The Gift of Life and The Circle of Life

6. RE: The Gift of Life and The Circle of Life

Like | J’aime

Meinvan

Posted 10 hours ago

@natloy3460 thank you for sharing this there are many similarities I read in your story I felt I could have written this myself.🙏🏻

-------------------------------------------

Original Message

Original Message:
Sent: 07-30-2025 00:48
From: natloy3460
Subject: The Gift of Life and The Circle of Life

Thank you @Alwayslearning. I really look forward to others sharing their journeys too. We're in this together and so privileged to have found such a supportive comuniity. 💕

Original Message:
Sent: 07-29-2025 09:25
From: Alwayslearning
Subject: The Gift of Life and The Circle of Life

Hello @natloy3460 and welcome to OVdialogue. It sounds like you've had the chance to interact and connect with other Teal Sisters along your journey which is fantastic. The warriors here in OVD are an incredible source of inspiration, strength, encouragement, hope and laughter. Thank you for sharing your books and your journey. This group is one of the best sharing groups I've ever had the pleasure of being engaged with, even if it was a cancer diagnosis that brought me to them. I look forward to reading about your journey and gaining yet more inspiration and learning from another warrior in our midst. Also congratulations on your two-year survivorversary (sorry just made that up). A definite cause for celebration!

Thank you again for sharing.

#Introductions #Supportandencouragement #

Original Message:
Sent: 07-28-2025 14:54
From: natloy3460
Subject: The Gift of Life and The Circle of Life

Hi OV Cummunity.

This is my first post and wanted to share a book I wrote in the fall of 2024 about my healing journey since my OV diagnosis. I also wrote a Part 2 sequel which was prompted by celebrating my 2-year anniversary of being a survivor .

I am very grateful to Ovarian Cancer Canada, the Teal Tea sessions, and for finding out about the Wellspring programs. I had participated in a Journalling session and was reminded about how much I loved to write which was the trigger to consider writing about my own journey. If I could touch at least one person to provide more hope, acceptance and live life to the fullest each and every day as if it's your last, then I've done my part.

I also participate in the Wellspring Music Therapy program and was so fortunate to meet some participants 'in person' too. More about this in Part 2.

I am so privileged to be part of the various OV Communities which provide me so much inspiration and hope for a better future for women to be diagnosed earlier and also encouraged by the research and advancement in treatments. Finally ovarian cancer is getting more attention, so long overdue.

I look forward to reading or hearing more of everyone's journey. Our connection to each other is magical in being able to be our true selves becoming one with all.

Sending love and hugs,

Natalia

9. RE: The Gift of Life and The Circle of Life

Like | J’aime

Alwayslearning

Community Champion

Posted 2 days ago

@lbarr72 this is brilliant. Thank you so much for sharing. It's funny because I was with someone today who asked how I was doing. On the outside I know I look just fine. I told her where I was at in my journey. She said, "oh, I thought since you look so good that you were cured." I explained some of the horrible stats around our disease and the eggshells we tend to walk on as a result. She had no idea and appreciated knowing.
So I agree with you. Onward Warriors because that's who we are!!

-------------------------------------------

Original Message

Original Message:
Sent: 07-30-2025 15:37
From: lbarr72
Subject: The Gift of Life and The Circle of Life

In the trend of sharing excellent overviews of this world we find ourselves in, I found that this reported voice, struck me as exactly how I feel. From Princess Kate in the UK:

"You put on a brave face during treatment, but the real struggle begins after" She was speaking about her experience with chemotherapy ( and large abdominal surgery. Her diagnosis has never been revealed, but her treatments certainly seem to follow our experiences )

"Once the treatments stop, the world expects you to bounce back. To smile. To go back to "normal". But the truth is that "normal" no longer exists. What follows is a deep emotional rollercoaster. The medical team is no longer by your side every day. The adrenaline of survival fades.

The exhaustion lingers. And you are left navigating a new version of yourself - physically, emotionally, mentally.

"It's a much harder process than I ever imagined."

This isn't just a story of resilience. It's a reminder: healing takes time. Not just the body, but the soul.

So, if you are in the space after the storm. Don't rush the calm.

Let it come slowly, gently - with grace.

And above all, don't expect to be who you were before.

You're becoming someone even stronger.

This is a woman who faces intense scrutiny and expectations to show up, look great, smile and support everyone else.

Any of you who have young children, are in a tougher balancing act than I face at 73, with grown children.

My heart goes out to all of you.

Her reflections, however, describe where I am right now. Everyone reflects that I " look great" and are so glad it's over. Meanwhile I navigate this new "normal" with it's challenges, changes and fears. Wouldn't it be lovely to turn back the clock to when cancer was something you never thought would happen to you. That healthy, active, busy woman you used to be.

