Hi there. So sorry to hear this. Totally understand how you feel, it’s a massive shock when you first find out and perhaps more so when you are at an age when you definitely don’t expect it. I am 45 and was diagnosed with stage 2a ovarian cancer in the summer. Had surgery end of July, which removed all the cancer, and now having chemotherapy to reduce the risk of recurrence. It’s not pleasant, but it is manageable, in the sense that I can still do most everyday activities. Another thing you’ll have to deal with if you have your ovaries removed is surgical menopause - I was able to get HRT pretty quickly and this has really helped with the symptoms.
Have you been told what stage your cancer is? Is there a treatment plan?
I think everyone deals with this differently, but what’s really made a difference to me is all the support I’ve had, from friends and family but also from strangers on forums such as this. I also read a book that I found really empowering and gave me hope - it’s called Radical Remission by Kelly Turner and has lots of inspiring stories from people who survived cancer against all odds.
I share your rage. I also have a young daughter I need to raise. I am in the midst of writing an op-ed demanding screening. It infuriates me that the medical establishment doesn't even bother with any kind of screening. I should have had the CA125 test four years ago - I had every classic symptom and doctors kept misdiagnosing me or telling me I was hysterical. It makes me shake with anger that we are considered an acceptable casualty. BUT. I have coped thus far by deciding that I WILL LIVE. I avoid looking at statistics, I focus on the things I can control, like food and exercise and rest. I do things that make me happy - I read, I meet friends, I go to support groups. I work. Maggie's Place has helped me a LOT and I cannot recommend it enough. So much support there. Also, to give you hope, I was diagnosed with stage 3C high-grade serous ovarian cancer. I have been through three rounds of chemo and the surgery, and they were successful! The chemo wiped out all visible signs of cancer and the surgery - to remove uterus, ovaries, fallopian tubes, omentum, and peritoneum - was successful. No surprises. So I don't feel like I have cancer anymore and I hope I don't. I am in chemo again for a couple more rounds to make sure it's gone. And then I hope I can focus on things I enjoy and people I love. I am going through all of this a continent apart from my daughter, and hope to be able to reunite with my family when done treatment. Other things that help give me hope - the book Cured, Music, Writing every day, long walks, podcasts, reading a ton of novels, and bonding with other survivors. If my daughter were here, I would spend all the time I could with her, because I feel saner around her because I have to parent. It grounds me. It is good to make at least once close friend going through the same thing - then you have someone you can weep and rage with and also celebrate successes along the way. Tell yourself you will survive, that you must. I think we need to have this mindset. It's tough, but you can do it.
