June 5, 2025, marks a turning point in my life: the day I faced a stage 4 ovarian cancer diagnosis. A month before, I retired from academia at a major Chicago university. I was wrapping up a book set for release the next year. Instead of easing into retirement, I found myself on a new, unexpected path: survival. Ovarian cancer often goes unnoticed in its early stages, lacking symptoms until it reaches stage 3 or 4.
My routine pap smear six months prior showed nothing unusual. Ovarian cancer requires specific scans, not usually part of exams. I seemed healthy outside of slight weight loss from reduced appetite. Suddenly, I felt weak, and my heart raced. An emergency room visit revealed a blood clot caused by a mass on my ovary. This led to the cancer diagnosis. The news was shocking, especially without a family history of cancer.
At the time, I was ready to share the story of Sylvia Moy, a little-known legend from Motown Records, and the subject of my forthcoming book. Moy made history in 1964 as the first female in-house songwriter-producer at the label, collaborating with Smokey Robinson and others. I was determined to tell her story. Worrying that my voice might be silenced felt inconceivable. Timing was crucial.
Major surgery removed the cancer, followed by six rounds of intense chemotherapy. The treatments devastated both healthy and cancerous cells, challenging my immune system. I questioned aloud to my niece, a nurse practitioner, about whether this fight was worth the cost. She reassured me of life’s value and reminded me of my book awaiting publication.
As a writer, I feared neuropathy, a nerve damage side effect from chemotherapy, might affect my hands. To combat this, I donned ice mittens during treatments. This painful routine aimed to preserve my ability to write. Completing chemo felt like a personal victory, and I embraced my resilience.
Music, with its soothing capabilities, played an unforeseen role in my journey. During my seven-month cancer battle, I realized how much I was giving life to Sylvia Moy through my writing. Her lyrics from Stevie Wonder’s “My Cherie Amour” profoundly moved me, even as a child. The thought of finishing her tale gave me purpose and hope.
Since treatment, I prioritize a quality life and survival. My outlook changed to appreciate the glass as half-full, regardless of circumstances. The universe seemed to support me, and writing Moy’s story revealed shared experiences, especially for Black women. We face disrespect and undervaluation, yet remain unbroken. We persist and rise with dignity.
Now, I deliberate on how I allocate energy and make decisions. Facing cancer, I was spared to continue highlighting others through writing. Currently, I am disease-free and cherish protection from spiritual guides. Faith fueled my resilience, embracing both good and challenging days without complaint.
Music and storytelling fuel my journey. As Moy said, “And this is love.”
Dr. Margena A. Christian authored It’s No Wonder: The Life and Times of Motown’s Legendary Songwriter Sylvia Moy. She is a professor emeritus and former director of undergraduate studies internships in English and professional writing at the University of Illinois Chicago, and a past editor at EBONY and JET magazines. The perspectives shared are personal and solely hers.
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