English Community

Hello everyone, 

I'm new to the community. Home currently recovering from my 3rd surgery due to GCT recurrence.Hoping to meet anyone who has had this and on how they are dealing with the fear of recurrence. I still feel in a daze that this occurred again and was told to prepare that likely hood is it's coming again. Not telling my family and feeling lost with how to get myself together. Thank you.

Hi, Thank you for replying to my post. I am in awe of the amongst of resources that I'm finding and the kindness of strangers who are taking the time to write such kind and supportive words.

Hello @Prema22 and thank you for reaching out to the Teal Sisters in this forum. I can only imagine the emotional and physical strain your recurrence is having on you. Recurrence is probably one of the top fears of so many of us. I'm not sure if your family and/or friends were supportive upon your initial diagnosis however whom and when you choose to confide in someone is a very personal choice. I will ask however if there is a reason you are not engaging anyone? This is a journey that can be difficult to navigate in isolation and friends and family may start to ask questions/notice a change in you. Sometimes it's better to control your own narrative however I do completely respect your privacy relative to your personal situation. From past discussions I've learned that sometimes we internalize that others won't be able to 'handle' what's happening with us when in fact, there are individuals in our close circle who would do all they could to support us. 

If you do not want to engage friends and family, do you have a therapist you can speak with? If not consider asking your medical support team for a referral. As well, Ovarian Cancer Canada has two other support programs that may be of value to you. The first is a Peer to Peer program where you are connected with someone who has been diagnosed with OVC. Here is the program link: Peer to Peer One to One Support

As well, there are Teal Tea virtual discussions that happen monthly. It's a great way to connect with Teal Sisters from across Canada, who are at varying stages in their journey's. There is one upcoming next week. Here's the link: Teal Teal for Everyone - Oct 2026

Of course, the Teal Warriors on this site are also available to listen. Sometimes that is all we need. To be seen and heard by others who understand. I hope we will be able to help and perhaps some of the other supports from OCC are options to consider as well. Regardless, thank you for sharing and reaching out. Sending you a hug for support.

#Recurrence #Supportandencouragement

Hi, thank you for all the information. I will definitely be joining one of the virtual sessions. With my cancer reoccurring, I've been sceptical of sharing. Over the several years I've dealt with this. The reactions have been so mixed up and confusing this time, my third time I did not share as much with people that I know. I'm finding that some people don't know how to react, how to react with grace, or sometimes just feeling the need to say whatever comes to their heads at that moment. example " at least your kids are a little bit older, if you die it's OK", "God doesn't give you what you can't handle"; how do I respond to this stuff? 
this time, because it spread in our bigger area. It is more scary and has me thinking about what's to come. The oncologist said the likelihood of coming back is even greater now. I'm really looking forward to connecting with people who can share how they are living life to the fullest with this heavy weight on their shoulders.

thank you so much for taking the time to respond.

@Prema22 so many of us resonate with your comments on how others respond. I've learned to recognize that their reactions often stem from their own discomfort, awkwardness, or emotional limitation rather than my worth. I don't owe them emotional effort or an explanation. I'll give people an awkward facial response and then redirect, "right...anyway...". Perhaps with the hope that they'll get the the hint that their words weren't welcome. If you can, shift your vulnerable updates toward people who have proven they can listen with empathy, validate your hard days, and offer real presence. For me, it's my sister in law. She will always just listen to me and if I say I'm not looking for advise or counsel, she will not offer it.

Ultimately, it's not your responsibility to teach people how to care about you while you are dealing with cancer. If someone repeatedly minimizes your experience, it is completely okay to pull back and rely on safer circles or support groups. 

I know you are feeling scared and I'm sure, emotionally weary. I'm hoping the Teal Sisters in this forum can be of support. If you can find one person in your circle who you can lean into, reach to them and ask them if they can provide support. Sometimes people are just looking to understand how they can help. As well, don't forget to engage your medical team and ask for access to resources such as a therapist. They are also there to help ensure you are receiving the support you require. 

As well, you may want to look at some of the program available from the Wellspring and Inspire organizations. They offer so many online resources that may be of help. They also have groups you can connect to. Their links are below:

Wellspring Cancer Support Programs

Inspire

Sending you a big hug.

#Supportandencouragement #Resources

Hi @Prema22 I thought I'd check in and see how you are doing. I know you were feeling a bit lost when you reached out to this community. There was some sage wisdom shared by OVd members. I'm hoping you have been able to find a bit of grounding. Please let us know how you are doing. Thinking of you.

#Supportandencouragement

Thank you for checking in. I'm still feeling like I was in a boxing match but moving around much more. I've had my follow up with the oncologist and a gynaecologist communication with my oncologist is horrible. Amazing surgeon, but no communication or compassion. I would love to find someone else, but this one also did my surgery, including my hysterectomy on my second reoccurrence. I'm feeling a little bit more stable emotionally but not where I want to be. My days are still filled with research and trying to find a path that can centre my brain and heart. I also join the GCT group on Facebook and it's been amazing to understand and read some of the stories of women who have the same type of cancer. hoping to join again at another teal session.

Hi @Prema22 I'm glad you've found the folks on the GCT Facebook group. I uncovered a lot of great information from the FB Lynparza/Olaparib group I joined so I'm glad the group you found has been helpful. 

Sorry to hear about the communication issues with the oncologist. If he/she is going to be monitoring you going forward and you're not sure they will provide the support you need you can request another doctor. Not everyone is a great match to the person they've initially been assigned to. Alternatively request a referral to a therapist. With regard to requesting another doctor. We've had other folks go through this. I know it can seem daunting however it's something to consider as you heal and get stronger.

Don't forget to give yourself patience and grace as you continue to recover. There is no magic timeline that says you will be 100% by "X" date or time. It's a process and the pathway is different for each of us. Hopefully the GCT group will provide some resources and continued support and/or you've been able to connect with someone in your family or friend group for additional support. Even having the one person can be helpful. 

We hope you'll stay connected with us. We are here. 💙

#Supportandencouragement