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 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.

@florence2022 thank you for sharing. I had no idea what a "histology second opinion" meant so I had to google it. If you are comfortable sharing your journey on seeking second opinions that would be amazing. Your experience may be helpful to others who consider this option. I always feel that every bit of knowledge we can glean as we can advocate for ourselves can be, as you said, life changing.

I hope your upcoming radiation treatments go well and with positive outcomes 🤞

#Treatmentandsideeffects #Supportandencouragement

Alwayslearning, hope all is well and thank you for your interest. Getting a second opinion may be as simple as asking your oncologist. Canadian Dr.s are fairly open to this and it is our right with Universal medical.
Imagine what we could achieve if all the information on OC was compiled and shared internationally,  even simple things like longer survival rate information and the availability of treatment or  trials. The second opinion on histology would require a biopsy sample that many of us have from our surgery and medical records. With a bit of organization it could be accessible to many. I will continue my search.

Love and light,

Florence xx

@florence2022 thank you for sharing. 💙