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Hi everyone, 

I'm a 27 year old young woman recently diagnosed with grade 1 endometrial cancer at the end of October 2025. My gynecological oncologist gave me the option to try a fertility sparring/hormone therapy treatment, which I have decided pursue.

I was going to have my follow up care provided by my local gynecologist, but due to her planned retirement this year, she has transferred my care back to my oncologist. While I know this is in my best interest, I have been struggling to not take this personally. I have been doing some breath work to help get through these emotions, but if anyone has any tips or suggestions that they find useful for processing mixed emotions, please feel free to share.

A little more about me - I'm the oldest daughter of a large farm family. I studied accounting and have been working full time in payroll for the last five years. I enjoy knitting and crochet, reading, and baking. I try to be an active member of my community, volunteering with my local Kinette Club and teaching Sunday School at church. 

Living in a farming community in Southwestern Ontario, I have felt a bit isolated since my diagnosis, so I am hoping to make connections with other young women in this community.

Hello @MissERP and welcome to OVdialogue. You have discovered a great resource of strong, resilient women who have a tremendous amount of knowledge and resolve. I will start by saying I'm so sorry for your diagnosis although I am grateful that they found it at an early stage. 

I can imagine you are dealing with a lot of emotions having to navigate a cancer diagnosis and treatment options. Then couple that with feeling "slighted" by your gynecologist. While I'm no medical expert, everything I've read and experienced personally, tells me that working directly with your oncologist may be the better approach going forward. Their level of knowledge and expertise in moving forward with a treatment plan is going to be so beneficial for you. As well, perhaps it's good that your gynecologist made the decision now vs in a few months. That way, you can establish a strong relationship with your oncologist vs. having to transition to them in a few months (it sounds like it would have been inevitable as much as it's not what you truly wanted). 

I'm betting some Teal Sisters in this forum will provide some ideas on managing emotions. There are also resources you could tap into. Ovarian Cancer Canada offers "Teal Teas" on a monthly basis where you connect virtually with other Teal Sisters. It's a great sharing forum. There is one for "younger" women and the sign up is on the main page of OVdialogue. The next session is January 28th.

As well, you could ask your oncologist if he/she can recommend a therapist. I'm not sure where your oncologist is located however I'm at PMH in Toronto and a therapist was provided for me via my oncologist team. 

As well, if you haven't explored them yet, go to Wellspring.ca and look at the programs they have. They have many virtual programs including Breathing Wellness, Meditation etc.

Those are just a few suggestions. Please know that the Teal Warriors on this site will do their best to provide you with support you need. There are many of us in Ontario. I live in Southwestern Ontario too and in a rural area. I know there are a few others too. I hope we can help you are you navigate this journey. Sending you virtual hugs. 🤗

#Supportandencouragement

Hi @Alwayslearning thank you for the warm welcome. I am an hour and a half north west of London, so my oncologist is at LHSC Victoria Hospital. I'll make a note to ask my oncologist what other resources are available when I see him next. I have looked briefly at the Wellspring website, but I will check it out again. 

@MissERP I also forgot to mention two other possible resources. First, you mentioned you work full time. Sometimes companies have Employee Assistance or Wellness Programs as part of their benefits. I'm not sure if yours does however if it's an option, it's worth exploring as often times there is access to mental health support via those types of programs. Just a thought.

Second, OCC also has Peer Support in a 1:1 format. You would be connected with someone who has experienced ovarian cancer. Perhaps that too is an option. Here is a link:

https://ovariancanada.org/resources/peer-support-programs

Regardless of what options you explore, I hope you find the support you need. Please keep us posted.

#Supportandencouragement

@MissERP,  

'glad you found this group.  I wish you all the best on your journey.🩵

Thank you 🩷