Hello New Here

Hi, just read your post and thought I’d reply, even though my OC journey has been quite different.

I had my surgery a year ago, age 59, was confirmed as stage 2b, had 6 cycles of chemo and it looked like I was then clear. 3 months later though, it was back, and I’m now going through a different chemo regime to try and stop it advancing further. I’m lucky to have my husband to help out at home, and an understanding and flexible employer, so I’ve mostly been able to cope physically - emotionally, not always so much.

Some thoughts and tips that I think apply pretty equally to everyone on this journey are:

- some days you won’t feel like doing very much, but don’t be hard on yourself. Even the smallest thing you get done is still an achievement, and tomorrow is another day.

- eat good nutritious food to keep you strong and get exercise and fresh air when you can. The stronger you are going into surgery / recovery the sooner you’ll be over it. Personally I found that cutting down on gluten, dairy and salt helped with the bloating.

- make time everyday to do something you really enjoy, no matter how simple, and live in the moment.

- try to stay positive. Not always easy or even possible, and at those times it’s ok - if what you need is to cry or shout, then do it !

I hope your review with the surgeons goes well, and that you’ll soon have a plan in place to help you navigate your way through 2022.

All the best, and it’d be lovely to hear how you get on if you feel like posting again.

Love Bxx

Dear B.Positive 

I haven’t posted for a while; I have been moderately depressed, and totally lacking in motivation.  

Just wanted to say what a very nice reply you gave to ‘Ovarian Cancer Warrior’…I found it helpful myself, as I was diagnosed last July at Stage 2a.  

I have had the surgery (last September) and am currently going through the chemotherapy cycles, which I absolutely hate.  I try not to moan or complain too much though, and occasionally even succeed!

I can’t offer any advice to ‘O C W’ lady above, but I would certainly like to offer you every encouragement, and to say that B.Positive’s words are very true.  I try every day to achieve some little thing, and some days several things, but it’s variable.  I have very elderly parents to shop for and look after, and it’s a bit of a struggle at times.  They live apart, so it’s two households to think about.  Doing one thing you enjoy each day, whatever it is, is really important.  

I wish everyone on this forum the very best…of health, of recovery, of care and support, and of enjoyment of life in whatever way is possible.  

A very happy New Year, everyone, and love and best wishes to all.

Sue.B

Thanks Sue, lovely to hear from you.

Sorry to hear you’ve been struggling, but hoping 2022 brings you many more reasons to stay positive.

Love Bxx

Thank you B. The only reason I asked for people in their 60s was the only posts I found were from people who had had OC when a lot younger and I wondered if there were differences when my age. Your reply aligns with much of what I'm already doing or trying to do. So that in itself is reassuring. The getting out bit is more difficult as I don't have a car or a partner (with or without a car!) and i'm temporarily in a place that is the opposite side of the city from my house. We are all being extra careful because of Covid, but that means no visitors allowed at the moment. I would love to get out in the fresh air for a short walk but not sure (other than around the outside of the building) that is possible. So I think I'll start with that. I agree I need to be in as good shape physically and mentally as possible. Many thanks and I will let you know how I get on.

Thank you Sue B. I will follow both yours and B's advice as far as I am able.

Morning I was diagnosed last August with stage 3 I had 3 rounds of chemotherapy 3 weeks apart wasn't brilliant but had my scan and the tumor had halved in size and it had gone from the liver not sure about the peritoneum yet, but I'm going to surgery. I'm 66 and I live alone with my little dog. My daughter lives close by and I see her regularly I also have family about 5 miles away. There are days you don't think you can get through the day but we do and we beat it. I take my dog out every day slowly stopping when I get breathless. Week one after the chemo I do nothing eat ready prepared food short walks only. Week 2 do a bit of cooking walk the dog. Week 3 clean the house see friends get out as much as possible. Can't imagine what it's like living in a nursing home but we're all here to support you all our stories are so unique but lots of virtual hugs to you.