Community Connection: Ovarian Cancer Canada is looking for volunteers! Could you help?
OVdialogue – consider joining our team in the role of Community Champion. Over a few hours each week, you would be part of a team that helps connect people, support conversations and are thought leaders for OVdialogue. This is your opportunity to give back to those who have/continue to support you through the tough times, share your unique experiences, and help celebrate successes. For more details of what this entails, please reach out to @Mfallis (mfallis@ovariancanada.org).
OVdialogue – consider joining our team in the role of Community Champion. Over a few hours each week, you would be part of a team that helps connect people, support conversations and are thought leaders for OVdialogue. This is your opportunity to give back to those who have/continue to support you through the tough times, share your unique experiences, and help celebrate successes. For more details of what this entails, please reach out to @Mfallis (mfallis@ovariancanada.org).
Ovarian Cancer Canada is thrilled to share that we have some exciting updates on the way for OVdialogue. These enhancements are designed to strengthen our community and make your experience even better.
Stay tuned for more details, and feel free to share your thoughts below. Let’s make this community even stronger!
Stay tuned for more details, and feel free to share your thoughts below. Let’s make this community even stronger!
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Thanks @Fearless - Vol Mod this is all so new for me. I appreciate any insights. I have called the team to check in about the symptoms and I assume they will tailor the chemo based on results on Monday but its good to hear about others experiences to keep from thinking about it all too much
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Just getting snuggled into my spa chair. Good week everyone😀2
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@mjmck21 it's been 'new' for all of us at the beginning. Unlike so many other cancers ours is even more unknown. When I think about what little, which was really nothing other than bringing on dark thoughts, I knew at the beginning compared to what I know 6 years later it's like night and day. Day 1 was all terror. Today, knowing what I know, I'm living well with the disease still in me. Do use the Ovarian Cancer Canada website and it's guide books as your best source of reliable information after your own cancer care team...and use us. Lots of experience here to share and more and more good stories to give us ongoing hope and positive attitude. That said, this is also a great place to vent or cry when you need it. We all 'get it' and we're here for you. There will be those days for sure. And those where we'll all be doing the happy dance for you too gal. Stay strong.
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@Fearless - Vol Mod Thank you! I am so grateful for all of you!0
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Well ladies, it's 2pm again. Time flies doesn't it.
@ToughAsTeal - enjoy the 'spa'. Too bad you can't convince them to give you a mini facial while you're there LOL.
@Taita good luck with your scan. Just keep thinking Rome. And I'll be rooting for it. I'm expecting a full report on the trip. If I can't fit in your suitcase you can at least let me live vicariously.
@mjmck21 as I said, stay strong. And reach out as you need us.
As for me, off to get milk (living in the country means a trip into town, not just the corner store), reorg my office and do our taxes. Amazing what a dose of Dex does, eh.Happy, healthy week everyone. I'll be back next Thursday if you care to join again.
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Good Afternoon ladies sorry I missed today's meetings. Been not sleeping too well these last few nights, so when I do fall asleep it usually takes me to like 11 or 12noon to wake up.
@mjmck21 for me after surgery, they also got everything they could see as well. My chemo was set for 3 weeks after surgery but I did get 1 week delay because i wasn't feeling all that well myself after surgery and I was also having a rough go of it. But it gets better hang in their, we are all here for you and please reach out to any if us for support if you need to talk.
@Fearless - Vol Mod sorry to hear about your hydration. As for the dex. My oncologist didn't put me back on it, she mentioned the nausua won't be like my other chemo. Wonderful news your CA 125 are still dropping way to go!
So I just had my 2nd Avastan last Monday. Will go back in Easter Monday for my next Caelyx and Avastan which will be cycle 2. So far everything good. Noticed a bit stomach upset 1 day sore muscle next day. But for the first time I took my little girl, miya my dog for a walk along the creek. After my Avastan iv last Monday. A bit sore the next few days but it was so enjoyable to get out of the house!!!
For me being on blood pressure meds I am noticing my blood pressure actually a bit low for once instead of high. That would account for feeling a bit light headed. I did notice that after going off Zejula is was in normal range.
So today I haven't taken my blood pressure meds to see how my reading are today. I have a blood pressure machine here at home. Use to be my late husband.
@Taita hope all goes great with your scan. I will keep you in my prayers. Wow yes i'd like to fit in your suitcase too if i could!! Thank as well for the tip of the pinch of salt.
