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Welcome to the Teal Thursday chat for September 2026.

Teal Thursday is a chance to connect with others in the community, share what's on your mind, ask questions, or simply check in and say hello.

We'll be here live on Thursdays at 1 p.m. Eastern, but there's no need to be online at that exact time. Feel free to join the conversation whenever it works for you - even if that means adding a comment later in the day (or later in the month!).

What's on your mind this month? Maybe you have a question, something you'd like to share, or you're just looking for a little connection. Whatever brings you here, we'd love to hear from you.

You can also revisit the August 2026 Teal Thursday conversation by clicking here.

As always, if you have any questions about Teal Thursday or need a hand with anything in the OVdialogue community, please reach out to me anytime.

Wishing you a wonderful September,

Marianne

My follow up last week with my gyne oncologist did not go well. I have decided enough is enough and I have been in contact with patient relations to make a record of my experience. They will forward this to the applicable leadership member, who then may okay a transfer of care to a different gyne oncologist. This can take a couple of weeks. I have already called my family doctor's office and told them I wanted a second opinion/a different gyne oncologist, I haven't heard back from them, but I do have an appointment scheduled on September 14 with my nurse practitioner. See what happens next I guess...it was a bit nerve wracking because I always worry about being left without anyone overseeing my care, but I deserve a physician that treats me with respect. 

@MissERP I'm very sorry to hear that the appointment did not go well. You have the right to request another doctor and also a second opinion. I'm glad you spoke to patient relations. They should be the ones to help you as I'm sure you want to stay within your current network. Of course, you GP should also be able to help too so getting them engaged is also a great move. Hopefully you will get some responses before September 14th however it's good you have that appointment to ensure that there's something in motion. I can only imagine how stressful this is. I'm sorry you are having to go through this.

#Supportandencouragement

Thank you @Alwayslearning

Yes, patient relations is supposed to forward my concerns to the appropriate leadership member, who can then facilitate a transfer of care. Any big hospital is a drive for us, but yes, I would like to stay at LHSC ideally. 

It is stressful, I woke up at 4am this morning having dreams about doctors and hospitals, ugh, but I also feel relieved, hoping now things will get better and that I won't worry about what my appointments are going to be like anymore, etc...fingers crossed this whole process doesn't take too long. 

@MissERP 🤞

When I saw my gyne onc a couple of weeks ago, I needed a new prescription for the one medication I am on. The way he submitted the order to my pharmacy was incorrect for the dose increase I thought we had agreed I would do. I was finally able to speak his receptionist yesterday, she said she would get him to fix it. Today she called back and said I have to see him before he will correct the prescription and that his notes did not indicate that we were increasing the dose (meanwhile, he chastised me for asking about the effectiveness of staying at my current dose!). So, I have an appointment with him on Wednesday, September 16th, to get this prescription sorted out and do my next biopsy. Wish me luck/pray for me please. (Still no update from Patient Relations, and the person I have been working with is out of office until late next week of course!). 

@MissERP I hope you hear from patient relations soon. Everyone deserves to be treated with respect. I also hope your appointment for the prescription goes well.

@Alwayslearning@LeslieA@brendalee its nice to hear from you all! I meet with my oncologist on the 16th. My recent CT scan basically showed everything is stable with a narrowing of my carotid artery (this is new) but my CA125 is now above 90 and has always been a really good indicator for me. So I have no idea what she will want to do. I also have a breast MRI scheduled for the 14th to get updated imagining after my biopsy in December (the pathology results are discordant with the imaging). If there is no change, then we know the pathology was right. Fingers crossed for that one.

Hi @MamaJacks ... sorry I wasn't on live yesterday. Thursday's seem to always be my day of appointments. 

I'm sending prayers of positivity out into the stratosphere for you for your upcoming appointment. It sounds like there are lots of things in motion and hopefully some answers will be clearer (and on the positive/good news side). 🤞

#Supportandencouragement

@brendalee OMG!!! Both of those falls sound nasty. Did you get yourself checked out? Just to make sure you haven't sprained or broken anything? Plus you hit your head!!!

