Random thoughts that came to mind about coping. Have enjoyed reading all of your thoughts. Writing a week after my 6th chemotherapy (and 70 hours of fasting, another chapter) - my second round of chemo treatments after cancer returned.
GROWTH
After almost 2 years of very little gardening activity, I went out and planted 5 little flowering perennials (Burgundy Mist). My spirits lifted, for I was finally doing something as an act of hope as opposed to all the "Swedish death cleaning" that has been pressuring me during the past couple of years. I really look forward to watching the little plants grow next summer.
ART
Am loving the artwork Teal Sisters are posting. The healing power of beauty. Love LeslieA's Garden of Hope. Also loved the excerpts from the book Beyond Stillness: A Diary of Ovarian Cancer (Eva R), giving a poetic voice to the almost unspeakable journey of the diagnosis we all face. Would love to have a copy someday.
I haven't found a voice - usually defaulting to stiff upper lip mode after bouts of despondency - therefore I enjoy admiring the voices you have expressed.
DIET
I just read Belladonna's posting on this "Coping Mechanisms" thread. You are a true inspiration. I am forever grateful to you for your posting about Jane McClellan's book How to Starve Cancer, and for your undaunted attitude. I bought McClellan's book and two others: Eat to Beat Disease (Dr William Li) and Chris Beat Cancer (Chris Wark) and changed my ways overnight. No dairy, meat (except some fish), or high glycemic foods. My CA125 readings are now down to 7. Feeling energetic and hopeful. Paying a lot of attention to diet and exercise because I cannot tolerate niraparib (Zejula).
DISCOVERY
This illness has led me on a voyage of discovery in the realm of nutrition and recipes. I have been trying new recipes (lots of ways to prepare tofu) and I now have a daily tea ritual. Chasing glimmers of hope led me to meet a Chinese grand master of teas. Green tea is known to help fight cancer, so I went on a quest and now have a small Yixing teapot and look forward to my daily tea ritual. In fact, two friends are coming today for tea, so I'll give them the full ritual - Yixing teapot, Yellow Mountain tea, and tiny cups. :-)
PERSPECTIVE
Mfallis_OCC suggested a webinar with Dr. Sammy Winemaker and Dr. Hsien Seow, which I watched and found helpful. LeslieA suggested their book Hope for the Best Plan for the Rest, which I noted. Feeling more peaceful.
THANKFULNESS
Very thankful for OVdialogue. It has been a life buoy!