@ToughAsTeal so sorry you are having a rough go of it. I hope you feel better.. Hope your treatment today goes well. Good luck on your scan!
I myself had a blip. Back in 2019 I had A ultrasound because of stomach issues. Long story short. They noticed I had. 10mm cyst on my lower right lobe of liver. Ok. I had noticed all through these scans no one mentioned it. I questioned this at my last oncologist because I questioned my family dr. He just said oh maybe it went away. My oncologist told me they just don't go away. My oncologist ordered a delayed contrast (delayed contrast is where half the contrast is injectioned then they wait ten min. Do the scan then inject the rest of the contrast and wait another 10 min and do a final scan) for my kidney their just after my last meeting with her to see if their was any issue with my kidney or ureter. Even though the ct i had on the match 1 and reg ct on the 6th when i went into the hospital for the severe pain didnt pick up. They thought it was a kidney stone at first. So i finally see my results on my health portal. Only to call up my oncologist to question to her. As this radiologist picked up in their words...a suspected serosal implant overlying the lateral surface of the right lobe of the liver. I guess their fancy word for saying possible peritoneal 2cm nodule on the outside lining of my right lobe of my liver. I questioned my oncologist ok this radiologist mentions it was present in the last 2 scans on March 1 and March 6 but because of my delayed contrast it was more prominent in this scan and why wasn't it mentioned in previous scans if it showed up. My oncologist said oj well thry just mentioned mutiple nodules up upper midline pole it didn't exactly say where. I said to her but the Radiologist mentioned my liver is unremarkable. Meaning no issues all good. Oh it is unremarkable my oncologist said. It not creating amy issues its on the outer layer. Mesendary not sure if i spelled that right, is not the lining of the liver! That's where they said the nodules were.. Long story short now that it was mentioned they will keep an eye in it. How do We know its not that cyst that they said i had back in 2019. Oh they show up different on ct. She said. We can always ask for clarification on things moving forward. I guess all we can do is trust that the radiologist that yes they catch things. So that kind of put my mind in overdrive this week. I pray that this is the cyst. I pray that my treatments go well. That's all we can hope for. I just shake my head it took the 3rd radiologist to mention this. I can see 1 person overlooking it as they read but 2 radiologist! I do know when i finished my chemo back in nov my next ct on dec 16 said i had mild fatty liver. But that was from chemo and has rectified since. Keep positive Eileen keep moving forward. Well that's my beef this week.
I hope everyone has a wonderful week and keep strong everyone we got this.0 -
APRIL 14 and it's Teal Thursday as usual. Today ladies I'm leaving you to your own devices. I've been called away unexpectedly and won't be here to host today's call. But I'm sure you'll manage just great anyway. So welcome to those who've signed in here at 1PM EST and if you're the first, just hang in for a bit as others come online to join in.
Usual reminders of upcoming Teal Teas and the April Speaker session; all of which require preregistration for the link to participate. Go to the Ovarian Cancer Canada website under Events/Local Events and scroll down for more information and registration links.
The 2022 Walk of Hope site is now live and available for registration. The event this year will take place on September 11, both virtually and in person. To find a local group close to you, just click on your closest city when registering and it will take you to the information on where any in-person gathering will take place. The Walk is held annually and represents several purposes. One, to help raise funds that enable Ovarian Cancer Canada to continue their work supporting us. For me, even more important is the chance to honor our Teal Sisters and their courageous journeys. And finally, if you are able to attend in-person, the opportunity to connect with others in your own community; survivors, caregivers, supporters.
Before I go for the day, celebrating this month are:4/2 to 5/2 – Ramadan: The holy month of fasting, introspection, and prayer celebrated by Muslims.
4/14 – Vaisakhi: An ancient festival for Hindus that simultaneously celebrates that Solar New Year and spring harvest.
4/15 to 4/23 – Passover: A 7-day holiday in the Jewish faith that honors the freeing of the Israeli slaves.
4/15 – Mahavir Jayanti: A Jain holiday celebrating the birth of Lord Mahavira, the founder of Jainism.
4/17 – Easter: The most important day in the Christian faith when they celebrate the resurrection of their Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
4/24 – Feast of the Divine Mercy: A feast day on the second Sunday of Easter when Christians seek Christ’s forgiveness and grace.
What are your plans for the coming weekend???????
And now, before I depart for the day, let me wish you all a wonderful, peaceful weekend surrounded by friends, and family, no matter what your religion or culture. I'll "see" you all next week.
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@Fearless - Vol Mod Hope you have a nice Easter weekend!
