Ovarian cancer

[SarahKaj]

Diagnosed with ovarian ca 2 weeks ago. Looking for psychological support.

[Cropcrop]

Hello lovely, welcome to our friendly gang, we’re here to support you in anyway we can, please feel free to ask any questions no matter how insignificant they may seem, the wealth of knowledge here is superb and if we don’t know the answer our lovely admin team most probably will.

You’ve been given a really scary diagnosis, we all know how that feels, we’ve been there and got the T shirt, we do understand a little something of how you are feeling.

I don’t know if you’ve been given any more information such as a treatment plan, but I found it easier to deal with once I knew what the plan of action was for me as I had something to work with and focus on, I also found it a little bit easier once what was wrong with me had been given an actual name and I knew what I was dealing with albeit it still really scary.

I don’t recommend looking on Dr Google for information, the information there can be so out of date and in some cases actually bogus and you can scare yourself unnecessarily especially as this is so new to you.

We are all here to help you, you’re not alone with this. Sending you big hugs and love 💕 ❤️Xx Jane

[Lyndy]

Hi Sarah

You have had a big shock...give yourself time to get used to it. When I was diagnosed more than 2 years ago I tried to take in only the information I needed at the time and avoided anything that made me feel too panicked. You don't need to know everything good and bad right away. Weirdly once I had a treatment plan things did feel easier.

My experience of chemo and surgery was that it was a whole lot better than I expected!

Surround yourself with good people who will look after you if you can and accept all the love and attention they want to give you.

Keep us posted on how you are going and as others have said ask anything you want xx L

[Zena41]

Hi Hun inbox me if u want I’m newly diag too at 41

[Sunfleury-UK]

Do have a look at Target Ovarian Cancer's guide, 'What Next?' for all women newly diagnosed. It is really wide ranging in its scope of both the emotional & medical effects and has good signposting. You can download it or order a free copy.

For younger women there is also a great guide created by all the main charities- TOC, Ovarian Cancer Action, Eve Appeal & Ovacome. You can download it from each of their websites or order a free copy. There should still be a link here in pinned postsx

[Jessica-DianeB]

Hi Sarah,

This is devastating news for you, I'm sorry. Target Ovarian cancer site is the best place to get information without scaring yourself further. Once your plan is in place you will be given a clinical nurse specialist who will be a great source of help, you should have access to psychological help, and lots of other things to help from wig advice to reflexology.

Here is a safe and friendly place to vent, rage, smile, celebrate the good and share the bad. Keep strong xxxx

[lorraine71-Australia]

HI Saran, As usual the ladies have given you some good advice I would just like to add that once your team has a treatment in place you will feel better, do try and ask your team any question that are worry you. I found it helpful to write them down before going to see my oncologist as I would always forget some thing.

Best wishes and take care Lorraine xx

[Perthgirl]

Hello Sarah! Am so sorry you have had to join all of us, but you have found one of the best places to be for all the advice and support you will need. This is a heartbreaking diagnosis and the websites do absolutely nothing to allay our fears so do try to keep away from Dr Google and rely more on this forum. Since my diagnosis 14 months ago I have made contact with many inspiring ladies that have been around 15 to 30 years since their initial diagnosis, some have recurred, some have not and they give me hope constantly. I am currently living a "new" normal life after surgery and chemo and am thankful for every day with my loved ones. happy for you to make email contact if you want, or can even Skype if you want to chat. Hang in there, make sure you have the best medical team possible and remember that it is okay to cry, hide and duck for cover but also try to be happy and smile for your own sake. Big cyber hugs and best wishes, Stacey xx

[Neona57]

Very sorry you have to join us but sending a warm welcome to our group and best wishes for your journey.

[Kryssy]

Hi Sarah and although this is not the forum you would choose to join I know you'll get all the support and help you need. So welcome.

I'm normally upbeat and happy but my diagnosis back in July this year completely crushed my world. I was terrified, devastated and felt completely alone, despite having a wonderful family and good friends. One friend, herself a cancer survivor and retired nurse, told me that once I was "in the system" all the fear would go. Even when she was working in the system herself, her fear overcame her until she started treatment. She was right. Sitting outside the scanner room my fear just disappeared. After diagnosis, not brilliant at 4B, I just put all the responsibility for my health onto complete strangers - my lovely oncologist and his team. Now I just concentrate on keeping as healthy as I can with good food and get as much fun out of life as I can, no matter how long it's going to be. It has helped me stay positive to know that other people are having to deal with my situation and do the very best for me. I concentrate on other things and make a big effort not to think of the cancer very much. Of course it's there in the back of my mind most of the time but I'm a person first, it's still me and when my family and friends start the conversation talking about the cancer I generally say, "Not today. I'm having a day off".

I do have a brilliant "therapist". I call Sue my therapist but she works for Cancer Support France - same as C.S. UK. She phones me every week and we email. I can phone her if I am having a bad day but that's rare. We talk about all sorts for an hour or more each time. Sometimes I cry, mostly I don't. She once also cried as she shared a past experience with me. The main thing of why it helps me is that whatever I tell her does not affect her life, nor her family. We have never met but we have swapped photographs. I urge you to find an association similar - or CSUK - and get some telephone support as well as the support you will get from all of the wonderful girls (and occasionally men with wives/mums in the same boat) on Ovacome.

I wish you strength as you begin your journey. You are not alone and I promise you'll manage whatever your future holds. You will surprise yourself, and others, with your positive attitude and courage.

Bon courage mon amie.

Kryssy xxxx