NEIGHBOURS STORYLINE?

I don't normally watch soaps, but was intrigued enough to get Neighbours on catch up and view the Ovarian Cancer story line. Apart from wondering why I had to walk down to the theatre for my major surgery, when she got to ride in a bed, petty I know! Seriously though what did you think? did you feel it was a true representation of a woman being diagnosed with OC? True to real life or not, I am sure it will raise awareness amongst its viewers.

[Irisisme]

I think I’m going to have to find it on Catch Up!

[lynn6156 in reply to Irisisme]

me too.

Annoyingly I meet with two of my neighbours each week for a general chat/tea. They both watch Neighbours and haven't mentioned this storyline, even when I said that Eastenders were going to run an ovarian cancer story and as I don't watch it and they do, I asked them to let me know how it goes....

<sigh> People really don't want to discuss the whole nasty cancer thing when it doesn't affect them, do they.

Lynn

x

[Hidden in reply to lynn6156]

I definitely feel that my friends (apart from one who has MS and so is likely used to the same thing) squirm when I talk about any aspect of the disease even though they ask. I may have been that person in the past! 😬😬😬

I think that it’s such a tough story line to portray, I just hope they raise some awareness of the symptoms. X

[Purple-iris in reply to lynn6156]

Yes I think it’s hard for friends, I normally have to mention it first.

Have a couple who have had their own cancer journeys so they understand. Probably they were worried as in Neighbours she’s been diagnosed stage 4 with spread to liver and brain so it’s not going to be an easy watch.

Sometimes it’s nice to not be talking about it !

Love Kim x💜

[Cropcrop]

Not watched neighbours for what seems like an eternity but will try to catch up.

I walked to theatre, probably the scariest walk I’ve ever done but worth it in the end.

Hope you’re ok? ❤️Xx Jane

[Purple-iris]

Hi Lyn

I have to admit to being a Neighbours fan, used to be my escape , chill out with a cuppa but think this is going to be hard to watch ! Especially for those of us who were also diagnosed with advance stage.

Good that they are featuring this storyline and yes will hopefully raise awareness and help fund raising leading up to OC awareness month, especially with the Eastenders storyline as well.

Although I’m concerned there has been no Uk helpline or support number featured after. I’ve spoken to Ovacome and Ovarian Cancer Action about this.

Yes not sure about how true to life the diagnosis was, they got scan and biopsy results back within hours ! If only !

I also had to walk to my surgery and still have chills when I think about that walk 😢

It’s also a shame that just before this storyline Sonia was being poisoned and was hospitalised , with scans so the cancer should have been found. They could have made more of her ignoring symptoms before her diagnosis or dr Carl not picking up symptoms without the poising complications!

However they definitely captured the feeling of shock and going into auto pilot when returning home. I remember my husband and I just sitting in the car hesitating before going inside as didn’t want to tell family as would make the nightmare a reality. 😱

Hopefully as the storyline continues they will get across the importance of detecting symptoms early and it will mean some ladies get early diagnosis. Also lead to increase in funding for a screening program as unfortunately lots of us didn’t have early symptoms.

The good thing is that there is definitely an increase in coverage and hopefully the charities can get some of our real life stories in the press on the back of it.

Love and best wishes Kim x 💜

[lynn6156 in reply to Purple-iris]

Oh thanks for that Kim! I had no idea about the story at all until I read Lyn's post. If it's not looking good that probably explains why my neighbours didn't say a word about it, so I'll let them off

ps I had to walk to theatre too and had sat in a waiting room for hours before hand ...totally nervewracking.

Lynn

x

[Toni16]

Hi lyn1987

I’m so glad you brought this up. I’ve been watching neighbours for years and now my 13 year old daughter watches it with me. It’s our little thing. Was so shocked last night watching on catch up when Sonya was diagnosed with stage 4 ovarian cancer. My daughter immediately asked me “what do they mean by stage 4 and can it not be cured”. I hesitated a bit but came up with a reasonable explanation I think, but I couldn’t watch any more episodes until I knew what the rest of the story was going to be. I went on line and found out. Between this and I’ve heard about eastenders I’m a bit all over the place. Although I want there to be more awareness and am looking at how I can myself create more awareness I don’t think these stories are being portrayed well. I myself have stage 4 OC and just last month got diagnosed with my 2nd reoccurrence only 5 months after chemo finished. Although my kids know that reoccurrences are likely and that we will keep on fighting I don’t talk about stages as I feel everyone writes you off if you mention them. I believe I can fight it and I will just like all the ladies on here but this storyline angers me.

Sorry for the rant but I’ve been so annoyed since I watched it last night and was feeling low anyway and finding it hard to get my mojo. Thankfully I came on here this morning. As reading lots of different stories has reminded how strong we are and that I can do this. Facing back into chemo for third time this Wednesday has me All over the place. I think I need to hop out of bed and get into that shower and enjoy this sunny day.