Onward, my wonderful Warriors.....

Original Message:
Sent: 7/29/2025 9:25:00 AM
From: Alwayslearning
Subject: RE: The Gift of Life and The Circle of Life

Hello @natloy3460 and welcome to OVdialogue. It sounds like you've had the chance to interact and connect with other Teal Sisters along your journey which is fantastic. The warriors here in OVD are an incredible source of inspiration, strength, encouragement, hope and laughter. Thank you for sharing your books and your journey. This group is one of the best sharing groups I've ever had the pleasure of being engaged with, even if it was a cancer diagnosis that brought me to them. I look forward to reading about your journey and gaining yet more inspiration and learning from another warrior in our midst. Also congratulations on your two-year survivorversary (sorry just made that up). A definite cause for celebration!

Thank you again for sharing.

#Introductions #Supportandencouragement #

Original Message:
Sent: 07-28-2025 14:54
From: natloy3460
Subject: The Gift of Life and The Circle of Life

Hi OV Cummunity.

This is my first post and wanted to share a book I wrote in the fall of 2024 about my healing journey since my OV diagnosis. I also wrote a Part 2 sequel which was prompted by celebrating my 2-year anniversary of being a survivor .

I am very grateful to Ovarian Cancer Canada, the Teal Tea sessions, and for finding out about the Wellspring programs. I had participated in a Journalling session and was reminded about how much I loved to write which was the trigger to consider writing about my own journey. If I could touch at least one person to provide more hope, acceptance and live life to the fullest each and every day as if it's your last, then I've done my part.

I also participate in the Wellspring Music Therapy program and was so fortunate to meet some participants 'in person' too. More about this in Part 2.

I am so privileged to be part of the various OV Communities which provide me so much inspiration and hope for a better future for women to be diagnosed earlier and also encouraged by the research and advancement in treatments. Finally ovarian cancer is getting more attention, so long overdue.

I look forward to reading or hearing more of everyone's journey. Our connection to each other is magical in being able to be our true selves becoming one with all.

Sending love and hugs,

Natalia

10. RE: The Gift of Life and The Circle of Life

Like | J’aime

natloy3460

Posted 2 days ago

@lbarr72

Your message so resonates with me, especially with the acceptance of the "new" you - and that's ok just the way we are now, so resilient to face anything, and to be kind to ourselves throughout our journey. We do still matter and use our voice to be heard. My heart goes out to Princess Kate of not being able to share her truth.

Original Message

Original Message:
Sent: 7/30/2025 3:38:00 PM
From: lbarr72
Subject: RE: The Gift of Life and The Circle of Life

In the trend of sharing excellent overviews of this world we find ourselves in, I found that this reported voice, struck me as exactly how I feel. From Princess Kate in the UK:

"You put on a brave face during treatment, but the real struggle begins after" She was speaking about her experience with chemotherapy ( and large abdominal surgery. Her diagnosis has never been revealed, but her treatments certainly seem to follow our experiences )

"Once the treatments stop, the world expects you to bounce back. To smile. To go back to "normal". But the truth is that "normal" no longer exists. What follows is a deep emotional rollercoaster. The medical team is no longer by your side every day. The adrenaline of survival fades.

The exhaustion lingers. And you are left navigating a new version of yourself - physically, emotionally, mentally.

"It's a much harder process than I ever imagined."

This isn't just a story of resilience. It's a reminder: healing takes time. Not just the body, but the soul.

So, if you are in the space after the storm. Don't rush the calm.

Let it come slowly, gently - with grace.

And above all, don't expect to be who you were before.

You're becoming someone even stronger.

This is a woman who faces intense scrutiny and expectations to show up, look great, smile and support everyone else.

Any of you who have young children, are in a tougher balancing act than I face at 73, with grown children.

My heart goes out to all of you.

Her reflections, however, describe where I am right now. Everyone reflects that I " look great" and are so glad it's over. Meanwhile I navigate this new "normal" with it's challenges, changes and fears. Wouldn't it be lovely to turn back the clock to when cancer was something you never thought would happen to you. That healthy, active, busy woman you used to be.

Onward, my wonderful Warriors.....

Original Message:
Sent: 7/29/2025 9:25:00 AM
From: Alwayslearning
Subject: RE: The Gift of Life and The Circle of Life

Hello @natloy3460 and welcome to OVdialogue. It sounds like you've had the chance to interact and connect with other Teal Sisters along your journey which is fantastic. The warriors here in OVD are an incredible source of inspiration, strength, encouragement, hope and laughter. Thank you for sharing your books and your journey. This group is one of the best sharing groups I've ever had the pleasure of being engaged with, even if it was a cancer diagnosis that brought me to them. I look forward to reading about your journey and gaining yet more inspiration and learning from another warrior in our midst. Also congratulations on your two-year survivorversary (sorry just made that up). A definite cause for celebration!

