My mother Irina

[RomanZ]

Hi all,

My name is Roman and I'm from Melbourne Australia.

I haven't posted much but have followed the forum since my mum being diagnosed with stage 3 high grade serious ovarian cancer in 2017. I think I've read every post since joining and feel as though I know many of the ladies on here. I can't tell you enough how brave you all are and what an impact you've had on my life.

In 4.5 years my mum had 4 lines of chemo, 4 surgeries, olaparib, niraparib, avastin, letrozole and cyclophosphomide. Ive never seen anyone battle as hard as she did. I would have given up anything to take some of her pain.

Unfortunately today on the 17th of August my mum lost her battle. The past three months have been the most difficult with constant pain, bowel obstructions and fatigue. We took her home three weeks ago and she celebrated her 63rd birthday whilst in palliative care. There was absolutely no way we were going to let her go in a hospital or a hospice. We provided her with round the clock care whilst she was at home and she had someone with her every second of every day. I couldn't stand the thought of my mum being alone for a single second.

I can't believe how lucky I was to have a mother like her. She will always be a part of me and I'll always live life as though she's watching everything I do.

Not exactly sure why I'm making this post but felt as though I needed to say something after being on here for so long.

Throughout this journey ive spent countless hours researching and i wanted to let everyone know that there is a massive pipeline of new drugs entering early phase trials or close to receiving various regulatory approvals. The pipeline for cancer drugs is huge and I have no doubt this will translate to better results for women with OC. In the past five years, there has been a tremendous amount of progress. From the approval or olaparib, niraparib, rucaparib and avastin. There are many early phase trials looking at new treatments such as Wee1 inhibitors, CTLA4 inhibitors, personalised vaccines, targeted drugs such as mirvatuximab and VBL 111. My guess is that there should be at least two new drugs available within the next 12 - 24 months (mirv and vbl 111 which are both in third phase trials and have had encouraging preliminary results).

The next challenge for our family is to farewell my mother. We had 10 new covid cases yesterday means Victoria is in a complete lock down with a curfew. There are only 10 people allowed at the funeral.

Thank you for taking the time to read my post.

Feel free to message me if you have questions about my mum's treatment or what I would do differently if we had to do it all over again.

All the best and take care.

Roman

[Lyndy]

Hello RomanI am so sorry to hear about your Mum. She was clearly a fighter and she had you on her side ❤️

It is awful that Covid means people can’t come together to celebrate someone who has died as they should be able to but I am sure you will carry your Mum’s memory with you. Hopefully they will be mostly the good memories of the great times you had together xx

[Differentforgirls]

Bless your heart. I’m sure your mum would’ve found comfort in the amazing support from all. Sorry for your loss. Sounds like you’ve been absolutely incredible.

Thank you for sharing all your research into the trials/treatments - hoping these will be the cure we all hope for. If not us, then generations to come.

Some very good friends of mine live in your area. I visited at the end of 2017 ( just before I was diagnosed). Such a stunning area. Just 10 at the funeral sounds pants. My friend’s Dad had his funeral during lockdown & she has decided she’s going to have a full on memorial for him when she can (UK) My sis in law couldn’t even attend her Dad’s funeral last year ( it was in Ireland). Such tough times.

You take very good care please.

Lynne

[SASSY196]

I'm so very sorry to hear that you have lost your lovely and strong mother to this awful disease. I know you shouldn't think of death as special but my goodness what special and wonderful care you gave her, to be cared for by family and friends in those last week's and days must I am sure bring great comfort and relief. You are clearly a fabulous daughter and family. I am sorry the funeral is so restricted and as Lynne said hope that you can find a way to have a memorial service or other celebration.

Thankyou for the lovely words and offer of support.

Sara xxxxxxxxxxxx

[Katmal-UK]

Hi Roman. Im so sorry to read the loss of yr mum. Its hard I know from experience but as you say yr mum will always be part of you. Treasure the happy memories. Big hug. Xx

[Tulips66]

Hi Roman, I am so sorry to read that you have lossed your mam to this dreaded disease. Unfortunately your mum is the second lady on here to lose their battle this week. It sounds like your mum was a very strong lady who fought to the very end. I am glad you were able to have her at home with you. Thank you for sharing all the information with us & hopefully that a cure for ovarian cancer is not too far away. Thinking of you & your family X

[NotThatGirl]

Roman, I am so terribly sorry to hear about the passing of your mum. She was clearly beloved and it sounds like she was an absolute warrior. Please take comfort in the fact that your mum will always be a part of you. Sending you love and light. xx

[Lind58]

Thinking of you 🙏🏽🙏🏽❤️

[Realistic]

Hello Roman, so sorry for the loss of your darling Mum but marvellous that she had your support throughout her journey. Thank you for your support for us all and yes l do believe they will find a cure please god. Keep your Mum in your heart she will never leave you. God bless and keep strong sending love SheilaFxxx

[Trickysite]

How wonderful of you to provide such loving support to your mother, which must have been an enormous comfort to her, and also at this time to extend such a comfort to us by sharing your knowledge of new drugs in the pipeline.I had not heard of any of them and your post means so much to all of us.