Hello to everyone happy Thursday! To anyone who might be hunkering down in the prairies or northern Ontario I hope you are well and not badly impacted by this April Blizzard0 -
@Fearless - Vol Mod and. @ToughAsTeal and anyone on Today. I'm headed out as we speak to spend the weekend with my kids camping until Monday because that is my next chemo reg. Have a safe and happy Easter to all.0
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@Eileen have a great long weekend! Stay warm!0
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Hi, if you are still there ToughAsTeal, my name is Bozena. I am currently midway through treatment for recurrence. Doing well. I have been following and reading but now I am free on Thursdays and able to participate. Hope you are doing well also.0
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I am here! Hello Bozena😀 Will have scan next week, then 10th rnd of chemo since recurrence. Happens to fall on my 2yr diagnosis date. I have been struggling with post chemo stuff. With every treatment it gets harder to manage. Glad our daughter is coming home this weekend for Easter. I wont be much help in the kitchen, but, am determined to show her how to make Ukrainian Easter eggs! Glad to hear you feel well. Do you get out walking, or mountain climbing?!1
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ToughAsTeal…. Yes I do go walking not so much mountain climbing, hope to bike once weather gets warmer. I used to colour eggs with my aunts as a child. It’s a great Polish tradition also. I hope you will enjoy the time with your daughter.0
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Absolutely... my friend (born in Poland).. her father as a small boy would get colour from boiled onion skins! I am not that energetic right now...but we are going to spend time together when I feel better to celebrate our heritage. Great distraction for me. My "mountain climbing" is more about mental conquests right now (no I have never actually climbed a mountain lol).1
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Yes, distractions are good. And mental conquests great idea, sometimes little tasks. Right after chemo on Fridays I feel wiped but I tried few minutes of gardening while the sun was out. I live in Waterloo. Are you in the KW area as well?0
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I am in Guelph! My name is Laura. Do you do treatment at Grand River?0
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Very nice to meet you Laura. No, my treatment is in Trillium hospital in Mississauga. I had my hysterectomy there and my oncologist is there so I continue goind there. Is your treatment in Grand River?0
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Happy Easter everyone. About to board my 2nd flight of 2022. Just a short one but boy am I out of practice!! @ToughAsTeal I too am having a CT Scan next week. I am in a love/hate relationship with them. Lol! I feel great and the last ones have shown shrinkage. Hey my CA125 went up from 72 to 93. Trying not to think about it. Lol! I hear you about Easter. I will let the girls and my husband do the work. I will supervise. 😁. Welcome @Bojenka. We have a good group and we are all in different situations but all fighting through good fight!!1
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I have been going to Juravinski in Hamilton. Had the surgery done there too Sept 2020. Its not too inconvenient a drive. I have my scans done in Guelph, that save one trip. I go every two weeks. My hesitation to switch to grnd river is that I would be inder care of a general oncologist. Whereas now I see gynae-oncologist.1
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Hi Taita, thank you. It is great support to have this group.0
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@Taita what a great getaway for Easter! St Jacobs will be fun to explore. Pick up some maple syrup! Ya stupid ca125 going up. I am determined that its because of inflamation!1
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Taita..Weather is improving seeing some sunshine in KW wish you a joyful time with your daughter. Easter is my favourite holiday. ToughAsTeal. Onion skins give eggs a beautiful dark copper colour. And all natural dye. .. I did not want to switch to general oncologist either although I hear she is a good doctor in Grand River0
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My treats are palliative... if it gets to the point where travelling is an additional challenge, i will look to that option to switch locations. Guelph has a small chemo unit. 15 min walk from my house... 2 min drive!Well, we will all look forward to a nice Waterloo-Wellington long weekend! I am in chemo next Thursday but if I can will log in at 1. Happy Easter. No kinder eggs - salmonella recall.1
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@ToughAsTeal I am with you!! This clinical trial drugs and the Avastin inflames everything!!! Thanks @Bojenka we could all use some sunshine. Have a great weekend everyone.!! 🐣0
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Stupid cancer.2
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Happy Easter !!0
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Omg everyone i just had to share. At camping with my kids just decided to check my blood work from yesterday. The caelyx and avastan is working my ca125 levels dropped by 300. Its sitting at 69 right now. My white and red and neutriphils are low right now but omg i cried when i saw this.
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@Eileen that is wonderful news! How grateful we can be to have these treatments available! Really good news and a big virtual hug😀0
