Sherry Edwards pauses for a photo with son, Heath, and husband, David, at a wrestling match.

Edwards discusses battle with cancer

Those who do not know Sherry Edwards' story would have no clue that anything is wrong with the young, energetic clerk who has been employed with the Alleghany County Clerk of Court Office for the last 11 years.

Her diagnosis of ovarian cancer in mid-October can easily be missed as she greets people with a bright, happy smile and constant positive attitude that could make one think she has never had a bad day.

Something's Wrong

In late 2008, after not being her usual, energetic self for a month, Edwards knew something was wrong, but she couldn't pinpoint the problem. In September, she began suffering from vague symptoms, such as a lower than normal energy level, stomach problems and abdominal bloating.

"When I started having abdominal bloating, that was the big key," remembers Edwards. "After about a month of that, it was just enough. I always felt good, had a lot of energy, and I wanted that part of me back. That's when I went to the doctor and had one test after the other."

While in Sparta, Edwards had X-rays taken and blood work done. It was here in the county when she learned she had masses. Two days later, along with husband, David, also known in the area as "Squeak," the Edwards' were sitting in the office of Dr. Rolland Barrett II with Forsyth Regional Cancer Center. After the Thursday visit, Mrs. Edwards was undergoing surgery, with David and the couple's son, 18-year-old Heath, in the nearby waiting room.

The Diagnosis

As Sherry was in recovery, her family was told she had ovarian cancer. When asked about the diagnosis, Sherry commented she is sure her husband told her at the time, but she was so in and out of it because of the medications, she does not remember hearing about it until David and Heath had notified family members.