English Community

 Hello Lovelies, I am so late posting about my experience at the OCCOCR Patient Day. It truly was inspiring to be surrounded by so many women experiencing the same journey with Ovarian Cancer. The programming was excellent and covered many issues that were very helpful and often not addressed such as Menopause Management,Sexual Health and Intimacy. A highlight for me was sitting with the Patient Partners and hearing their stories of recovery…also the young Medical students still so full of promise and ambition. Listening to DR. Isabelle Raycoquard from University Claude Bernard in Lyon France, gave me hope and inspiration that OC will gain international recognition and the developement of new treatments. Her model to develop easy access to a "Histology Second Opinion", could be life changing for many of us. I am currently researching second opinions as I feel that we are all much more than a chart and a fresh outlook to providing treatment could be very helpful. Sadly I missed meeting@LeslieA and other Teal sisters that were attending,I really had no idea how much I would enjoy the people and the content and with any luck will be more prepared for the next conference.

Love and light,

Florence,

It would have been nice to see you, but I understand that sometimes these things don't work out. I am interested in the presentation you saw about the "histology second opinion", which to me leads to the idea of more input and further, more individualized care, based on our unique circumstances. The gold standard of care needs tweaks, in my opinion, to fit how cancer behaves in our bodies, as we are often quite different. 
I met a couple of patient partners who have surmounted recurrences and still enjoy some quality of life; travelling, going to these conferences, working with researchers and remaining active participants in their lives. It was hopeful for me. 
And yes indeed, we are far more than a chart of symptoms & responses to treatment. I feel this very strongly. The conference theme emphasized the need for patient-centred care and I hope it develops everywhere in Canada. 

Leslie A, I believe you were sitting at the end of the conference table while Lesa Dawson and Golda Arthur were presenting…after seeing your photograph I think we gave each other a big smile. I am currently investigating second opinions and trying to get advanced blood work done in Europe to show other treatment possibilities.

I just had a appointment with the RadOnc yesterday, CTscan today and with proceed with 5 light RT,s on my upper lymph glands. After that I am hopeful for a trial or may try oral Cytoxan to try to control these OC Mets.