There is still HOPE

[yo207]

It has been a long time since I posted. First, I want say that I am an 11 year survivor having been diagnosed with Stage 3c ovarian cancer. I’ve had multiple recurrences and I am currently dealing with my seventh. I remember frantically looking for survival stories just to see how much time I had after my diagnosis. What I really want to report is that I took matters into my own hands and went to MDAnderson in Houston for a second opinion this time. I saw a touching story on World News Tonight about a woman who was first told to get her affairs in order when she was diagnosed with anal sarcoma. She went to MDANDERSON and at age 70 is now in total remission AND, she got married and her oncologist and radiation specialist gave her away. Please Google that story.

I just wanted to make sure that Memorial Sloan in NYC was doing everything possible for me. Well, I just found out that I am eligible for a new clinical trial called Ideaya - PARG for BRACA positive patients! I also want to say that the treatment I received at MDANDERSON was superb! From the first phone until I saw the Director of all clinical trials in the US, Dr. Timothy Yap, I was in shock about the professional and humane treatment I received. I didn’t wait two hours just to see the oncologist. My bloodwork took a total of FOUR minutes from sign in to its completion. I am actually willing to commute from New York to Houston to participate in this clinical trial. I’m 59 years old, just in case.

What I want to say is that we all need to advocate for ourselves. This is our lives, our families and our health. Please ask more questions and do t stop fighting. I never thought I would live past two years after my diagnosis. God Bless you all!

[Lyndy]

Fantastic yo207! Just what I needed to hear as I am lying on the sofa recovering from latest chemo and hoping that there’s some future to look forward to ❤️

[yo207 in reply to Lyndy]

You’re welcome. I’m glad my post was helpful. I know how this disease plays with your mental health and your mental health is the front line in this war. We can’t give up! 🕯️🙏❤️

[0462County]

Thank you, you give me hope. I am Stage 2b Grade 3 High Grade.

Love and hugs Beth x

[yo207 in reply to 0462County]

You’re welcome Beth. Keep fighting! There is Hope. God Bless you! 🙏🕯️

[yo207]

You’re welcome Bobbylynn! I never thought I could do it again after my first round of chemo. I was bedridden and useless. It took me five days to just get out of bed back then. Although I told my then oncologist about my symptoms, I complained to one of my nurses and she asked my new oncologist to give me more steroids so I could function. I am learning to speak up because if we have to go through this, we shouldn’t have to suffer anymore than we already do. Happy to offer any form of positivity to my fellow fighters! Be well.

[Morini]

So positive to hear that you can survive with recurrences. I do hope the trial works out well for you. And thank you for being a oarticipant, these trials can change the treatment of OC and benefit us all x

[Realistic]

Absolutely fantastic, keep doing what your doing and most of all spread your story to give inspiration to the newbies. Im 6 years into the journey . God bless you all and l agree with all theComments about ask questions get 2nd opinions if necessary stay positive and may your outlook always be bright & positive. I think your marvellous and very inspirational long may it continue love & hugs SheilaFxxx

[yo207 in reply to Realistic]

Thank Sheila! I truly appreciate your kind words. We must fight together! God Blesd You! Stay strong. 🕯️🙏🥊

[SopSinger]

Great news! Hope the trial gives you many more years.

[yo207 in reply to SopSinger]

Thank you!🙏🕯️

[Katmal-UK]

Such a great post to read. I’m a 16 year survivor, now aged 64. Diagnosed 3b HGS BRAC2 in Oct 2007 and told I had 2 years. I’ve had 2 recurrences, been on 3 clinical trials (am still on the third) and currently 10 years 1 month NED. There is always hope while yr alive and breathing. The fight goes on! I wish you all the very best.

[yo207 in reply to Katmal-UK]

Thank you so very much! Congratulations to you too! 🙏🕯️

[ZenaJ]

Fantastic news. Long may it last. xx

[Frenchhouse3]

Hi yo207,

Thank you for sharing your inspirational and uplifting news!

I’m sure with your positive outlook you’ll fly through this new trial! Wishing you all the very best!

