Hi, i have ovarian cancer and have just finished my second line of chemo. I have been told that my cancer is incurable and the plan is to try to manage it for as long as possible. I do have to deal with pain though and, as a person in recovery (24 years clean and sober) find having to manage pain meds quite challenging. I'd really like to make contact with other people in recovery for advice/mutual support. I do attend meetings regularly and my husband also has well over 20 years in the fellowship but, obviously, none of them are really dealing with the issues I am. People are sympathetic and supportive, but they don't really understand. I find the constant self-monitoring and questioning exhausting, but my recovery is important to me. I have an excellent pain specialist who understands my issues, and we really have exhausted all the non-narcotic options at this stage. I have no idea whether this forum is the right place to look for help, but I trust that this post is not inappropriate. Any advice gratefully received.
Hi and welcome to the Online Community, although I am sorry to see you finding us and so sorry to hear about the problems you are facing. A cancer diagnosis brings a lot of stress and confusion but talking with people who are on the same journey can indeed help a lot and will reduce the whirlwind wind that is rushing in your head and to get some support.
I have no first hand experience that I can give but can I direct you to these links to our Living with incurable cancer - incurable patients only and also at our Ovarian cancer Forums where you will connect with people who may understand the journey you are on. You can ask the folks questions and what to expect during the months ahead.
Follow the links above and join the groups by hitting the ‘Join the Group’ tab just under the main group name and it is worth indicating how you want to receive email notifications when someone answers your posts.
Go to the 'Start a Discussion' tab just under the main group name and set up your own Discussion and introduce yourself to the group - you could just copy an paste what you have in this first post. We also have lots of general Cancer experience groups.
You may find our various Macmillan Support Line Services to be helpful - call them on 0808 808 00 00 This free service covers Emotional Support, Practical Information. Clinical Information, Financial Support and Work Guidance mostly open 8.00 to 8.00 but check the link.
We also have our ‘Ask an Expert’. section where you can post questions to our mostly Volunteer Experts but please allow 2 working days to get a reply.
Talking to people face to face can help a lot so check to see if you have any Local Macmillan Support in your area or a Maggie’s Centre as these folks are amazing.
When you feel up to it try putting some information in your profile. This really helps others when answering. It also means that you don't have to keep repeating yourself. Just click on YOUR username, select 'Edit Profile'. Put as much or as little in your profile and you can amend it at any time - you can see members profiles by hitting our forum names.
All the very best.
