing. Their kindness inspires me to give back.”

Her advice for others: “Ask questions, be involved and celebrate small victories. It’s your life – find new ways to be happy every day.”

As for Dr. Keshava, Fisher calls him her hero. “He’s not just my oncologist — he’s a kind and caring human being. His smile and compassion are the best medicine.”

Dr. Keshava shared the admiration. “Patti is my hero as well! We're fortunate to have been caring for her. She is an excellent patient,” he said. “She used to come into our visits with a notepad with all her symptoms recorded to the date and time when they occurred. It made my job very easy!”

If you or a loved one need expert compassionate cancer care, visit Bayhealth.org/Cancer to find a Cancer Care Specialist and learn more about Bayhealth’s comprehensive cancer services.