[Heart12345]

Hi Roman, I’m so sad to hear about your mum, but as a mum myself I know she would be super proud of how you have been so supportive. She sounds like a lovely lady and a real warrior.

It’s really kind of you at this difficult time to think of us all as well and share what’s in the pipeline for the battle with OC.

Please look after yourself and keep an eye on your health, I’m sure your mum would want you too.

May your heart be full of all the lovely times with your wonderful Mum❤️

[SUE7777]

Dear Roman I’m so sorry you lost your wonderful Mum and thank you for taking the time to update us. Take care and all the very best. Sue xx

[Cumbrianlass5]

So very very sorry to hear of the loss of her mum. Deepest sympathies to you all x

[Jenjill47]

Dear Roman, from one Aussie to another, my heart is with you. You have been a wonderful daughter. Thank you for your research. It must be hard with lock down in Victoria. My 99 year old Dad is there and I haven't seen him for 18 months. Thankfully you have even able to spend those last precious years with your Mum. Jillxxx🐨

[RoseMS]

Dear Roman, thank you for letting us know here of your mothers passing. I admire you very much for posting this and also for your knowledge you have gained and shared in regard to cancer treatments. My best regards to you and your family, your mother was so obviously loved. RoseM

[Millie-c]

So sorry to hear this Roman. Sending a big hug over to you and your family. Xxxx

[MarleyZ]

Sorry for your loss Roman, your mum was a real fighter battling this disease.

[Cropcrop]

Hi Roman, thank you for letting us know about the journey your family have been on. I’m so very sorry for the loss of your mum but the knowledge she was surrounded by the her loved ones and was never alone as she took her final steps will hopefully bring you some comfort in time.

It is sad that Covid has meant a really small funeral but I hope you will all be able to gather again in time to celebrate her life and the joy she brought to you all.

Stay safe during the pandemic lovely ❤️Xx Jane

[Nus38]

Hello Roman

I am so sorry to hear about your mum passing away, my heartfelt condolences to you and the rest of the family.

Your mum was very lucky to have you and you to have her. To be with your loved ones in your final days and to be cared by them is a special thing indeed.

Thank you for your post and knowledge shared within it.

I am really sorry to hear that your mums funeral will be restricted to 10 people only, Covid has really made life very difficult for all of us. Hopefully you will be able to broadcast it on the internet so your mums loved ones can be part of it. My best friend died last year from cancer and I couldnt attend the funeral due to my own illness. Being able to watch her funeral and having my speech read out gave me some comfort.

Best wishes

Nus

[Bluebaby1]

So sorry to hear your Mum has passed away. She must have really been comforted by your help and kindness during her battle with this disease. This forum is a valuable place to read all the uplifting stories and advice as well as the very sad.Condolences to you, your family and friends. 🦋❤️ From another Aussie.

[Casamimosa]

So sorry for your news, your mum was a fighter with a family so determined to help her. Your farewell will be difficult especially with the restrictions but you know you did your very best for her, God bless and love and hugs to you all.

[delia2]

Thank you for sharing your mom’s story. You sound like a wonderful daughter and I know she left this world feeling much loved. That’s a great gift. Xx

[Django123]

I'm so sorry to read this sad news. Your mother was fortunate to have such a devoted son. Blessings to you and your family. --Lani

[Lizzieanne]

A very beautiful post and tribute to your lovely mum. My condolences. Xxx

[Mossey]

🙏💖

[Jannibags]

So sorry for your loss😢

[MOOKIE-FOX1234]

So sorry about the loss of your mum , good for you and your family that you took such loving care of her !! My oncologist keeps telling me that the field of oncology is moving so fast and it's reassuring to know that new treatments are in the pipeline.

I hope that includes new diagnostic tools for ovarian cancer which will lead to earlier detection and save more lives .

I hope the happy times that you had with mum will comfort you .

XX