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!
TEAL THURSDAYS - Sign in and CLICK HERE TO ENTER LIVE DAYTIME ONLINE CHAT (1pm EST)
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No covid testing recently. @Fearless - Vol Mod Iike you I had one way back before a chemo treatment but that was months ago. They seem to change protocols frequently as they learn more. I used to get pre-visit screening calls with the usual questions, now only at the door.0
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@Readersmaven: I'd say sitting on the couch instigates it more than anything and walking seems to alleviate it. If it gets annoying for me, one plain aspirin takes care of it.
@Fearless - Vol Mod - No, I'm only getting the front door interrogation at PMH and at SB. It makes me chuckle to be honest, most people going through chemo or cancer would say "yes" to some things on their symptom list which is now about 20 items long....0 -
I am learning so much from you ladies about lymph nodes and and different symptoms. I am beginning to realize that with ovarian cancer you have to be constantly checking for things that doesn't seem normal. When I was diagnosed in September 2020 and after surgery and chemotherapy I was naive to think that it's all behind me.I know now that ovarian cancer will be apart of my life for a long time.0
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@BeamBlossom good news is that it sounds like it's easily managed, but regardless, it's just one more thing!0
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@Readersmaven
Yes, it can get a bit overkill someimes. This week I went in on Monday for a blood draw..did the questions at the door. That afternoon I got the call from my oncologist's office doing a telephone prescreen for my appointment on Tuesday. Tuesday went in and did the questions at the door again. Had my appointment and an hour later got the telephone prescreen for my chemo appointment on Wednesday. And of course, went in Wednesday and did the questons at the door. The funny thing is I could probably answer yes to every question about how I feel....duh, I've got cancer and COPD! But these days quite happy to have overkill while they get vaccine distribution and case numbers under better control.1 -
@Rad: I'm still in shock trying hard to believe that my initial chemo treatment did not resolve this cancer.1
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@Fearless - Vol ModI only had to do covid swabs for my first chemo and after that just the normal questions at the entrance .0
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It would be a great thing if they automatically covid swabed us at every appointment, why not, would keep everyone safe.0
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@BeamBlossom I agree, this is a disease that is constantly challenging our expectations.0
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@Readersmaven: true! And when it gets me down, I realize I am fortunate to still be here to have any expectations at all.1
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Great chat today, thx everyone for the insights and support! Talk again next week!0
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I think most of us would agree that after first line treatment we all walked out thinking,..whew, well that's done and I'm fixed up now. I was so naïve four years ago that it wasn't until I was invited to a focus group on Fear of Recurrence that it even occurred to me that it might come back. But you can't live your life consumed by thoughts of OVC. So many are lucky to stay in full remission right from the get-go. Others, even after a recurrence or two. And some of us just have to resign ourselves to living with the disease, just like a diabetic lives with theirs. The OCC motto is for us to live longer and better lives...and so many are these days. And it will get better and better as research continues and more and more emphasis is placed on OVC. There is always hope...on all different fronts.3
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Ladies every week I am learning something new and I am thankful for the support and knowledge that I get from this group. Take care everyone,stay safe and a great weekend!1
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Signing out too ladies. Hope to hear from you all again next week...same time, same channel ! And hoping anyone following our discussions will think to sign in and join us. We're always excited to hear from new sisters to this live chat.
Have a great week everyone.0 -
I am so sorry I missed the discussion group yesterday but I have just read all the news and discussions. I don't remember who said what (Because 2 pages of discussion is hard to keep track) so.... YAY to the Last Day Chemo...Yay to the unremarkable organs...Keep thinking the positives on the nodes. A lady in one of my support groups has neuropathy that comes and goes. Mine is consistent but it is worse some days. To everyone though...always take it one day at a time. What might be bad today may turn great tomorrow. Hope for the best, but be realistic in your expectations and you cannot lose. I hope everyone has a great week.3
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Woo hoo...February already and Wiarton Willie saw his shadow. Maybe we'll have spring earlier than we think. That said, for farmers and us in rural areas who rely on well water, we actually need more snow to replenish the ground water. But the selfish in me so wants to step outside and feel the sun and a warm breeze again.
So happy February 4th all and welcome to today's live chat.....
A wee bit of housekeeping for you to start. We haven't had much discussion or enquiry about the Covid vaccine programs. But OCC, as usual, have been proactive on our part. https://ovariancanada.org/stories-and-media/Feature-Stories/2021/COVID-19-vaccines-and-people-with-cancer will take you to a page they created providing some observations and advice as you, as a cancer patient, consider the vaccine when it comes available to you.