At my last appointment, my osteopath mentioned to me that I might want to consider getting walking sticks. I haven't had any falls however I tend to feel a lot in my lower back. He said they are great for support and can be a tremendous help for loss of balance. I too have osteopenia which was diagnosed many years ago. My Mom had osteoporosis at 40 and has broken both hips (from falls). They started doing bone density testing on me at 45. I've managed to keep at the "osteopenia" stage by taking Vitamin D, eating lots of calcium based foods and doing weight bearing exercises.

Good luck with the bloodwork as well. If you are seeing someone in your medical team to review I'm sure you'll mention all your symptoms plus your falls. Those are important for them to take in the context of the bloodwork. Regardless, I hope you recover quickly!!

I recently bought myself walking poles and I must say, I wish I got them sooner! They have helped me to remain more upright when walking, provide help with balance and give a bit of an arm workout too haha!

@MamaJacks someone just loaned me theirs.  I can't wait to try them!! My osteopath suggested them for added support and to take pressure off my lower back. 

Hey. Dr has requested a PET scan to confirm but given my history, we're looking at treatment. What that treatment is will depend on what the PET shows.

My goodness!! Did you get looked at after hitting your head??

@MissERP I'm not gonna lie, I get a little angry when I hear about the way this doctor is treating you. I hope you'll hear from Patient Relations soon after that contact is back. 

Are you able to take someone with you to your appointment next Wednesday? Having someone with you may help provide some buffer from him. Make sure whomever you take is clear on what you are in need of so they can provide the support and you get the outcome you want from the appointment. Plus if he begins to "chastise" you again or you feel he's not listening/treating you with respect, that person could help you to manage the situation. Regardless I'm sending prayers out into the universe for you for the appointment, for the biopsy and for getting a new doctor. 

#Supportandencouragement

@Alwayslearning I had a few different phone calls with a few different people today. I am feeling more relaxed and not as scared about my appointment now. I took things really hard yesterday, you could probably call it a mini meltdown. Lol.

The first person I spoke with was the AYA nurse coordinator lady, we talked through everything and she made the point that even if my doctor is aware of my contact with patient relations, he should still be professional in his behaviour. 

The second person I spoke with was a different person from patient relations, she could tell me that the person that was managing my case had sent my request/concerns along to the department head, but was unsure if there was any response, etc. We discussed a few other things, and I took the opportunity to ask more about how the whole transfer of care process works. She did say, and I was already wondering this myself, that there might not be another gyne oncologist that wants to or is able to take me on at LHSC. If that is the case then LHSC would oversee the transfer of my care to another cancer centre (such as PMH). She too said about my doctor maintaining professionalism. She read the notes in my chart from my appointments, and agreed/said that she too gets the sense he doesn't want to work with me, etc., which is what I have been thinking. And, honestly, if he hasn't wanted to oversee my care this whole time, thats fine by me, I just wish he would have had some respect and just tell me that mobths ago. Sorry my phone is acting up and not letting me type properly.

@MamaJacks Thank you, I am hoping this appointment goes well too and then I can hopefully be done working with this doctor. 

@Alwayslearning My Mom will most likely come with me, I don't feel comfortable driving myself home after a biopsy, I prefer to be a "passenger princess," haha 😊 I have been doing some sewing lastnight and tonight to help take my mind off things. I bought a big bundle of 5 inch flannel squares from someone, and I decided to piece them into blocks of 9 squares. They are all warm, fall colours, lots of yellow and red. It might look a little ugly, but it will be cosy in the end and that's what matters.

A picture of my sewing set up, and the blocks I made last night. Got a couple more made tonight, but calling it quits now. Have a good weekend everyone 💕

@MissERP I hope your appointment today goes smoothly.🤞I don't think there's anything wrong with being a 'passenger princess'. I did that a lot following my treatments and some of my appointments ☺️🤴

 I'm glad you were able to speak with some folks and are getting the attention you deserve relative to the situation with your doctor and request for patient transfer. If they have to transfer you out of LHSC you could ask them to consider Juravinski Cancer Centre in Hamilton as well as PMH (if that's the route they are going). Hamilton may be easier to get to than Toronto. Just a thought if you have the ability to influence this (and again, if they need to send you out of the LHSC network).