Thank you again for sharing.

#Introductions #Supportandencouragement #

-------------------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 07-28-2025 14:54
From: natloy3460
Subject: The Gift of Life and The Circle of Life

Hi OV Cummunity.

This is my first post and wanted to share a book I wrote in the fall of 2024 about my healing journey since my OV diagnosis. I also wrote a Part 2 sequel which was prompted by celebrating my 2-year anniversary of being a survivor .

I am very grateful to Ovarian Cancer Canada, the Teal Tea sessions, and for finding out about the Wellspring programs. I had participated in a Journalling session and was reminded about how much I loved to write which was the trigger to consider writing about my own journey. If I could touch at least one person to provide more hope, acceptance and live life to the fullest each and every day as if it's your last, then I've done my part.

I also participate in the Wellspring Music Therapy program and was so fortunate to meet some participants 'in person' too. More about this in Part 2.

I am so privileged to be part of the various OV Communities which provide me so much inspiration and hope for a better future for women to be diagnosed earlier and also encouraged by the research and advancement in treatments. Finally ovarian cancer is getting more attention, so long overdue.

I look forward to reading or hearing more of everyone's journey. Our connection to each other is magical in being able to be our true selves becoming one with all.

Sending love and hugs,

Natalia

11. RE: The Gift of Life and The Circle of Life

Like | J’aime

Tanja

Posted 15 hours ago

@ibarr72 thanks for sharing. Truly beautiful. Yes, we become someone new and I actually think, better - more aware, more in the moment, less hung up on all the little stupid things that have tripped me before. Or as I said to a colleague yesterday who also asked me how I was doing and that I look great. I said that it is a process to face one’s own early mortality and to cone to peace with it. In the end this is what everybody will face sooner or later. Dealing with your own limited time in life.

Original Message

Original Message:
Sent: 7/30/2025 3:38:00 PM
From: lbarr72
Subject: RE: The Gift of Life and The Circle of Life

In the trend of sharing excellent overviews of this world we find ourselves in, I found that this reported voice, struck me as exactly how I feel. From Princess Kate in the UK:

"You put on a brave face during treatment, but the real struggle begins after" She was speaking about her experience with chemotherapy ( and large abdominal surgery. Her diagnosis has never been revealed, but her treatments certainly seem to follow our experiences )

"Once the treatments stop, the world expects you to bounce back. To smile. To go back to "normal". But the truth is that "normal" no longer exists. What follows is a deep emotional rollercoaster. The medical team is no longer by your side every day. The adrenaline of survival fades.

The exhaustion lingers. And you are left navigating a new version of yourself - physically, emotionally, mentally.

"It's a much harder process than I ever imagined."

This isn't just a story of resilience. It's a reminder: healing takes time. Not just the body, but the soul.

So, if you are in the space after the storm. Don't rush the calm.

Let it come slowly, gently - with grace.

And above all, don't expect to be who you were before.

You're becoming someone even stronger.

This is a woman who faces intense scrutiny and expectations to show up, look great, smile and support everyone else.

Any of you who have young children, are in a tougher balancing act than I face at 73, with grown children.

My heart goes out to all of you.

Her reflections, however, describe where I am right now. Everyone reflects that I " look great" and are so glad it's over. Meanwhile I navigate this new "normal" with it's challenges, changes and fears. Wouldn't it be lovely to turn back the clock to when cancer was something you never thought would happen to you. That healthy, active, busy woman you used to be.

Onward, my wonderful Warriors.....

Original Message:
Sent: 7/29/2025 9:25:00 AM
From: Alwayslearning
Subject: RE: The Gift of Life and The Circle of Life

Hello @natloy3460 and welcome to OVdialogue. It sounds like you've had the chance to interact and connect with other Teal Sisters along your journey which is fantastic. The warriors here in OVD are an incredible source of inspiration, strength, encouragement, hope and laughter. Thank you for sharing your books and your journey. This group is one of the best sharing groups I've ever had the pleasure of being engaged with, even if it was a cancer diagnosis that brought me to them. I look forward to reading about your journey and gaining yet more inspiration and learning from another warrior in our midst. Also congratulations on your two-year survivorversary (sorry just made that up). A definite cause for celebration!

Thank you again for sharing.

#Introductions #Supportandencouragement #

-------------------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 07-28-2025 14:54
From: natloy3460
Subject: The Gift of Life and The Circle of Life

Hi OV Cummunity.

This is my first post and wanted to share a book I wrote in the fall of 2024 about my healing journey since my OV diagnosis. I also wrote a Part 2 sequel which was prompted by celebrating my 2-year anniversary of being a survivor .