And lots of hope in the air for me today. Just finished the first half of my chemo cycles and tests show an amazing response to the Carbo and Gem protocol again. 3 more cycles to go starting end of the month. And, it's been touch and go for one of my closest Teal Sisters this past two weeks. A terrible bowel obstruction hospitalized her a week ago and it wasn't looking good that she'd make it to surgery last night. But she did...and she's come through with flying colours thanks to her inner strength and positivity, the love and support of her family and friends, and an amazing health team out here. Yes, ladies, there is always hope. Never surrender.
So on those happy notes...time to start our chat today.....
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Welcome new member @salare
.....glad to see you registered and accessing our live chat today. Expecting a few more ladies as the time goes by. Never feel you need to sign in right at 1. You can join in anytime or just cruise the discussion later on if you miss it.
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Hi fearless! Thanks for the warm welcome! And congrats on being halfway through chemo!! Sending hugs to you and your friend in this hard time.
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I began to watch a webinar on mental health and cancer diagnosis on the OCC website and ran through all the emotions that came up as she's speaking. Wow! It felt like a tap had been opened and what a relief!
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Thanks @salare I'm now in my fifth year of the fight. The only one of four friends diagnosed with the same type at the same time who recurred after successful first-line treatment. A bummer but never any rhyme or reason for it. But that was two years ago and I'm still hanging in and intend to for a long time to come. And yes, hearing the news last night that my other friend made it to surgery and it was more successful than they even expected was a bonus to my day for sure. So lots to celebrate.0
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Sorry I've missed the last couple of chats, @Fearless - Vol Mod. I started doing some osteopathy sessions for my back which are on Thursdays, so I'm not normally back - or in the best state to chat. I'm trying today, but have to leave if I'm too uncomfortable!
Glad to hear that you are half way through the chemo and that the treatments are working...yay!!
Also very glad to hear that our Teal sister has done well with the surgery and other complications...another yay!!
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@salare there is so many valuable resources on their website. And it's so great when something hits you at the core and enables you to let out all the pent up emotion. Many of us spend far too much time and effort being "brave" but because that's what we think people expect of us. Sometimes you just need to wallow in whatever you're feeling at in the moment. Much healthier and you have a right to feel anyway you choose. Not sure what cancer centre your attached to but it likely has a social work department. Highly recommend getting a referral to one of their folks..someone to talk to in a safe space who can help with balance and perspective. I waiting until long after my my first line treatment to admit to myself it might help and now I so value our monthly conversations. It's a different kind of support and one worth exploring.0
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Always miss you @Tinazzie but glad to see you're getting some help for your back. One of my Teal sisters out here is a licensed osteopath who's had a practice for many many years. I've never used her or been to one...although she's always at me to give it a try. Maybe one of these days, eh.
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Good afternoon all...Amazing news on both fronts @Fearless - Vol Mod
Welcome @salare. I hope you are well. Let those flood gates open when they need to. It really does help with your mental wellbeing. A Friend and fellow Cancer Warrior told me after my diagnosis..."It is okay to have your pity party, just don't stay there" It was the best advice he was able to give me.
@Tinazzie - Good luck with your back. I hope the osteopath works for you.
I actually just came back from a lunch walk with some of my colleagues. We were good girls and were all masked up.
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@Fearless - Vol Mod Yes, i'll definitely be checking out more resources on this site. I agree that 'being brave' is an old, conditioned way of thinking and isn't helpful at all.
I'm being treated by BC Cancer Agency and am so far blown away with the resources they offer. I'm meeting with the social worker today after this chat and feel so fortunate to have been told about it. Glad you found the support you needed.
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@KarenBemi I wouldn't have expected otherwise from you. Sounds like a lovely walk...fresh air and friendship. Nothing better. Glad you were able to get back in time to join us. Small group today. I suspect if the sky is as blue and sunny as it is where I am everyone is following you at out enjoying the weather. I might just take a stroll down to my lake front later on...love to hear the sounds of the ice moving along the Reach. Kind of creepy but beautiful.1
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Yes...it's worth a try. I had to do something - my back pain and the fatigue I'm still experiencing is very disheartening. I also compare myself to others within the same chemo time period, who have more or less got their energy back. I know everyone's situation is unique, but I still keep doing it.....
Have a bone scan scheduled for tomorrow, which might either rule out certain things or shine a light on why I may be feeling the way I am.
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