Also, I love your quilting. Great colours!! I cannot believe how talented the Teal Sisters are in this forum. Also what a cool, vintage sewing machine that is!!! As an aside, I'm still trying to figure out my talent 🤣

Best of luck today. Thinking of you.

#Supportandencouragement

@Alwayslearning my appointment with my nurse practitioner went well this morning. We discussed things, and she said that was good I went through patient relations etc. I see my gyne onc on Wednesday, and really my biggest worry is just about how long it will take my body to heal after this biopsy, as last time it took a month, which I don't think is normal...

I will keep Hamilton in mind if it comes to that. I found out last week PMH has a clinic specifically for young women like myself with low grade endometrial cancer that are wanting to pursue fertility sparring treatments, which is part of why I would prefer to go there if I have to go elsewhere. 

@MissERP well I'm very glad it went well. Don't forget to take someone with you to your gyne onc appointment to provide that extra support plus hopefully to help keep your doctor in line.

I totally understand about PMH. Make sure the patient transfer folks are aware in the event they are sending you outside of the LHSC area. It's always so important to advocate for ourselves. PMH also has a lodge where patients can stay if you need to (I know like me, it's not close and it's a journey to get there).

#Supportandencouragement

Positive update - Patient Relations just called this morning, the department head has spoken with my gyne oncologist and he agrees with my care being transferred to another gyne oncologist 🤣 haha, I don't know why, but that made me laugh inside. 

Patient relations did double check with me that I am still comfortable with having my appointment tomorrow, and I said yes, since I need that prescription corrected. She also asked if the department head can share my notes that I submitted with my gyne oncologist and I said yes, just don't send it to him until after my appointment (I didn't write anything bad, it would just feel a bit too awakward). I did also tell her again, and she said she would include it in her response, how I don't think he's a bad doctor, he's just not the right doctor for me.

So anyways, lol. 

Thank you ladies for your support and kind words about everything, my experience and my quilting! Yes, I will try to upload some more photos when they are complete! 🩷

Second update - his office just called and cancelled my appointment for tomorrow. Fortunately I discussed this with my nurse practitioner yesterday and she is comfortable writing my prescription, so I won't be totally out of luck. Ugh, see what happens now.

@MissERP thank you for both of your updates. I appreciate that Patient Relations has got your back. As well, you were very gracious in saying that he's not a bad doctor, just now right for you. I hope he appreciates that. Sadly, since he cancelled your appointment it may not be the case however, on the bright side, you don't have to see him again. Thankfully the NP can get your prescription managed. 

Let's hope your transfer will happen sooner rather than later and you get the support you deserve.

#Supportandencouragement

Thankfully you don't have to see him again! I like how you reinforced that it's not that he's a bad doctor, just not the right doctor for you. Love that you advocated for yourself!!

and I am happy to hear that your NP is comfortable writing your prescription!

Thanks @MamaJacks it has definitely been a big relief and very positive step forward for me, I look forwardto starting fresh with someone new. 

Starting fresh can be a good thing and in your situation, like the right thing! Please keep us posted as to how it goes.

Hi @brendalee ... Teal Thursday are an online chat in this forum using this thread. Per Marianne's post above it's a chance to connect with others in the community, share what's on your mind, ask questions, or simply check in and say hello. Typically folks hop on Thursdays at 1 p.m. Eastern, but there's no need to be online at that exact time. Feel free to join the conversation whenever it works for you - even if that means adding a comment later in the day (or later in the month!).

Maybe you have a question, something you'd like to share, or you're just looking for a little connection. Whatever brings you here, it's a forum for sharing.

I've missed the last few as I was either out of town or babysitting my granddaughter but I intend to be here this Thursday! Hope to "see" you there.

Hi everyone...welcome to the first Teal Thursday of September. I can't believe we are nine months into the year already.

I'm not sure how many folks are in the 'back to school' drama. I have a niece heading to university for the first time on the weekend. It's an exciting time of life. It made me reflect back on my university days and I managed to find my t-shirt from my frosh week at University of Waterloo. I was texting photos with three of the ladies I met 42 years ago who became fast friends. We live in different cities and countries to each other but sharing those photos and memories by smartphone was so amazing. Of course, we also said how thrilled we are that there were no smartphones 42 years ago 😬. Going through my picture albums (yeup...I'm that old) was a blast. It certainly was a different way of chronicling life.

