Hi Everyone, One of the things I struggle with as I strive not to let my Cancer define me, is feeling a sense of normalcy. I try to make my Cancer take a back seat to the business of living, in an effort to feel like the person I was before my diagnosis. That person often gets lost in the many treatments, and ins and outs of living with Cancer. I recently began taking a Line Dancing course at our local Community Center. A close friend recommended it, and I thought, “Why not push myself? Might be fun.” I was concerned about making the commitment to a schedule, as I never know from day to day ho ..read more

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Hi Everyone, I’ve recently gone back into treatment for my Cancer. I am receiving chemotherapy and a biologic, and we go every other week.  All of the usual emotions you would expect have surfaced, catapulting me onto that ever winding roller coaster ride that is so emotional. Along with the scary, churning emotions that come with a return to treatment, I have rediscovered a haven of solace, of help, and of comfort.  I am seeing people who have become friends and confidants, from my doctor and her staff, to my infusion nurse, to the members of the Supportive Care Services. My doctor ..read more

Hi Everyone, I recently had my last chemo treatment, something that patients are always happy about. But in a way it is a double-edged sword. While it is a positive thing to stop chemo, there are some perks that I have to say good-bye to. Chemo perks? I know, sounds crazy. Saying good-bye to the many side effects is a relief, but saying good-bye to the constant contact and care of your team is difficult. While I was receiving chemo, I would have frequent visits with my doctor and infusion nurse, who kept close watch on my symptoms, progress, and status. It was a very safe feeling to know I was ..read more

Ovarian Cancer Research Alliance (OCRA), with the full endorsement of the Society of Gynecologic Oncology, has launched a new campaign in the fight against ovarian cancer, a bold and important direction for everyone who cares about the future of this field and who cares about saving lives. The campaign, called Until There’s a Cure, urges people to know their risk; promotes genetic testing to at-risk populations; and encourages women and anyone born with ovaries to discuss prophylactic surgery with their doctor. “There is currently no cure for the deadliest of all gynecological cancers, no ..read more

Hi Everyone, In my last blog, I wrote about the unique fears Ovarian Cancer, and all Cancer patients, face during the Covid 19 pandemic. Constant fears of being exposed, and how your already compromised system will have the strength to battle the virus. Fears too, of having your Cancer act up, warranting treatment, and trips to the hospital, the very place none of us want to be. This has happened for me. My Cancer has spread a bit, so I have started chemotherapy again. When I got the news, I was of course concerned about the spread of my Cancer, but my first fear was having to go to the hospit ..read more

Hi Everyone,      It has been a while since I have written. I have had some health setbacks and complications that have taken my energy, and am finally feeling able to put pen to paper (or keyboard to computer!) to once  again share some thoughts.      We are living in frightening, uncertain times. The Coronavirus is presenting a set of unique challenges for each of us. For those of us who have Ovarian Cancer, those challenges are even more daunting. We know we are very high risk, and must respond accordingly.      ..read more

Hi Everyone,      Often I will talk about the things that Cancer cannot take away from you, the things that you have control over. There is a flip side to that, one that has impacted me of late.      I am presently undergoing treatment for my Cancer and am receiving two drugs – the chemo drug Doxil, and the biologic drug Avastin. I have received Doxil before, but Avastin is new for me.  I have had some side effects from the Doxil – blistering and nausea – but an adjustment in the dosage has helped with those symptoms. The Avastin, on ..read more

Hi Everyone, This week I attended Ovarian Cancer 101’s Gynecological Cancers Support Group. The meeting is one that always fosters support, understanding, and compassion. Attendees are dealing with different Cancers, and are at varied stages of their illness – some in treatment, some in remission, some just newly diagnosed.  People can share, or just listen, as we help each other to deal with issues that come up from both the Cancer and the treatments. Ideas and strategies for working through issues are shared, as well as ways to navigate the many emotions that surface during this time. H ..read more

Hi Everyone,        I hope this piece finds you well and continuing to fight the good fight.        Recently my scans showed that the tumor on the surface of my liver had grown, so my Oncologist consulted with a Radiologist Oncologist to see if radiation might be an option. He felt that it would be, giving me a course of 5 treatments, so off to radiation I went. I have never had radiation before, so I was not sure of what to expect.         I started out with a consult with the doctor ..read more