English Community

Hi everyone - here is our Teal Thursday link for March 2025. I hope you are all well. 

Thanks@mfallis_OCC I look forward to chatting with everyone!

Hello ladies

Here in Montreal it's warm enough to go for a walk, and all the snow is melting yay!  What's everyone up to today?

Good Afternoon Ladies!

We have some nice sunny weather with a cool breeze here today.  I have been for my walk to do my errands and get something for dinner for them all.  Now I sit and wait to see who is around today to chat.  It has been awhile and I am sure there is a lot to catch up on.  For me, nothing really has changed except they changed my sub cu meds to oral and I am feeling better and not as flat as I was.  So that is good.  Yesterday I had a bad day after eating some pizza but came through it all right.  Today I am feeling better and tummy is better.  Bowel movements have been fine too which is good.  Tonight I am making them shake n bake chicken with baked potato for dinner.  If not, there is left over cottage pie or shepherds pie they can have.  I try to get out in the morning and go for a walk to determine dinner and then come back home to be able to make it in the afternoon.  Gets me my exercise and what we will be having for dinner out of the way.

We are still slowly moving in and unpacking boxes. It is a tedious job that is for sure and one I can't do alone.  This weekend hubby is setting up his speakers etc which will be a chore unto itself for him.  I will watch and see how it all pans out.  A friend of the family became a gramma this week which is exciting for her.  She promised not to photo bomb me with pics being a gramma for the first time and all.  

How has everyone else been doing?  Tests coming up or waiting for results?  Treatments going okay? Anyone waiting for NED status or news of some sort?  Anyone waiting for spring to come like I am and to see what is going to pop out of the ground when it does?  Of course there is always those landmines to clean up from winter too but hopefully some of the rain will take it away.  We are to get some rain Saturday and Sunday here which will help get rid of the snow banks and clean up the salt on the ground.  Other than that it will be a rainy day that is warmish.  

Well ladies, who is on today and who would like to chat?

Hello @Strongwoman...I'm glad you are getting settled. Having just moved my 87 year old parents from their house to retirement home, with some significant downsizing and then resetting everything in their new place, I completely understand how exhausting (and challenging) it can be. I think I want to come to your place for dinner though...for the leftover Shepard's pie (yum).

I'm still in Florida helping my parents with their house closure plus my Dad has surgery on March 31st for his lung cancer so I'm here to help him with pre-op appointments, getting to/from the hospital for the surgery and staying with my Mum while he's in the hospital. My Mum has short term memory dementia so having just moved her to a new place, it's tough as we have to get her 'acclimated' and get stuff into her brain to stick. It's a process.

I had my CT scan in early Feb and was NED and am hoping (as we all do) that it remains that way. I still have on/off again lower abdominal pain which always keeps me a bit anxious however that is a side effect from Lynparza so just may be the thing I have to live with. My next appointment back at PMH is early May so won't have any tests done until then. Of course, am hoping all my bloodwork is good then too (fingers crossed).

Admittedly, being in Florida it is sunny and warm so I can't complain about the weather. I do know it was warm recently in the Toronto area so am hoping all the snow will soon be gone. My son and his fiancee are coming to Florida for Easter with my granddaughter so I'm pretty excited about that as are my parents (the great grandparents). 

Just wondering how @Bonzi, @heslopk, @Sandi6, @lbarr72, @BennieTBear and @mazupardo are doing. I haven't seen anything from you in a bit (sorry if I missed it) so wanted to check in.

Thanks for kicking us off @Strongwoman

No you haven't seen anything from me in awhile. Was having trouble logging on first and now have that sorted out. Then  it was the moving part that was holding me up. No excuse except certain things took priority. Now I am sorted out and should be ok.  Sounds like you have your hands full with your parents and their stuff.  Will be lovely for the grandchildren to come and see you at Easter.  Will be fun for all I am sure.  

Glad to hear you are doing well and are not experiencing any discomfort that can't be explained.  Sitting in the meantime waiting to see if something shows up is in and of itself a challenge.  We can beat ourselves up thinking every little thing is something we should get investigated.  I am thankful to hear that you seem to have a good handle on that.  

Well I will be in and out as I play a game of Scrabble with my son during our time.  We try to play before he goes to work daily.  Passes some time and gets the brain going. 