On a separate note, how is everyone feeling out there? I know we have Teal Sisters at various stages in our journey's. Does anyone new to the forum have any questions? There's lots of wisdom in the warriors on this site. We've all learned that sharing is knowledge building. And knowledge is power when it comes to each of our treatment plans and pathways.

I've had a minor setback with the pain from my scar tissue/abdominal adhesions. It's been almost a week of pain and I can't get it to subside. Thankfully I see my osteopath next week however managing chronic pain can be exhausting. I know there are many of you who can relate. I have a 5 minute self "pity party" each morning when I awake with the pain and then I move forward.

The labour day long weekend is upon us all. Does anyone have any fun plans? My granddaughter, son and future DIL are visiting us for the long weekend. We are celebrating my son/future DIL's August birthday's which will be fun. My granddaughter is pretty good at helping with cake decorating even at a young age of 3 so we will enjoy that together (although perhaps she is good at it because she gets to lick icing and eat the fun candy toppings while we are doing the decorating 😃). 

I look forward to hearing from folks. Whether just to say hi and share how you are doing, to ask a question, or just to pause and share in a moment of reflection. This forum is a wonderful space for engagement.

Happy Labour Day Weekend everyone. I wish you bright skies and smiles. ☺️

#

Hello Everyone,

   I have been staying at my summer cabin for over 2 weeks here on Hornby Island. We have had all kinds of weather: driving rain and wind; warm, cloudy days, and bright sunshine. It is usually great weather at this time of year, but not this year. I have had a few visitors stay with me, and that is always fun to have walks on the sandy beach, share delicious food and good conversation.

   I just had my 6 month telephone call with my oncologist in Victoria. I have been NED for a year so far. My only health issue to discuss was frequent UTI's that are difficult to get rid of once they take hold. The stent in my bladder probably contributes to infection, as does the Lynparza. Any intimate activity with my partner seems to get the UTI's started, so that is now on hold. I also use an estrogen tablet called Vagifem that is supposed to strengthen the vaginal tissues.  I have a stent replacement every 6 months, and thereafter I have many weeks infection-free. 

  My oncologist wants to increase my daily dose of Lynparza from 400 mg to 500 mg to "optimize" my survivorship. She suggested trying this for a month and if the symptoms bother me too much, the dose will be decreased to 400. I am a bit nervous about the increase, despite the fact that I tolerate the lower dose very well. 

   I am getting ready for the Walk of Hope on September 27th. I have not received the t-shirts that I applied for in July and early August. Apparently there has been a glitch in that area of the planning. I have been asked by an organizer to say a few words at the event. Public speaking is not one of my skills, but my goal this year has been to support our community in every way I can, so I will gather my courage and hopefully share some encouragement to the crowd. 

   Here are a few pictures of my time on Hornby. The little ballerina is my partner's grand daughter. The red dog is my Ember, who I think is rolling in something vile!

I hope that everyone has had a good summer in one way or another. (Last year at this time I was recovering from chemo #7, bald once again, weak, but rising up. Thank goodness that nothing stays the same over time). 

Warmest wishes to all. 

Hi @brendalee,  I think the pictures are there, but you might have to click on "view attached" and they will pop up. Thank you for your suggestion re: condoms. The oncologist didn't suggest that, so I don't know if that would work. If it came down to that method, I dislike condoms so much that I might skip the whole thing, lol. 

I hope you had a nice summer. I am still at my island cabin and walked the beach today, noting that there were 4 others on the entire beach. The island has been evacuated and just like that, quiet days have returned. And fabulous sunshine. 

What a drag @brendalee! Ugh! 

Great pictures @lbarr72 I have been through Digby twice on my way to visit Brier Island (my favourite pplace in Nova Scotia 😍). The whole Annapolis Valley region is lovely. (Lake Huron is nice too, my workplace is right on the water in Goderich, it's always fun to look out at throughout the day).

