Anticipatory grief.

[Levanah]

Hello everyone.

I’m sharing a podcast that I was a guest on recently. I was speaking about anticipatory grief and what it’s like to live with a life limiting disease. You might be interested in listening at some point so I thought I’d share it for you.

***** I talk very openly so if you think that this subject is too upsetting for you, maybe now is not the right time for you to listen. ***

If you do listen , let me know what your thoughts are.

Much love to each and every one of you xx

Ps I was nervous and I spotted a few mistakes /misuse of words when I listened to it. I also struggled to find words at times 😩

karensutton.co.uk/podcasts/...

[Jud15]

Hi Diane, I thought the podcast was really helpful, but recognise it might not be the right time for some group members. I come from a primary care, DN, background when we were much more closely involved in direct care so much you reflect on professionally really resonated with me. Also that tension between the patient and professional role in dealing with our OC. Thank you so much for this. Judith

[Levanah in reply to Jud15]

Thank you so much Judith. We become professional patievts don’t we, in many ways? Sometimes I feel it’s a blessing to have all this knowledge, sometimes it’s such a burden. I bet you feel similar . Thank you for listening to the podcast. I really appreciate it lovely. Take care … hope you are doing ok xxx

[Jud15 in reply to Levanah]

Yes, sometimes it is a burden. End of second line chemo scan results Monday.

[Hidden]

I love listening to your podcast & you talking! Looking forward to listening to this!

[Levanah in reply to Hidden]

Thank you so much. I hope you find the podcast episode useful. I tried to be very open and honest but I know how much that this subject affects people. Much love to you, Diane xx

[delia2]

I really loved the podcast. I for one have a need to think about dying and talk about it. I find facing it to be a relief rather than depressing. I know most other cancer patients don’t seem to feel that way. I’m 73 and realize it’s much different for younger women with children at home. This isn’t the destiny I would have chosen, but it is what it is. I feel grateful that a PARP inhibitor has given me two years So far that have exceeded my expectations. Thank you for your honesty and openness.

[Levanah in reply to delia2]

Thank you so much for listening to the podcast episode. Death is something that will happen to us all at some point but you’re right… it is so different for younger people facing this. Nevertheless , it’s still something that is best faced head on. If you need someone to talk to , don’t forget that Ovacome are always there and happy to be a sounding board . It’s hard sometimes to know how to have these difficult conversations with loved ones. Hope you keep well on the PARPi .. Stay in touch xx Much love Diane xxx

[Sashay2020]

Diane, I have enjoyed listening to your podcasts. I also listened to your comments on the Sutton podcast. I know it wasn’t an easy conversation to have, but listening helped me because I feel much the same as you. I’m 71 with stage four OC. I too find myself in a slump from time to time. I only have one friend that I can discuss death with. I have one friend who keeps insisting that I will “be fine.” It drives me bonkers. I guess I will have to plan my little memorial service alone. But at least now I know I’m not the only one. Thank you and all the best to you. Sashay

[Levanah in reply to Sashay2020]

Aww thank you Sashay. I’m so glad that you resonated with what I spoke about. It’s so important to share what it’s like to be navigating death in life. I know it’s a difficult subject but it’s one we all face at some point in our lives. I hope you stay well and that you get the chance to plan ahead to achieve what you would like. You are never alone. Ovacome are brilliant are helping talk through this subject so keep them in mind as they might be helpful to you. Much love … stay in touch xx Diane xx

[thejoannabell]

Thank you for sharing. While thoughts about death are always floating around somewhere in my head, sometimes in the background, sometimes in the forefront, it is sometimes easier for family and friends to see you looking well and put it out of mind completely. It can be a lonely place.