After my diagnosis in July of 2013 I made a decision: I would go through chemo, learn nothing, invest nothing, and never look back. Cancer would be a blip on my radar, not a life changer. Turned out my son was not going to let me get away with that. Having faced the possibility of … Continue reading Worldwide Ovarian Cancer Awareness Day
Cancer
My “battle” with ovarian cancer.
Reluctant Advocate
I've been thinking about how I got involved in ovarian cancer advocacy, and I thought what better place to tell my story. Humiliating as it is! When I finally settled in to the fact that I had advanced stage cancer, requiring major surgery then 6 rounds of brutal chemo, I made a decision: I was … Continue reading Reluctant Advocate
When Time Stands Still
I will never forget the moment time stopped. It was 4:30 on a Monday afternoon. It was hot, early June. I was deep in thought as I walked my dog. I was thinking about how to get my 11 year old fed and to his baseball game. I was worried he wouldn't get a hit, … Continue reading When Time Stands Still
ReTraining My Feelings
I had the privilege of meeting with some young men who are working on a social media awareness campaign to help women with ovarian cancer. As a survivor, I was asked to join many of the other women in our group to talk with them about our experiences and needs. A unique aspect of ovarian … Continue reading ReTraining My Feelings
Love Wins
My son and I spent yesterday on Capital Hill, advocating for ovarian cancer awareness and funding. It was amazing on so many levels. To begin, I met many of the women I share with on FB. FB has a page for those with ovarian cancer, and I have to say, we are the nicest group … Continue reading Love Wins
Alone in a Room Full Of People
That's how I feel. It makes no difference how many people are there, I'm different. It doesn't matter how much I write about it, how freely I talk about it, how many people ask me how I am or say they're there for me. I'm alone in a room full of people. I can't talk … Continue reading Alone in a Room Full Of People
Journey vs. Trek
I've hated the word "journey" ever since I was diagnosed with cancer. When first diagnosed, you enter a surreal world in which you are purported to be many things you are not: a hero, a fighter, a warrior, an inspiration, and on a journey. It's crazy, because it happens in no other medical condition; … Continue reading Journey vs. Trek
Breaking Up With My Oncologist
I've decided to ditch my oncologist (gyn/oc = gynecological oncologist). The protocol for high grade serous epithelial stage 3B ovarian cancer is 5 years of follow-ups. During those 5 year Dr's are supposed to see you every 3 months, draw a CA125 every 3 months and, if there is a rise in the CA 125 … Continue reading Breaking Up With My Oncologist
Ovarian Cancer
https://www.statnews.com/2016/04/01/ovarian-cancer-failure/ Getting a cancer diagnosis is like being hit by a Mac truck. I got mine while walking my dog, at 4:30 on a lovely July afternoon. At that time I was worried about my 11 year old's baseball game, and my older sons education, when suddenly, BOOM. I had been having stomach pain … Continue reading Ovarian Cancer
The Danger of Hope
Hope In Moderation My ex used to call me Debbie Downer. He claimed that I always rained on his parade. It's hard not to believe things you are told over, and over, and over, so I believed it. I was the eternal pessimist, the one afraid to make any type of move, the one questioning … Continue reading The Danger of Hope
Groomed but Escaped 