Hello

[niamhran]

Hi all,

just joined my Mam was diagnosed in Oct in treatment. We are just devastated and so confused - hope to get more clarity here for people who understand

N

[Missfitz]

Hi niamhran.

Welcome to ovacare. I'm really sorry to hear that your mum was diagnosed last year and is undergoing treatment. I hope that she is coping with everything.

I can't pretend to know what a family member goes through as I am the patient but I can see the pain and suffering in the eyes of my family. I hate what this disease does to them as much as to myself.

If there is anything you want to ask feel free. I have always found everyone here to be open and helpful. There is certainly a few family members and siblings on this site - whether you want advice about ovarian cancer itself or support from other people going through what you are going through - I have no doubt it will help.

Do you have access to any cancer support services such as ARC house? These offer services to patients and their families and can often be a wonderful place to let the "mask" drop and allow yourself to say what's really on your mind.

Its important that you mind yourself and only then will you be able to mind your mum. X

[Hidden]

Hi niamhran, Welcome to the site, so sorry to hear your Mum isnt well. I would agree with Missfitz, go to an Arc Cancer Support house hopefully there is one near you. There is one in Cork and a similar type called the Haven in Tralee. Also hopefully your Mum attends a hospital where there is a gynae liason nurse who works with the patient, hospital and consultant. You should ask at the oncology unit about this nurse and perhaps they will arrange for you and your family to meet. I am also the patient not the carer. Maybe ye could help by making her rest, help with the shopping and housework. Sometimes speaking as a patient, I would appreciate if now and again I was made a cuppa. Not sure if you and family live at home if so, a helpful thing to do is ask if your Mum needs anything from the shop when you are going out. As long as I get up everyday, it is assumed I am ok. I was diagnosed in 2005/2006 and I am still here to tell the tale. I have just finished chemo and am on a maintenance drug for the foreseeable future. Also go with your Mum to her consultant apts and chemo if one of you are free to do so. The nurses there also are very supportive. Best of luck and feel free to post at any time. Just to let you know Arc House has been established for ten years and the service is totally confidential and also free. They provide counselling to the patient and family and also light massage. Please dont feel you are alone

[daisies]

Hello and while I am sure you would not like to be here - welcome. The site is a great support to patients and family/friends. We all share the will to survive and live and this site shows that will. I am sorry to hear about your Mam, so looking at the date of diagnosis I hope she is finished her treatment and that all went well. The local cancer support groups, i.e. Arc House & Daffodil Centres of Irish Cancer Society are a great support also and source of information and help. Most hospitals have cancer liaison nurses - some assign a particular such nurse to each cancer patient. In relation to your Mam - just give her the support she needs; giving her lots of love with tea!!!; and reassure her that asking for help is not a sign of weakness. Do keep us posted on her well being. Love to you & your Mam, Daisies xxx

[Hidden]

Hi Niamhran, just looking through the blogs and havent seen a post, hope all is reasonably ok and that your Mum is doing ok. There is a patient Information Day coming up in Cork at the end of the month and also I believe a coffee morning in June in Dublin. If you check the Ovacare site, you should find details you need. So far I dont see it coming up on this site. all the best,