Five years on.

[Crazycat13]

Hi. I was diagnosed with stage 3c ovarian cancer just over 5 years ago. I’m still undergoing chemotherapy. I just want to say how amazing the past 5 years have been. I’ve traveled, drunk and eaten my way through cancer. I’m terminal and it will end my life, but at no stage has it, or will it stop me from living. I can’t stop smiling and laughing. I have cancer, but cancer hasn’t got me. I’m happy to talk to any of you starting out on this path, or those part way down it. Message me if you want to.

[busbee3]

What a wonderful perspective and offer to talk to others! It's nice to see this.

[Hidden]

GO GIRL! 🙋‍♀️

[thomas62]

Hi Crazycat13, What a brill attitude you have! I am 5.1/2 years on this path. I try hard to remain optimistic and positive and just getting on with life but I must admit to having rough days. Keep it up girl Gwen Xx

[Crazycat13 in reply to thomas62]

Hi. The rough days are important. I embrace them, cry, scream, feel sorry for myself. I let it out of my system which then allows me to be genuinely happy the rest of the time. Xxx

[Katmal-UK]

Hi Love this post and your outlook on lift. I was diagnosed stage 3 (not sure exactly whether 3a,b or c - never asked nor want to know) in early Oct 2017 and told I had 'about 2 years.. I am fortunately not terminal but also live life to the full. Given you are terminal I find your outlook totally inspiring! I want to say YOU GO GIRL! May you have many more adventures and plenty more to laugh and smile about! Life is for living, not sitting moping! xx Kathy

[Lizjj in reply to Katmal-UK]

Kathy you have inspired me to get back to work. I have been working now for almost one month and I am so happy . Prior to this my life after this first recurrence was based on waiting for results, and I was terrified of starting work while on Olaparib. Thank you...Crazycat ...you too are an inspiration... thanks

[Katmal-UK in reply to Lizjj]

Awww Liz that's great! Hope it's going well and likewise you are finding Olaparib tolerable. Do keep me updated! Having said that it's Monday morning and I am playing catch-up at work so I might re-think working lol xx Kathy xx

[SuSue]

You are an inspiration to us all I too was diagnosed stage 3c in 2014 and have recently completed 5th line chemotherapy which I had partial response to. It’s always disappointing as you really want to hear no evidence of disease but realistically I know that’s not going to happen. I desperately want to go abroad but can’t get insurance part of me wants to risk it but sensible me always wins. It’s brilliant that you don’t let cancer define you as we all know how hard it is to battle with your demons. Carry on living life to the full and I think many of us will try and take a leaf out of your book

Lots of love & best wishes

Sue xx

[delia2 in reply to SuSue]

Hi Sue. I’m in the US so the insurance issue is different but I would encourage you to take a trip abroad. I went to Italy last March just after frontline and I wasn’t feeling really well yet but it lifted my spirits so much and still gives me joy to think about it. ❤️

[Crazycat13 in reply to SuSue]

Hi Sue. I’m with Delia on this. I’ve only travelled to Europe but even the insurance for that is prohibitively expensive. I choose to risk it. We book fairly short notice and always book accommodation where you can cancel for free up to the day before. The flight cost we risk. I’ve not had to miss one yet. I do feel a little vulnerable while away so we tend to go for no more than 4 nights. The risk is well worth it! Scotland, Wales and Ireland are also stunning if you don’t fancy risking “abroad”. They offer all the beauty while staying within the NHS. I hope you book something soon. Amy x

[jools53 in reply to SuSue]

Hi sue if you’re not been told your terminal aXapp travel insurance will cover you if you have a fit to fly from doctors , hope that helps xx

[Flamingobeef18 in reply to jools53]

Also the WI travel insurance is very reasonable for 12 months worldwide cover and there are no medical questions. So long as you have not been told you are terminal or not fit to travel it covers you for everything and costs under £200.