Love your pictures @lbarr72!  Our country is a beautiful place. I am glad that you have been enjoying beautiful sunsets in your area.

 It sounds as though you have developed some good coping strategies for managing worry. I like how you compartmentalize your thoughts re: an upcoming scan and doctor visit. You will think about it when the time comes. I remember the saying, "Worrying is like a rocking chair: it gives you something to do, but it doesn't get you anywhere." So true, yet hard to get a handle on sometimes. I have been more able to focus on each day here at my island retreat, rather than worry about things I have no control over such as future health issues. 

I have tried to do some more painting for the fundraising event and my friend asked for a sunflower. I had a heck of a time getting it to work out, but I think this will do!  

Best wishes to you and everyone here. 

@LeslieA what a beautiful painting. Seriously. You are so very talented. Also, how much do I love your rocking chair quote. So very, very on point. As I come to the finish of my two years of Lynparza, I'm trying my best to put my focus on the positives. I made it through surgery. I made it through chemo. I made it through Lynparza. As someone said previously, "I didn't come this far, just to come this far". Onward!!

#Healthandwellness

Hi @lbarr72 ... fabulous photos. We do live in a beautiful country don't we. 🍁

I love your comment to those who currently need more peace and quiet and 'hope' for the future. Very sound advise!

I agree with you...it seems like our numbers continue to grow which is so worrisome. I appreciate more and more the work that OCC does to keep ovarian and endometrial cancers top of mind, including the upcoming "Walk of Hope" fundraiser. I continue to remain hopeful that a cure is out there. Perhaps one day both will be eradicated cancers OR at least curable. 

Sending you positive vibes for your upcoming scan and appointment.

@Leslie ... I love your photos. Your partners grand daughter is quite the ballerina. Perfect form!! As for Ember, all I can think of is all the sand 😄 I used to make my Labradoodle (Bailey) sit on the deck after beach time, until she was dry and we could get most of the sand off of her. They do love rolling in it!! Hornby Island looks like a magical place!!

Congratulations are in order for your continued NED status 👏 I am so sorry however for the continued UTI's. I recall it was one of the side effects from Lynparza. My urologist years ago told me to make sure I got up and went to pee after intercourse to "flush out my urinary tract". I still do it to this day with fear of any bacteria travelling up and the wrong way. I too use Vagifem. I'm having a much better experience with it this time around (I used it many years ago well before my diagnosis), but now in partnership with the testosterone/estrogen gel I use each night (internal application not ingested). I hope they can try to get your UTI's under control. They suck!!!!

If you decide to take the higher Lynparza dosage, I'm hoping it will come with no added side effects. I was on 600 mg for the entire two years and even with some of the side effects they kept me at that level as it was tolerable. I hope that will be the same for you with the added dosage (if you choose to proceed). It's interesting that he used the word "optimize". Makes you think that the higher dosage is better for overall success whereas many have gone 2 years at the lower dosage.

How exciting that you've been asked to speak at your site's "Walk of Hope". What an honour. You are going to be amazing. You have great words of wisdom and encouragement to share!! You go girl!!!

Lastly...I'm so glad that a year later you are NED and in a much better place. It's amazing when you reflect back isn't it. You continue to show what a Teal Warrior you are. 💙

Thank you for everything you are doing to support your Teal Sisters!!!!!!!!

#Supportandencouragement #Anythingbutcancer

Hi everyone,  gosh I don't know where the time has gone.  I feel like I haven't been on here for awhile.  Truth is I have been, just haven't had time to reply to everyone, but I've still been checking in. @LeslieA congrats on your 1 year NED.  It sure is a milestone to celebrate.  My 1 year since my last chemo dose was September 4th, and tomorrow is the day I read my post treatment report that said "no evidence of disease".  
thanks to everyone for sharing your lovely pictures.@Alwayslearning how are you finding being off olaparib? Did you notice a difference?

im trying to enjoy the last few weeks of summer here, the nice cool breezes, but still sun in the sky is the best for walking and enjoying the outside.  Labs and appts next week.  I still don't have a date for my upcoming September CT scan, so I will ask when I see my oncologist next week.  

hope everyone has a great weekend!