@Alwayslearning  Well you are welcome to come to leftovers for sure.  Moving at any age or stage is challenging that is for sure.  How have you been these past few weeks?

Hi @Strongwoman I've been good. The abdominal pain comes and goes. Since I had my CT scan a month ago and I had the same pains for months prior to that, I'm resigned that it's just a 'thing' however I'm vigilant! 

In case folks didn't see, I also want folks to be aware of a survey that was posted seeking feedback on ovarian cancer survivorship. I hope the posted link below works. If not, if you go to the OVDialogue home page, you will see the post. It was posted by Alicia@OCC

https://ovdialogue.ovariancanada.org/communities/community-home/digestviewer/viewthread?MessageKey=7a2ae08e-2d1d-449e-9316-23a147eedb86&CommunityKey=172c2157-676a-4181-937a-018f4f89ca5f#bm7a2ae08e-2d1d-449e-9316-23a147eedb86

@Alwayslearning  That is good to remain vigilant. Noticing the changes in our bodies becomes second nature to us and we learn to "go with it" as we do so.  It is hard to not think that every little thing is a something at times.  Good nature like yours goes a long way when we start to feel better and are finished treatment. Keep up the good detective work on yourself.  

Well Everyone, It's that time to say goodbye for now. Hope everyone had a lovely afternoon or is having one. I will catch up with you all next week.  In the meantime, stay well, stay healthy and stay positive as you can.  Warm wishes go out to you all on this day and the days to come.  Stay on top of your health and mental well being.  Take care all. 

@lbarr72 sending you positive energy on your scan!  

I am definitely crossing fingers that the scan is all clear. 🤞🤞

@lbarr72 

Fingers crossed 🤞 for your scan. 

Hoping you have good results on your scan and that you will be able to travel. I am new to the group and I appreciate the comments and support that everyone gives to each other on this journey to wellness.
Sent from my iPad

Hi @Jean and welcome! The Teal Sisters are such a wealth of information and knowledge, and pretty darn good at providing support when needed. If you haven't already, and if/when you are comfortable, please feel free to introduce yourself and tell us your story. There's a category called "Introductions" under the main Categories drop down at the top left of the header page above. I found it quite helpful when I joined as some of my experiences resonated with others, which made it easy to connect with and learn from them. Alternatively, feel free to introduce yourself here. Please also let us know if you have any initial questions - either about the forum, resources available, or specific to your personal situation. We are here to help each other. Again, welcome and talk soon.

Thank you for your prompt response. I'm not techy by any means but I will work my way through it. My journey with ovarian cancer began last March while dealing with a kidney stone issue. My family doctor noted an abnormality on my ovary while reviewing the ultrasound results and referred me to an OBGYN who then referred me to an OBGYN oncologist in London. He discussed the option of surgery or waiting and I had a radical hysterectomy on July 29. The pathology report on Sept. 18 showed stage three high serous ovarian cancer and on Oct. 4 began what was to be 6 sessions of carbo/plax. Three weeks apart. I had complications of diarrhea and vomiting after the first two sessions plus low blood count and breathing issues that continue to this day. My bloodwork is still low and shortness of breath continues to a lesser degree. My last chemo treatment was Dec. 23 , with some hesitation from my oncologist which was a lower dose and given only by iv instead of through the port and iv. I still struggle with having had only 3 of 6 treatments thinking it won’t be enough to keep the cancer at bay. I had my ct scan this past week which I am anxiously awaiting the results for when I meet with my oncologist on March 20. I requested a referral and received a call from Princess Margaret Hospital in Toronto who will also go over options with me. In an earlier call he had stated that the treatment given to me here in Windsor was the same they would offer in Toronto. So I am hoping that my results will be promising and that I can continue with both oncologists. My ca125 result was5 which I was very pleased to hear. I’m thankful for the support and prayers of my family and friends. and also from my social worker at the hospital who has helped me through some very anxious moments. I continue to fear every unexpected pain and worry about my blood count not improving. I try to educate myself for any possible new trials or options out there. Since at 74, I’m not very technologically inclined, it is a challenge. Again I’m very appreciative of this group and look forward to more dialogue. ❤️

