Jennifer Copeland's absence due to cancer diagnosis

SOUTH BEND, Ind. -- ABC57's Jennifer Copeland announced today that she has been diagnosed with Stage 1 Ovarian Cancer and has started chemotherapy.

Copeland does expect to be back co-anchoring the 5, 5:30 and 6 p.m. news with co-anchor Brian Conybeare soon. She also expects to continue sharing her story and join ABC57 News on-air during her 6-month fight when she can.

Copeland shared the message below to Facebook:

Some things stay with you forever & thank God they do.

Like what my Dad tells his patients when they call with a medical concern. He says, “I’m gonna tell you what I would tell my family. You’ve had this body for how many years. And if what you’re feeling now is NEW AND DIFFERENT than ANYTHING you’ve EVER felt before — YOU HAVE TO GET IT CHECKED.”

7 weeks ago, I did that.

I went to the ER for abdominal pain and bloating. At the time, it didn’t feel like an “emergency.” Honestly, it felt like a nuisance. And going to the ER felt excessive. Embarrassing, even. I was sure that I didn’t need a hospital gown and all that attention.

I went because my family asked me to.

And I’m SO THANKFUL I did.

THE TRUTH IS — THAT VISIT SAVED MY LIFE.

Doctors found a tumor growing on an ovary. Less than a week later, I had a major abdominal surgery. Testing revealed the tumor was cancerous.

I’ve been diagnosed with Stage 1 Ovarian Cancer and I’ve started chemotherapy.

What a shock this has all been to me, my girls, my family, my coworkers and those I love.

I’m doing well & feeling stronger every day. I’m determined to get through this with as much grace, beauty & normalcy as I can.

“Don’t let the hard days win.” My sister gifted me that wearable reminder and that’s exactly what I’m going to do.

That night in the ER was a blessing. My whole world sharpened.
How fast things change. How fragile life is. How lucky I am — to have caught this early. And — see what truly matters.

The good news is that I WILL BE OK. I just have one tough summer ahead.

I plan to be back on air soon & I’m so excited to be back to my routine and the work I love. There will still be hard days and I may not be at work for all of them, but my prognosis is so good. And it’s BECAUSE I listened to my body.

My symptoms were just common annoyances, but they were NEW AND DIFFERENT. If I hadn’t gone to the ER that night, WHEN? Scary to consider what might be true for me if I’d ignored what I was feeling.

So, my message to you is this:
I don’t care how trivial, embarrassing or expensive it is — if something feels off — GO! See your doctor. Advocate for yourself. And listen to the wisdom within. The cost is too damn high not to.

To my cancer warriors out there, I’m with you.
KEEP GOING! YOU. ARE. SO. AMAZING!

-Jennifer Copeland