How is COVID 19 impacting you?
Well - schools, stores and businesses are shutting down. Even border crossings are being reduced or
stopped. I’m now working from home, as are all staff at Ovarian Cancer Canada, and,
I’m prepared to stay indoors (except for short walks outside) for the next
while. We are living in strange and
difficult times. At least on OVdialogue we don’t have to worry about social distancing
and it gives us the opportunity to still connect socially.
What are the repercussions of COVID 19 that you are facing and how are
you coping? Do you have specific challenges?
How are you staying connected with others?
We can be here for each other as we all try to navigate what is happening in our world and it's impact on us.
How are you doing?
Marilyn
1
Comments
Yes, so grateful for this forum and the current technologies to keep us all linked together while physically apart.
I'm sure there are many adjustments needing to be made for all of us in order to cope.
Self- isolation program / coping is not new for many of us having dealt with a diagnosis / surgery/ treatment or a compromised immune system at some time. It is getting others to understand that can be a major issue.
For myself, at the start of all of this, my personal challenges were trying to get family and friends to comprehend the seriousness (that I wasn't making this up) and threats to my health. I believe many are now understanding since all of the public health announcements, closures, restrictions, job loses, society and life changes and the stats, etc. are in the news. Everyone must remember: No one is immune.
I hope you are all managing as well as can be... do you have any coping techniques to share?
The argument was that the chemo is just an adjunct to surgery--which makes little sense. Should this decision be finalized I will start an appeal, but did not expect to be fighting the hospital as well as the cancer.
So, it is because of the COVID-19 hospital staff shortages, staff moving around to different assignments or just not enough in oncology? I am not certain your location city/province... is there an option to have treatment at another cancer location within your city?
Is this coming from just the oncologist, and/or the treatment centre or by the provincial medical direction? So frustrating.
You are right to appeal and get some answers.
How are you feeling otherwise? Please let us know your situation when you can.
This came from my Oncologist, who I believe is carrying out the directives of the The Ontario Health/Cancer Care Ontario Pandemic Planning Clinical Guideline for Patients with Cancer. It's a very vague document and based on behavior of H1N1, so one concern is that the "few weeks' delay" mentioned is unrealistic. Then hospitals have to tackle a waiting list of delayed cases in addition to the usual new cases, with no extra resources, so I don't know how that will happen.
I feel physically fine, though, thanks! Sometimes I think I could beat the odds after all, but this planning document was gutting.
You are right - capacity will be impacted at some point.
Yes, seems like the directives may be ever changing and it is frustrating that they vary by province...
I'm curious, wondering if they shared with you, the priority status (A, B or C) and how that was determined
(potential for better outcome adversely affected by delay in treatment, etc)
I'm glad you are feeling ok - hope that makes it a bit easier to get through your day.
How are you all managing with the virus issue so far?
KGH opted to limit face-to-face contact as much as possible. I am on a trial and so monthly check ups are required. Blood work or scans when required are still done in person. However, unless I am having issues, my follow ups with my oncologist now take place over the telephone, since I have indicated a comfort with that process. I'm always given the option to attend in person though. Unfortunately for those who feel a need for emotional support, the ability to have a caregiver or friend join you is no longer an option. That can be a bit daunting for those newly diagnosed or with issues to be assessed.
Standard process at KGH upon arrival: Sanitize your hands and wear your mask. If you don't have one they provide it to you. It must be worn at all times in the hospital. You will first meet a greeter who will screen you (a series of questions) for Covid 19 and assuming your answers are satisfactory they will authorize you to proceed to registration as normal, and from there to the clinic to await your appointment. Seating in the clinic is set up so as to ensure appropriate distancing. Washrooms are open and available if needed and as always been the case, sanitizer stations are everywhere. I must say that at my last in-person appointment, despite distancing and wearing a mask, I had a delightful chat with the woman waiting beside me. Nothing like a bit of shared experience and a few giggles to break any tension!
Given your appointment has already been scheduled, if you haven't received a call closer to the date suggesting a telephone session, you might want to check in and suggest that option if that would be your preference.
Good luck. Wonderful to hear you're feeling well and the six month is just a routine check!
I was admitted to the main hospital through the ER a month ago, and again the no-visitor policy (since amended) meant the floor felt empty and I have never felt less likely to pick up a disease in a hospital.
How is everyone else managing with so much having opened up now?
Sounds great that you have dusted off your sewing machine and started sewing again - many folks are rediscovering creative skills that had been put aside - enjoy !! I have been making prayer shawls and will be looking sites to donate them when this is all behind us- take care
@walkabout
Funny how our emotions and our actions are so interconnected- glad the year is behind you and your sewing machine is gracing your table again- you sound very creative - can be a very soothing healing tool- I have a very good friend who has made many masks in the past few months and like you had to play around with the design - have you found fabric you like- I was thinking sunflowers certainly would be a great fit in our world -
As well have you checked out the Walk of Hope in September which has been physically located in Queen Elizabeth Park, Vancouver ? However due to these unusual times, the Walk this year will be virtual - its our major fundraiser and has been a great way to invite your family and friends to fundraise with you and enjoy the morning with others. Check out the link on OCC's home page
All the best as you find your way and have fun creating that special design for your personalized mask.
So, how are you managing (emotionlly) today regarding COVID-19?
What is your biggest challenge/consideration and how are you dealing with it?
As I watch the pandemic unfold there are certainly days when I become apprehensive or feel a little depressed. I’ve discovered that it helps me to take a break from the television news and social media when this happens. The inundation of stories on the subject of COVID-19 can almost become overwhelming. Taking walks or writing entries in a journal that I keep are some of the things that help me relax. Fortunately, I’m in remission, so I’m not required to visit my cancer centre regularly anymore. However, I often worry about what will happen if I get a recurrence during the ongoing pandemic. Would there be a delay in my diagnosis or treatment due to the current circumstances? I also think about all of my teal sisters who are receiving active cancer treatment and what a difficult time this must be for them.
I am getting a bit better at handling the fearfulness of this stupid virus
As our provincial health doctor is now saying "we have to learn to live with this virus" - gosh, easier said than done.
I agree @Jackie, helps to spend time away from the news and focus on those creative activities!
Stay safe and be well everyone!
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