Love and hugs to everyone. Antoinette

[Hidden in reply to Toni16]

Hello Antoinette, I am also stage 4, I wanted to watch to see if it was a good representation of what we all go through, my husband on the other hand could not watch and walked out of the room. I must say I for one was horrified that they chose stage 4 Ovarian cancer to kill somebody off, they haven't covered symptoms and I feel that raising awareness is not addressed as much as putting the fear of god into people, especially those already diagnosed...........not what I had hoped to view

[Purple-iris in reply to Toni16]

Can understand how difficult it must have been watching with your daughter. Mines 22 and I still try to protect her from the hard facts. Im also a regular fan and stage 4, and was so shocked ended up in tears as brought back so many memories that I thought were safely dealt with and packed away. Also having a wobble as Guys have decided they don’t want me to have a 12 month post Avastin scan, which I’ve been working towards for the last year.

I think we need to find something different to watch for our chill out time ! As you say getting out in the winter sunshine helps.

Best wishes for your new treatment and hope it gets you back to stable without too many side effects.

Love and best wishes Kimx💜

[Hidden in reply to Toni16]

Hi Antoinette, my 13,year old son knows I have recurred and knows that means it will always come back. That is very different to watching things play out on tv which kind of sets some expectations around the progression of the disease, they are hardly likely to drag a story line out for 5+ years.

Have you found your daughter is curious about your diagnosis?

Lisa x

[Toni16 in reply to Hidden]

Hi Lisa66

My daughter know that this is the 2nd reoccurrence and that it can reoccur many times. I suppose it was just the shock and knowing the finality of the story. I wouldnt talk about stages but she has the internet and can google anything. It just takes the joy out of our special time together watching the show. I just wish they were going through the symptoms more. A

[Hidden in reply to Toni16]

Sounds like we are in a very similar position, I can imagine it has robbed you of your enjoyment and i’m Really sorry about that. I don’t know about you but finding things we can watch together is tough, i know boys can be different but we really struggle to watch the same thing. Anything we do find is wonderful. Wishing you all the very best. Xxx

[Manchesterlady]

Hi Lyn , I think I feel the same as toni16 , it will be hard to watch, and reading the spoilers, she dies .

Don’t think I want to watch it . I think it could upset a lot of people.

The same with eastenders , it’s already the most depressing program ( in my opinion ) , just hope these programs raise awareness, we all know the overwhelming fear that the diagnosis can cause , I’m rambling now , sorry

Sheila xx

[AusTig]

It is common, probably normal in Australia to be wheeled in a bed to theatre for major surgery.

[Elfed]

I hope they get a positive outcome and it’s not cos the actors contract is up. I wouldn’t be bothered if they kill the character off, but for all my family and friends it wouldn’t be nice and make them worry more

[Madmarilyn]

I love Neighbours and it was our escape, a nice, safe watch, usually without the horrors and spitefulness of East Enders etc. I'm already having to fast forward past Sinead's scenes in Coronation Street, and it even comes up in gardening programmes and adverts. I'm all for raising awareness, and try to see it that way, but if feels more as though my final safe haven has been defiled, and no TV is now safe. My partner is on a knife edge most days, and things like this can so easily set her off, I wish they hadn't done it.

[Maxjor]

I wonder if I can get that show here in the U.S. or if I would want to with what you are all saying about that episode. I need my soaps to forget sometimes and recently chose to start Grey's Anatomy which is now in its 12th season --I am up to Season 3. A high school girl does not tell her family that she isn't feeling well, comes to the hospital and her Ovarian cancer is back, and well, since now she is going to die, they throw her a prom in the hospital because she is missing hers that day. Evidently she went from being out with her friends to not leaving the hospital without a mention of symptoms, tests to find out, and possible treatments. Maybe that's the trick! Have it be so absurd, you don't relate.

I truly wish someone could educate the writers of such shows!!!

oxox

[Hopefulgal1]

Dear all - I have to say it seems like so many films and programmed are including cancer stories now - maybe because in reality it affects 1 in 3 of us now apparently? So as a family We started an ironic joke about “ uh oh - another cancer tear jerker !” .. and try to laugh it off ( although husband and daughter don’t watch and fast forward through the cancer ads too..) I watched The Good Dr last night on catch up sky as in bed post Friday’s treatment... and yes a stage 4 patient is brought in to try and relieve her pain : being a swanky US hospital she was whisked through scans and operated on immediately with a ‘new ‘ treatment ( hipec internal chemo etc) to give her elongated time - it was quite well done though. I am also watching the new Cold Feet and the breast cancer story is being well handled with Jen being true to life shocked and angry in turn...can’t imagine she will be killed off though as she’s key to the series!! Who knows - I refuse to watch east Enders though as it always appears so angry and mean and I prefer to watch more uplifting things really. X

[RachelFaye]

How do I view Neighbours catch up dealing with Ovarian Cancer

Also the Eastenders ones please

I thank you for your effort in informing us,

RachelFaye

[Purple-iris in reply to RachelFaye]

Channel 5 catch up link below

channel5.com/show/neighbours/

Eastenders haven’t started the OC storyline yet.

