Things that have helped me

[Differentforgirls]

Hello lovely Teal ladies.

I’ve not long seen another has gained her Teal wings which saddens me but also made me think if I can help just one of you with something that has helped me, it will be comforting.

I was diagnosed with stage 3b High Grade Serous Epithelial Ovarian Cancer in February 2018. Had debulking surgery twice ( Feb 2018 & Jan 2020 - the latter with the most amazing Prof CF at Hammersmith - lucky me). I’ve had 2 lines of chemo following both surgeries ( frontline Taxol/Carbo, second line Carbo only). Started 300 mg Niraparib end June 2020. Has dose reduced to 200mg ( due to extreme side effects - more vomiting than any of my chemo), then reduced to 100mg which is much more tolerable & still on it.

Things I’ve learned along the way...

1. Try to take one day at a time - not always easy especially when you’re having a bad day or awaiting scan/test results.

2. Positivity isn’t always being optimistic but allowing yourself to feel the way you feel & releasing emotion when necessary.

3. I heard one Brazil nut a day contains enough selenium for the recommended daily allowance. Selenium helps with oxidative stress which can cause all sorts of ailments. I take one everyday hoping this will help while living with cancer.

4. On days I feel well, I make the most of them. Be with people I love. Do things I love & make special memories. Covid permitting!

5. I love giving random acts of kindness - the joy it brings to strangers when handing out bunches of daffodils, chocolate bars etc is heart warming.

6. The nationwide ( uk) Macmillan run HOPE course really helped my mental state. Luckily I attended one way before Covid but heard they have been doing them online. I really recommend it.

7. I also recommend you read this article

‘After the treatment finishes, then what’ by Dr Peter Harvey ( google it) .

I struggled more mentally after frontline chemo finished. A good friend ( who happens to be a breast cancer nurse specialist) told me about this when she found me in tears often. It resonated with me & gave much comfort.

8. Take all the support offered to you from friends & family - it’s hard to be the one receiving but they will want to help in any way they can ( it helps them too).

9. Be kind to yourself - you’ve been through a lot .

Take good care & wishing each & every one of you all the best.

Much love Lynne xxx

[Lizzieanne]

A lovely post, thank you

[Differentforgirls in reply to Lizzieanne]

🥰

[Cumbrianlass5]

Thank you for sharing such a heartwarming and positive post x

[Differentforgirls in reply to Cumbrianlass5]

😘

[Jenjill47]

Thank you Lynne for the link to Dr Harvey. He is so realist and reassuring in that I'm not alone in this. I have forwarded it on to my husband and children, who by the way are very supportive - but it will give them more insight into what I'm dealing with.

Big hugs,

Jill from Waaaaay Downunder!

[Differentforgirls in reply to Jenjill47]

So happy to hear this has helped you & your family xx

[Lockygill]

This has helped me a lot. Thank you for putting things into words for me x

[Differentforgirls in reply to Lockygill]

So pleased this post is helping you xx

[Nicky100]

This is a lovely post thank you xxx