Hello. I’m new here, and happy to find you. I am still not sure this can really be happening to me. My only son died suddenly and tragically almost a year ago, it has been such a tough year. I haven’t been feeling well for months, but mostly chalked it up to grief and stress. A recent ultrasound discovered a 10 cm mass under my rib cage, between my lung and my liver. The pathology reports show it is an ovarian ca source...the strangest thing is I had my ovaries and a total hysterectomy 10 years ago. I was nervous about OV CA because my Mom died of it at 68. This is all so surreal, I am waiting for an appointment at the cancer agency, and in the meantime lymph nodes all through my body hurt, I’m extremely tired and having dizzy spells. And scared!! Can anyone relate and offer any guidance, support, relate able experiences...thank you..kathy
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in the meantime, I read in your bio Marilyn about the By Your Side publication, could I receive a copy of that please? So encouraged and happy to hear your story of being cancer free 🙏
And big thanks to @Marilyn and OCC for your continued supports!
We can relate to any gynecological cancer so you are in the right company for support! And yes, all that waiting really seems to be the worst part of the situation. On a personal note, I know from my experiences it is tough stuff, that waiting anxiety. Do you have a project or hobby, something that brings you some joy to give yourself a break?
The reference guide can be ordered here: https://ovariancanada.org/living-with-ovarian-cancer/support-resources
Hope that helps a bit - hugs from across the miles and the power of technologies!
I know you will find By Your Side very helpful - hope you have in your hands now or soon. Hugs across the miles and finding support through our responses
I would LOVE to be part of a support group, please consider me available. Thank you for that!!
@maggiemae i talk to my son regularly, and it’s so healing. I’m also guided by how I feel he would want me to approach this, and that’s helpful...he was a fierce warrior and I think we’re cut from the same cloth. Thank you for the support 🙏
also, where do people go when they need to rest but be close to hospital (I’ve had two ER visits with extreme pain). I feel like I need to be restored more to really take this on with grace and strength.
love to all, kathy xo
So good to hear back from you and you would like to be part of our Vancouver support group- please be in touch with Tracy Kolwich, Regional Director Toll free: 1-877-413-7970 Ext. 341 or Tel: 604-676-3428 Ext. 341 ( Vancouver)
Could you say a little bit more about your last question please " where do people go when they need to rest but be close to hospital ? - might be able to offer more when I understand your needs- don't want to make assumptions - thank you
So good to hear back from you and you would like to be part of our Vancouver support group- please be in touch with Tracy Kolwich, Regional Director Toll free: 1-877-413-7970 Ext. 341 or Tel: 604-676-3428 Ext. 341 ( Vancouver)
Could you say a little bit more about your last question please " where do people go when they need to rest but be close to hospital ? - might be able to offer more when I understand your needs- don't want to make assumptions - thank you
So good to hear back from you and you would like to be part of our Vancouver support group- please be in touch with Tracy Kolwich, Regional Director Toll free: 1-877-413-7970 Ext. 341 or Tel: 604-676-3428 Ext. 341 ( Vancouver)
Could you say a little bit more about your last question please " where do people go when they need to rest but be close to hospital ? - might be able to offer more when I understand your needs- don't want to make assumptions - thank you
So good to hear back from you and you would like to be part of our Vancouver support group- please be in touch with Tracy Kolwich, Regional Director Toll free: 1-877-413-7970 Ext. 341 or Tel: 604-676-3428 Ext. 341 ( Vancouver)
Could you say a little bit more about your last question please " where do people go when they need to rest but be close to hospital ? - might be able to offer more when I understand your needs- don't want to make assumptions - thank you
So good to hear back from you and you would like to be part of our Vancouver support group- please be in touch with Tracy Kolwich, Regional Director Toll free: 1-877-413-7970 Ext. 341 or Tel: 604-676-3428 Ext. 341 ( Vancouver)
Could you say a little bit more about your last question please " where do people go when they need to rest but be close to hospital ? - might be able to offer more when I understand your needs- don't want to make assumptions - thank you
So good to hear back from you and you would like to be part of our Vancouver support group- please be in touch with Tracy Kolwich, Regional Director Toll free: 1-877-413-7970 Ext. 341 or Tel: 604-676-3428 Ext. 341 ( Vancouver)
Could you say a little bit more about your last question please " where do people go when they need to rest but be close to hospital ? - might be able to offer more when I understand your needs- don't want to make assumptions - thank you