@Jean welcome.  You will find many of us here are on a journey similar to yours.  Our treatment and response to such can vary but basically we are all in this together!  My battle began in Sept 2023 when I was diagnosed with stage 3 high grade serous, Genetic testing showed I have the BCRA2 gene.  I received 6 rounds of chemo (Carbo/plax), surgery followed by 2 more rounds of chemo which finished in May 2024.  Throughout the nausea was terrible, ugh I hate even looking back on it.  I lost 38 pounds. During my surgery they were unable to remove a mass that was attached to my small intestine, my bowel and the head of my rectum that was causing a partial bowel blockage as it was deemed too dangerous.  I started on daily olaparib in June 2024 and have been feeling really good since.  It has effectively shrunk the remaining mass and so far I haven't had any evidence of new disease.  Oh and I gained my weight back!  
Enough about me! 😁. We are happy to have you here and encourage to ask questions or reach out if you need support in any way. 

Welcome @Jean I hope all goes well for March 20!

@Jean thank you for sharing your story. It certainly has not been an easy journey for you. I think you will find that many have had trials and tribulations. I too was diagnosed with HGS S3 and am BRCA2 positive - both were total surprises to me. My story began in Feb '24. I finished chemo in July '24 and I'm currently 7 months into my Lynparza (Olaparib) maintenance drug. I too fear all unexpected pains. I have continual lower abdominal pain however my CT scan last month showed NED. It's hard to wrap the mind around it when pain exists. 

Your CA125 # is fantastic. I hover around 19 so your number sounds great from a fellow patient perspective. I pray your March 20th scan will yield nothing but positive news. Please keep us posted and stay connected. The group here are amazing, open, caring and thoughtful. Plus they have wisdom...so much of it!

I am so grateful for the warm welcome that I have received and it is one of the best things I have done since starting this journey to connect and learn from your experiences. The 20th will be a very important milestone to find out what news this first ct scan will reveal, our discussions and my consult with princess Margaret Hospital on the 24th.
I am asking for prayers for my very good friend who is having surgery on Tuesday for cancer found in her upper colon. Cancer has also been found in her right breast and will speaking to a surgeon on April 8. To think we were healthy enjoying life until this predator entered our well-being!

Sent from my iPad

@Jean I hope your scans & PMH meeting are all going well 🤞

Hi Jean
Yes we are all on the same journey.
The fear and anxiety is real.
The trick is learning to control it and stay positive. This community is definitely a great help as family and friends support.
I tell my family I want no negativity…. Just positive energy and all the prayers I can get. I will take them all
I was diagnosed with stage 4 low grade serous carcinoma with a distant metastasis pleural effusion in August of 2024 🙄 all terminology I am learning just now.
I opted out of chemotherapy and am currently on Letrozole
Last 2 ct scans clear my next scan is May21st and of course the wait for results is always an anxious time.
Sometimes I am afraid that not choosing a more aggressive treatment was wrong and it does scare me at times
I feel good regained my weight and apart from feeling tired at times I am back to routine.
Jean, stay positive always 🙏
Sent from my iPad

Hi

@Strongwoman

Sounds like you have everything under control! Glad you're back!!

I am on a chemo holiday and have energy so I've been doing catch up on things I've let slide around the house. I know…not very exciting…but it is satisfying to be able to tackle some of these things. 😁 Today I was painting the front hall and the stairs. Only half walls…under the moulding. I really enjoy doing this stuff (not the prep and clean up so much 😵‍💫). 

Hello
Where are you located and where did you move to?

In Ottawa its pretty warm to and today I am working on getting sponsors for the Walk of Hope here in Ottawa it will be my 3rd year running the event.

Ooops. Time sure does fly when you're looking at your taxes!! 😵

I'm feeling good...playing pickleball once a week!

I am on a chemo holiday until April. I have been able to catch up on my shingles and pneumonia shots and have made a visit to my GP to keep her in the loop. She's fabulous and is part of the paliative care team in town. I've also booked two port flush appointments at my chemo unit in town. Thought I was done with medical for a few months...guess not! 

Sure is cold here in southwest Ontario today and there's a bit of snow on the ground! 

Hi Ladies! 

I always miss this because of the time difference...sunny and comfortable here in Kimberley BC, early spring. I have started on an experimental treatment, with the Personalized onco- genomic study, hoping for the best! Feeling pretty good today. 