I am very grateful to Ovarian Cancer Canada, the Teal Tea sessions, and for finding out about the Wellspring programs. I had participated in a Journalling session and was reminded about how much I loved to write which was the trigger to consider writing about my own journey. If I could touch at least one person to provide more hope, acceptance and live life to the fullest each and every day as if it's your last, then I've done my part.

I also participate in the Wellspring Music Therapy program and was so fortunate to meet some participants 'in person' too. More about this in Part 2.

I am so privileged to be part of the various OV Communities which provide me so much inspiration and hope for a better future for women to be diagnosed earlier and also encouraged by the research and advancement in treatments. Finally ovarian cancer is getting more attention, so long overdue.

I look forward to reading or hearing more of everyone's journey. Our connection to each other is magical in being able to be our true selves becoming one with all.

Sending love and hugs,

Natalia

12. RE: The Gift of Life and The Circle of Life

Like | J’aime

Meinvan

Posted 11 hours ago

@lbarr72 thank you for this, now I'm 😢🙏🏻❤️

-------------------------------------------

Original Message

Original Message:
Sent: 07-30-2025 15:37
From: lbarr72
Subject: The Gift of Life and The Circle of Life

In the trend of sharing excellent overviews of this world we find ourselves in, I found that this reported voice, struck me as exactly how I feel. From Princess Kate in the UK:

"You put on a brave face during treatment, but the real struggle begins after" She was speaking about her experience with chemotherapy ( and large abdominal surgery. Her diagnosis has never been revealed, but her treatments certainly seem to follow our experiences )

"Once the treatments stop, the world expects you to bounce back. To smile. To go back to "normal". But the truth is that "normal" no longer exists. What follows is a deep emotional rollercoaster. The medical team is no longer by your side every day. The adrenaline of survival fades.

The exhaustion lingers. And you are left navigating a new version of yourself - physically, emotionally, mentally.

"It's a much harder process than I ever imagined."

This isn't just a story of resilience. It's a reminder: healing takes time. Not just the body, but the soul.

So, if you are in the space after the storm. Don't rush the calm.

Let it come slowly, gently - with grace.

And above all, don't expect to be who you were before.

You're becoming someone even stronger.

This is a woman who faces intense scrutiny and expectations to show up, look great, smile and support everyone else.

Any of you who have young children, are in a tougher balancing act than I face at 73, with grown children.

My heart goes out to all of you.

Her reflections, however, describe where I am right now. Everyone reflects that I " look great" and are so glad it's over. Meanwhile I navigate this new "normal" with it's challenges, changes and fears. Wouldn't it be lovely to turn back the clock to when cancer was something you never thought would happen to you. That healthy, active, busy woman you used to be.

Onward, my wonderful Warriors.....

Original Message:
Sent: 7/29/2025 9:25:00 AM
From: Alwayslearning
Subject: RE: The Gift of Life and The Circle of Life

Hello @natloy3460 and welcome to OVdialogue. It sounds like you've had the chance to interact and connect with other Teal Sisters along your journey which is fantastic. The warriors here in OVD are an incredible source of inspiration, strength, encouragement, hope and laughter. Thank you for sharing your books and your journey. This group is one of the best sharing groups I've ever had the pleasure of being engaged with, even if it was a cancer diagnosis that brought me to them. I look forward to reading about your journey and gaining yet more inspiration and learning from another warrior in our midst. Also congratulations on your two-year survivorversary (sorry just made that up). A definite cause for celebration!

Thank you again for sharing.

#Introductions #Supportandencouragement #

Original Message:
Sent: 07-28-2025 14:54
From: natloy3460
Subject: The Gift of Life and The Circle of Life

Hi OV Cummunity.

This is my first post and wanted to share a book I wrote in the fall of 2024 about my healing journey since my OV diagnosis. I also wrote a Part 2 sequel which was prompted by celebrating my 2-year anniversary of being a survivor .

I am very grateful to Ovarian Cancer Canada, the Teal Tea sessions, and for finding out about the Wellspring programs. I had participated in a Journalling session and was reminded about how much I loved to write which was the trigger to consider writing about my own journey. If I could touch at least one person to provide more hope, acceptance and live life to the fullest each and every day as if it's your last, then I've done my part.

I also participate in the Wellspring Music Therapy program and was so fortunate to meet some participants 'in person' too. More about this in Part 2.

I am so privileged to be part of the various OV Communities which provide me so much inspiration and hope for a better future for women to be diagnosed earlier and also encouraged by the research and advancement in treatments. Finally ovarian cancer is getting more attention, so long overdue.

I look forward to reading or hearing more of everyone's journey. Our connection to each other is magical in being able to be our true selves becoming one with all.

Sending love and hugs,

Natalia

English Community