So good to hear back from you and you would like to be part of our Vancouver support group- please be in touch with Tracy Kolwich, Regional Director Toll free: 1-877-413-7970 Ext. 341 or Tel: 604-676-3428 Ext. 341 ( Vancouver)
Could you say a little bit more about your last question please " where do people go when they need to rest but be close to hospital ? - might be able to offer more when I understand your needs- don't want to make assumptions - thank you
So good to hear back from you and you would like to be part of our Vancouver support group- please be in touch with Tracy Kolwich, Regional Director Toll free: 1-877-413-7970 Ext. 341 or Tel: 604-676-3428 Ext. 341 ( Vancouver)
Could you say a little bit more about your last question please " where do people go when they need to rest but be close to hospital ? - might be able to offer more when I understand your needs- don't want to make assumptions - thank you
So good to hear back from you and you would like to be part of our Vancouver support group- please be in touch with Tracy Kolwich, Regional Director Toll free: 1-877-413-7970 Ext. 341 or Tel: 604-676-3428 Ext. 341 ( Vancouver)
Could you say a little bit more about your last question please " where do people go when they need to rest but be close to hospital ? - might be able to offer more when I understand your needs- don't want to make assumptions - thank you
So good to hear back from you and you would like to be part of our Vancouver support group- please be in touch with Tracy Kolwich, Regional Director Toll free: 1-877-413-7970 Ext. 341 or Tel: 604-676-3428 Ext. 341 ( Vancouver)
Could you say a little bit more about your last question please " where do people go when they need to rest but be close to hospital ? - might be able to offer more when I understand your needs- don't want to make assumptions - thank you
I'm so sorry, I pray that you find strength. I am suffering watching my sister. But she is stronger than she thinks and so are you. Btw, were you BRCA positive?
thanks for the kindness in your messages and wishing everyone well.
kathy xo
Welcome to OVdialogue. I'm glad you found us and hope we can be of some support to you through your journey. I am truly sorry for your diagnosis. I too am stage 3....C, high grade serous if that's a match as well. If it helps, while my cancer will continuously recur, I am now in my fifth year and still going strong. That said, I also have three "sisters" out where I live who were all diagnosed around the same time as me, with the same type and grade of cancer, and all are still cancer-free.
Yes, that first year is a blur for many of us. But you're in recovery now with a wonderful new drug that will hopefully help keep your cancer at bay. Zejula is reasonably new and does have some side effects that can be difficult but managed so do make sure your oncologist knows how you're feeling. It can be as simple as just lowering your dose slightly to offset the nausea or anything else. If you want to learn more about experiences with Zejula just key that word into the search box at the top right of your screen. That will bring up previous discussions on the topic that you might find useful.
It was kind of you to reach out to Kathydornan when you're in the midst of your own journey. Some days it amazes me how much compassion for others exists in our community here.
As for support groups, please reach out to Tracy Kolwich at OCC who supports western Canada. She may know of a group in your area that you could join. You can reach her by private message here at @TracyOCC, or by email at [email protected] I think she had been doing a fair of investigation with members on the subject of Zejula so may be helpful on that front as well.
Good luck in your journey. It sounds like you're in great hands with a great plan ahead. Please reach out anytime this group could be of help to you. And think about joining our live online chat if you're interested and able. It's every Thursday at 1pm EST. You enter the chat by signing into OVdialogue and then clicking on the Discussion topic, Teal Thursdays...... Love to have you with us.
So good to see your return post and would like to extend an invitation to join us on the 2nd Tuesday of month via Zoom and meet other women from the lower Mainland who have been diagnosed with Ovarian Cancer. Their virtual companionship, experiences and wisdom might make your experience a little lighter- we are meeting tomorrow (April 13th ) at 10 am for an hour- please be in touch via email to [email protected] and she will send the link.if this message reaches you post tomorrow morning and you would like to join us each month, please be in touch with Tracy and your name will be added to the distribution list. We meet for an hour every 2nd Tuesday of the month.
The list of questions provided by our site moderator is excellent and very comprehensive- I could see this list giving you ideas to put together for your next doctor's visit near the end of the month.
I am so pleased you reached out again and hope you continue to be at ease to talk with this wonderful supportive group on Ovdialogue - one never knows when we just need " a listen" and maybe an encouraging word - I know from experience you will find such compassionate care here.
And we might meet soon virtually - Diane