Good afternoon ladies.  A lovely, sunny day here too,  Thursday is always my major housework day so today I have scrubbed my bathroom, changed my bedding, dusted and vacuumed.  I just stopped for lunch then I will wash the floors, fold my laundry and then take the dogs for a walk.

@Sylviequebecbc hey fellow BCer I am on Vancouver Island, Duncan to be precise.

Hi all. Sorry I'm late. I'm in Florida helping with my parents move to a retirement home. The move is done and now we just need to close their house sale on March 19th. Then I'll breathe a sigh of relief and accomplishment. With my Feb CT scan showing all clear, I don't have to go back to PHM in Toronto until early May. It's been every 4-6 weeks so this is exciting for me. Glad to see so many of you here. 

Hello, I may have missed the Thursday teal because I had a medical appointment today.  Is there a recording of the meeting to watch? I look forward to meeting next time. Are the teal meetings every Thursday? Thank you and have a great day!

Hey@ANTONELLA the Teal Thursday is just an online chat.  You can scroll back through who stopped by today and what was discussed.  We will actually continue to chat on this thread throughout the month of March.  Feel free to post here at anytime not just on Thursday.  Also you can click on the “categories” tab at the top of the page to find other topics.

Hello
I've added this to my calendar to remind me to join in - will be 11am for me in Alberta :) talk to you March 13

It will be great to see you! The chat usually starts at 10:00 eastern but we all just pop in and out whenever.  I'm in B.C. so I don't usually get a chance to stop in until lunch time in Ontario. 'See" you Thursday.

Hi - you mean it's at 1:00pm EST (which is 11am MST for me in Alberta) 10am PST for you in BC?  I hope you take a break from housework...that can always wait till later ;) 
I wonder where all the Alberta Teal Sisters are?  Looking to meet more from Calgary:  want to meet up face-to-face!

@DiamondGoddessYYC lol sorry for the confusion but it is 10:00 a.m. eastern so 7 a.m, in B.C. 8 a.m, for you but as I said you can pop on anytime.  If you go to the Categories drop down menu on the top right of this page and select Introductions you can post there introducing yourself and ask if there are other members in your area.  

Hi everyone! Just wanted to confirm that our OVdialogue Team typically starts Teal Thursdays  at 1pm EST. BUT the benefit of this chat is that you can hop on anytime and chat in this thread! And I hope you do! I hope you're all having a wonderful day and week - enjoying some warmer weather and sun (at least, that is what I'm seeing out my window today!)

Good morning@mfallis_OCC sorry I spread misinformation!  I was so used to@Strongwoman always starting earlier.  My bad!

@DiamondGoddessYYC I steered you wrong!  Sorry!

Not to worry, at all! @JoanEG! 

How is everyone doing today? I'm in Ontario and the weather has been warmer the last few days - which is always a plus when we're heading out of winter! A little sneak peak of what's to come and get excited over. 

Hi @mfallis_OCC and Teal Sisters. I'm still down in the lovely state of Florida with a very sunny but windy day. I'm still here as my parents house sale closed yesterday and my Dad has surgery in a few weeks so I'll be here to continue to help out.

I know that today was a day of appointments, scans etc. for a number of you so I hope things are all going well for everyone. I reached out to my medical team as I'm still having unexplained abdominal pain. Been around since I started Lynparza last August and I did have an "all clear" CT scan on Feb 7th. To be on the cautious side, my oncologist suggested I get my CA-125 done so I'll get those results tomorrow. They are also scheduling another CT scan for me for early May. Truly hoping it's just the side effect from this medication (fingers crossed).

I also wanted to ask, if you would, to say a prayer for one of our Teal Sisters whom we lost this month. Her name was Iria and while she was not part of OVdialogue, she was a tremendous support to me in the small community in which we both live. Iria battled ovarian cancer for 5+ years and was an incredible warrior. The news hit me pretty hard and it's still raw. I will miss her dearly.

Keep battling everyone. We are gonna kick the crap out of this cancer!!!

Good afternoon@Alwayslearning and everyone, happy first day of spring!  It is a chilly typical March day here on Vancouver Island.  The sun is shining one minute then it's raining the next.  Had a brief phone check in with my NP from the cancer clinic on Tuesday, then bloodwork yesterday just routine prior to my next Olaparib pickup,  I have been feeling good and back to keeping busy now that I finally shook that cough.