Kx

[Seasun36-uk]

Hi Lyn,

I don’t watch Neighbours (I did back in the 80s!) but watched a few episodes on catch-up after I saw your post.

Interesting. True to life? Yes, I suppose her symptoms were vague - bloating, bowel issues & fatigue. Results of biopsy came super-quick, MRI straight after surgery? Starting chemo without any preparation eg. Kidney function tests? Also having a Social Worker & a Counsellor?? Does that happen in Aus? I don’t know. I think NOT killing her off (which is I believe what happens) & seeing her fight & perhaps campaign for OC awareness would’ve been a better advocacy for OC.

Toadie is a very supportive husband, which is lovely to see.

Linda x

[Marieloiuse]

Hi Lyn,

I happened to see it (I'm a Neighbour's fan) and unusually for Neighbour's cancer story lines (there have been a few over the years) this one seems very realistic and serious (at the moment) However, in earlier stories the cancer patient has been whisked off to some clinic for a magical and unlikely treatment regime and and come back cured. So obviously very unrealistic. I hope this time it's going to be a much more honest and true reflection of having an OC diagnosis.

I think Eve Moray is an excellent actress and could really bring a truth to this story given good writing. Let's just hope it doesn't descend into the absurd, like much of Neighbour's! If only to bring the horrors of this disease much wider awareness.

Though my diagnosis was done differently I could identify totally with the absolute shock and disbelief of having cancer with no obvious warning bells. However, like Sonya I was wheeled to theatre. Had no idea people had to walk to theatre? That must be tough.

Catherine x

[lynn6156 in reply to Marieloiuse]

NHS cutbacks!

I woke up on the friday morning minus uterus/ovaries/tubes/appendix/omentum etc and with accompanying drains following the usual 5-6 hr op and the surgeon said to the nurse 'is home tomorrow a little soon?' I think they would have had me out and on the bus next day but due to it being Easter and empty beds they allowed me to stay to the Monday!!

Talk about thank you and goodbye.

Not only a walk to theatre but the discharge on Monday meant a very long hospital walk to the car park where I had a lift. They didn't ask if I was going on the bus...

Lynn

x

[Marieloiuse in reply to lynn6156]

OMG your treatment beggars belief! Ok my almost identical op (I think I still have my appendix?) was way back in the 80's and times have changed but I simply cannot imagine being discharged so quickly. I had a full week and even then it felt too soon. Wow. Respect!!!

[lynn6156 in reply to Marieloiuse]

My cousins' daughter got a week in just for an appendix! I sometimes think the surgeon didn't tell anyone what he'd done and they all assumed I was just a cyst removal because not one nurse asked how I felt about the situation or anything!

Lynn

x

[Flamingobeef18 in reply to lynn6156]

I had a very similar experience after my op. When I queried it I was told that the ward staff had decided it was “better” not to mention the Cancer word! Not sure who exactly it was “better” for though?

Juliax

[lynn6156 in reply to Flamingobeef18]

That's interesting! It hadn't occurred to me it was something they might have made a decision about!

Lynn

x

[AusTig]

Yes, but I was trying to cover all possibilities and be polite😀. Even day surgery I was wheeled in.

[Lily-Anne]

When I used to come home from school for lunch my Mum would be watching neighbours. I remember Charlene in her uniform and was it Madge?

Anyway that was the 1980’s so not sure how I’m going to work this out. Is it easy to get into? Say if I watched a handful of episodes?

I never used to finish work until 9pm so could never follow any. I used to like Eastenders but watched it with my son so when he passed away I couldn’t bear it.

Hmm so I’ve written an essay maybe I’m lonely 🤔

My friends talk about cancer a lot. Classic lines. ‘You don’t look terminal’, ‘can I feel the tumour in your stomach ‘, ‘what have they said?’, the list goes on. I must just have gruesome mates because I don’t want to talk about it. At all. That’s why I blog. Maybe we should start a thread. The things people ask about our cancer.

Do you think they are doing a good job so far?

I often read books by Adele Parks, it’s on my goodreads if anyone wants to join me. She wrote a story about OC the inaccuracies made me so angry I couldn’t finish it. I know it’s fiction, but as a writer myself I know fiction still needs to be correct in some things. I did write to her but no reply. I hope Neighbours is better than that

LA xx

[coksd]

I just watched the episode where Sonya was introduced to the oncologist and told the bad news its too real it just reminded me of that awful day I was diagnosed I watched it on catch up last night as I normally have collected my son from playschool when its on TV don't know if I can watch anymore when the spoilers are grim. But hey look at all of us we are around a lot longer than that some on here for years I am just in my second year of it.

[Hidden in reply to coksd]

...........your second year will roll into many many more years. Take care xx