Juliax

[bluepeterella]

That's great! I am always wary of the 'cancer is a gift' approach and am completely utterly furious with cancer for the day to come when my now 12 year old daughter's heart will be shattered .... BUT still I have had my happiest days since my diagnosis. I've travelled more, appreciated more, loved more, been heard more, been less afraid and prioritised the small important things every minute of every day. All the best to you x

[Crazycat13 in reply to bluepeterella]

I agree, cancer is NOT a gift. But, there can be a lot of happiness and joy in life even with cancer. All the best to you too. Xxx

[Bobbyo1]

I too have stage 3 and five years on stopped chemo two years ago I to am living the life it's called sking (SPENDING KIDS INHERITANCE) I travelled been to my granddaughters wedding seen my granddaughter born have another great grandaughter on the way I am terminal could not have debulk operation but living the life and being positive making a scrape book of my journey so far my nephew calls me benefit fraud keep on living onwards and upwardsxx

[Crazycat13 in reply to Bobbyo1]

Loving the SKING! I call myself a drain on society as I also live off benefits. I often feel a fraud. My friends just roll their eyes now when I try to pull the “dying” card.

[SuziTench1]

Go girl , glad another member of the live today club fab .. PMT .. love it .. 😁😁😁😁🥇🥇🏋️‍♀️🥇🏋️‍♀️🥇🤣🤣

[Elfed]

I’m exactly the same as you, diagnosed may 2017, hubby and I gave up our jobs, got a motorhome and went traveling abroad as soon as the first lot of chemo was finished, came back for 3 month scan which meant more chemo, sold the motorhome and got a smaller campervan and travelled all over UK in between those chemo’s, had a great time. Wouldn’t have done any of it without cancer. After 3 lots of chemo and a parp, nothing seems to be working, so just about to go on a trial.

I enjoy every minute of my life, I could get run over by a bus tomorrow.

It’s not over till the fat lady sings and I ain’t singing yet 😁😁

[1916]

Hi lovely

Wow I like your attitude , I embrace life too , nobody is promised tomorrow . You are a Tonic to everyone.

Sending you my very best

Annxx

[kate56]

I've read post's on this site for years I applaud your bravery xx

[Artgreen]

What a brilliant perspective. It certainly makes life more intensely beautiful and every second matters now. Sending love xx

[Flamingobeef18 in reply to Artgreen]

Well said Artgreen! If you don’t mind I plan on pinching your “intensely beautiful “ line.

Juliax

[Lauren16]

Well done you. I was so happy reading your post. Long may your happy life continue.

I’m sorry you are having to continue to go through chemo but what a wonderful way to look at it. I looked at it the same way 6years ago, when I was diagnosed. Keep smiling, traveling and stay as well as you can, one day at a time. None of us know what tomorrow will bring, so enjoy every day that we are given.

Take care and continue enjoying.

Big big hugsx

[jools53]

Are you braca or non? And how are your scans! I’m at 5 yrs January and keep wondering when I will be terminal🙄 am I being stupid or what ? On parf now but not sure yet if it’s having a good effect as ca125 keeps rising😡 xx

[Heatherslade]

As Craig on Strictly would say, FAB U LOUS. That's the attitude to have most definitely. I am 3 years post chemo for OC grade 3c and think the same way. Great strides being made in research which is really encouraging too. Off to Australia shortly! xx

[avid]

I was diagnosed stage 3 in 2013. Just finished 2nd line treatment with only a partial response. Going onto a parp. My mantra is live for today as you can't change the past and nobody knows what the future holds. It is hard work sometimes but like you I scream at the uncertainty of this disease and what is coming next but then I know there are good times ahead as well as bad.

[tracys11]

Hi,i love your words go girl... I am too terminal was diagnosed feb 2015,surgery&5 lines

of various chemo,I laugh love and live,I know one day it will take over but in meantime I also love time with my family walking my dogs,meals out with friends,even flew to dubia to see my brother&family,I have taken the yolo in life, you only live once,so as you say enjoy every moment..... big hugs to you my fellow warrier xxx

I dont often write i just read daily posts with great interest,and yours remined me of me thankyou xxx

[Choosetodance]

I too was diagnosed with OC in 2014. I had surgery to remove three tumors and then 16 weeks of chemo .

Cancer free for 3 years and then ca125 began to go up to 45 ct showed two more tumors . Chemo again for 16 weeks . I then went on parp inhibitor (Rubraca ) for 10 months and out stopped working ! Now back on chemo but no Taxol only Carboplatin 1 x every third Tuesday. Almost done !! Have you had chemo more then once ? Really proud of you and I have tried to stay positive but this last chemo has played havoc with my white count and bone marrow so thinking of taking a break till it gets back to normal . Any suggestions? ❤️🙏