Dear Annette, I was diagnosed with Stage IIIc ovarian cancer in 2004. The last 5 years have been a medical workout for sure and I consider myself an extremely lucky woman to be alive. During chemo or other treatments I have met so many women who only see one doctor for all of their care. I have a background in medicine myself, my ex husband is a physician and my son is a physician, so have a bit more savvy than a lot of women to the workings of the medical system. I think it is imperative that women understand that doctors are people with all the biases and limitations of people in general. I would advise all woman to get as many opinions as possible; this is about living and has nothing to do with the doctor who made the diagnosis. I have been to UC Irvine, the Mayo Clinic in MN, Stanford, USC, UC Davis, Univ of Washington, Reno, NV and Queens in Honolulu, personally for surgery and/or treatment. I have also had consults either in person or by phone with MD Anderson, Nat'l Cancer Institute, the Univ of Tennessee and a few other clinics offering new treatments options. I was told many times that a second debulking surgery was pointless; I am alive today because I insisted on a second surgery. I also signed up with google for ovarian cancer 'google alerts' and receive any information that has been in the media around the world on a daily basis. I know there may be a time that I will come to the end of my treatment options but I also know I have given myself every opportunity to live and spent time enjoying my family and friends. Two other points I would like to share with other women is 1) exercise during chemo. Believe me I know how contrary to how one feels that idea is but it helps so much. Even on my worst days, my doctor son would talk me into getting on the treadmill and lifting a few weights. It was like magic... did I feel perfect? not at all but the improvement was remarkable. 2) Divorce yourself from stress as much as you possibly can. Ovarian cancer is highly correlated to stress. After my first surgery/chemo I returned to work and my normal work/make money/pay bills/save for retirement life. When I was diagnosed recurrent (which most of us know is pretty much a death sentence) I realized I needed to make changes, get rid of stress as much as possible and enjoy what time I had left. I was terrified I could not afford to live at first; I was stepping off the financial cliff into the unknown. I have been 'retired' now since 7/06 when I was 56 years old. My lifestyle has definitely changed, shopping has no importance to me any longer and I am careful how I spend my money but it was great decision. I did not want to be on my deathbed looking back saying 'gee that was great, I worked and stressed', but rather, 'gee I am so happy I enjoyed every minute I could playing, laughing and enjoying my sons, grandchildren, family and friends'. Fight for your life and look at what is important; put your priorities in perspective.
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Dear Annette, I was diagnosed with Stage IIIc ovarian cancer in 2004. The last 5 years have been a medical workout for sure and I consider myself an extremely lucky woman to be alive. During chemo or other treatments I have met so many women who only see one doctor for all of their care. I have a background in medicine myself, my ex husband is a physician and my son is a physician, so have a bit more savvy than a lot of women to the workings of the medical system. I think it is imperative that women understand that doctors are people with all the biases and limitations of people in general. I would advise all woman to get as many opinions as possible; this is about living and has nothing to do with the doctor who made the diagnosis. I have been to UC Irvine, the Mayo Clinic in MN, Stanford, USC, UC Davis, Univ of Washington, Reno, NV and Queens in Honolulu, personally for surgery and/or treatment. I have also had consults either in person or by phone with MD Anderson, Nat'l Cancer Institute, the Univ of Tennessee and a few other clinics offering new treatments options. I was told many times that a second debulking surgery was pointless; I am alive today because I insisted on a second surgery. I also signed up with google for ovarian cancer 'google alerts' and receive any information that has been in the media around the world on a daily basis. I know there may be a time that I will come to the end of my treatment options but I also know I have given myself every opportunity to live and spent time enjoying my family and friends. Two other points I would like to share with other women is 1) exercise during chemo. Believe me I know how contrary to how one feels that idea is but it helps so much. Even on my worst days, my doctor son would talk me into getting on the treadmill and lifting a few weights. It was like magic... did I feel perfect? not at all but the improvement was remarkable. 2) Divorce yourself from stress as much as you possibly can. Ovarian cancer is highly correlated to stress. After my first surgery/chemo I returned to work and my normal work/make money/pay bills/save for retirement life. When I was diagnosed recurrent (which most of us know is pretty much a death sentence) I realized I needed to make changes, get rid of stress as much as possible and enjoy what time I had left. I was terrified I could not afford to live at first; I was stepping off the financial cliff into the unknown. I have been 'retired' now since 7/06 when I was 56 years old. My lifestyle has definitely changed, shopping has no importance to me any longer and I am careful how I spend my money but it was great decision. I did not want to be on my deathbed looking back saying 'gee that was great, I worked and stressed', but rather, 'gee I am so happy I enjoyed every minute I could playing, laughing and enjoying my sons, grandchildren, family and friends'. Fight for your life and look at what is important; put your priorities in perspective.
April 13, 2009 - 12:09pmThis Comment
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