Always nice to hear from you @Meinvan! While we miss your voice I'm glad you've been out doing other stuff. It shows that you are living life which is so important. Congratulations on your recent 1 year last chemo anniversary (I wonder if Hallmark has a card for that 🤪) and also the 1st anniversary of your NED report. Two great milestones. 

I'm not really noticing a difference being off Olaparib other than nervousness from no longer taking it. I'm trying to be more consistent now in taking my vitamin C and D. In my mind I tell myself it's helping me as much as the Olaparib. Crazy I know but sometimes you just have to make your mind work for your physical health as well. Positive thoughts right?!

I hear you on enjoying the last weeks of summer. It's been beautiful here. Today the humidity finally broke and you can feel the "fall" in the air. It is however so very sunny it's lovely. I'm off on a European adventure soon. Will be checking in when I can but may be absent for a bit. Not because I don't care rather, I'll be out making new memories with my hubby and our best friends who we are travelling with. We are each celebrating our 30th wedding anniversaries. Another milestone to relish in life.

Good luck next week with all your labs and appointments. Hopefully as you say they'll have an update for your Sept CT. 

Hugs 🤗

#

@Alwayslearning.  I'm glad you have found the transition off of the meds relatively easy. Yes, positive thoughts help so much.  Where is your next European vacation too?

thank you my labs are good.  Still waiting on my September ct scan, still no date yet so hopefully the doctor got on that and I hear soon.

i speak with my doctor this week to get him to write my letter for return to work….yikes.  Scary not knowing yet what position I will return to.  Will have to learn a new role all over again.  Anxious to get the show on the road seeing I have to go back though.  Get into a new routine at home and life, but going to have to remember to still prioritize myself for once.

@JoanEG congrats on this ct scan results!  That's amazing news🙏🏻

Hello all,

I appreciate all the responses to the recent thread on 'coping mechanisms'. There were some great ideas shared. If you haven't seen the thread, you can search using the search bar at the top right of this website. Type in "Coping Mechanisms" and the thread should appear.

For those that are new to the forum, if you have any questions please let us know. A reminder that NO question is a dumb question. I was on a video chat recently with a few other ovarian and endometrial cancer patients. I was reminded once again how confusing our journey's are. The jargon. The side effects. The inconsistencies in treatment approaches. Not knowing what questions to ask and when to ask them. I could go on. Regardless to say, it reinforced that we just need to keep sharing. Knowledge is power and is so very helpful to each of us.

A quick note that I'll be travelling for the next few weeks. I'll have limited access to OVd but know that I'm always thinking of y'all! Strength, sunshine and hope to everyone.💪☀️

Hi@Alwayslearning, happy Thankful Thursday!  Today I am feeling very thankful.  I had an appointment with my oncology NP yesterday to go over the results of my CT scan and I couldn't be happier.  The mss that was creating the partial bowel blockage I have been living under the cloud of for 3 years is gone… yup gone!  No more low fibre diet for this gal!  I celebrated with an air fryer chicken breast (skin on and crispy) and a delicious Greek pasta salad with lots of unpeeled cucumber, Roma tomatoes, yellow and orange peppers, red onion and feta.  Heaven! Oh yeah and no sign of new disease! 🎉 I have had a 5mm spot on my lung for the past 8 years, it was unchanged but there are two small 3mm spots that are new so they will do another scan in 6 months to check on them.  I have now completed my first month back on Lynparza and when I asked why it was now 3 years instead of 2 the NP said that because I have the BRCA gene I was scheduled for 3 all along but my missed appointment in June was the only reason for the gap.  Anyway this old gal is a happy camper today. 🩵✌🏻

I honestly haven't had much of an appetite for quite awhile but that tasted so delicious I had 2 helpings! 😂. I don't know if I have mentioned it before but I work as a Weifht Watchers Coach so for the past 3 years I have talked the talk but certainly not walked the walk.  My meals have been high in empty carbs and calories and short on nutrients and fibre.  This has resulted in me gaining almost 40 pounds since I completed my last round of chemo in June 2024.  Since I had lost almost 30 pounds I need to shed at least 10 pounds and hopefully now I can do that.