Denise xxxxx

[yo207 in reply to Frenchhouse3]

Thank you Denise! I truly appreciate your post. God willing!❤️🙏

You keep it up too.

[Goodgirl98]

Really inspired by reading your story. Thanks for sharing. Wishing you the best for the trial.

[yo207 in reply to Goodgirl98]

I’m so glad to hear that. We have to help each other. God Bless you! 🙏👍

[NewtonEmma1900]

Thank you fir sharing your very positive story. 😀🙏

[Trickysite]

We love you and your emails, yo207 and Katmal, and salute your courage and how you continue to give all us Tealers hope! Emma xx

[yo207 in reply to Trickysite]

Thank you Emma! I hope my post helps others continue to fight for themselves also. Keep the Faith! 🙏❤️

[Leniko]

Dear Yo- I am a 15 year recurrent OVCA cancer survivor. I too am treated at MSK, but have often thought of going to MDA for their opinion. Thanks for encouraging me to move forward.

[yo207 in reply to Leniko]

Dear Leniko,

I just found out about MDAnderson. When I tell you it is night and day, I mean it. I love my nurses and have become very familiar with most of the staff on the 6th floor but this is my life. I had to give it a shot and I’m so glad I did. If I can give you anymore information, please let me know. I referred myself!

God Bless you and I hope my post leads you to new hope. 🙏❤️🕯️

[Leniko in reply to yo207]

Thank you!

[Saintgermain]

Congrats to you as I'm going into my 1st recurrence, we must be our own advocate I am on board with the treatment plan but got a second opinion at Mayo confirming the drug cocktail I will probably follow up with either MD Anderson or Dana Farber for a maintenance consultation. What a wonderful story that her Doctor's gave her away. You are an inspiration to us all

[yo207 in reply to Saintgermain]

That is great news. Yes, keep seeking answers. Even if they are doing everything they can, it helps to hear that from a second set of eyes.

Yes, I am attempting to contact her to tell her how her story inspired me to make this decision. Thank you. You be well. Keep up the fight. 🙏❤️🕯️

[Carpediem68]

Congratulations on 11 years! It really is so important to hear these stories as it helps us all cling on to much needed hope. Do you mind if I ask what type of ovarian cancer you have and also what lines of treatment you have had for your recurrences? I was told by oncologist that treatment usually stops working which was very disheartening to hear ....

Here's to many more years of beating this disease! Thank you for sharing xx

[Leniko in reply to Carpediem68]

I am a 15 year survivor and have fought back the beast w chemo, radiation, Avastin (kept it at bay for a Long time).

[Carpediem68 in reply to Leniko]

Congratulatios on 15 years! Great to hear Avastin worked so well for you. I had it for one year with Olaparib and am now on Olaparib alone. Fingers crossed it will all work x

[Leniko in reply to Carpediem68]

🙏❤️

[yo207 in reply to Leniko]

That is great news. Gives us all hope,

[Newbery3]

Inspirational 🫶 a true fighter!!! Thanks for sharing xx

[Pianoplayer731021]

Thankyou for sharing your story. Sending my best wishes that your trial will be successful and you enjoy many more years. Blessings, Donna

[yo207 in reply to Pianoplayer731021]

Dear Donna,

Thank you! Anything that helps keeps us all fighting! God Bless!

[AuntyOrange]

Thankyou yo207. Always love hearing good stories but embrace the 'not so good' with love too. A positive attitude gets us through living with our disease & dying with dignity. I'm an 8-9 year survivor with 2 recurrences & 1 year NED. Avastin seems to be doing it's job but I'm always prepared for another fight. I'm 72 soon & I'm hoping to live as long as my mum who is currently 95. Shows how positive I am. Hahaha. Love all you amazing sisters. xxxx

[yo207 in reply to AuntyOrange]

Dear AuntyOrange,

Thank you for sharing. I am inspired by you! God Willing! Keep up the fight! 🙏❤️🕯️

[Betti99]

Thank you for sharing your inspirational story! You give us all hope for healing and remission. So happy for you!

[yo207 in reply to Betti99]

Thank you very much. I know how important having Hope is in this battle.

God Bless You!🕯️

[Driebergen]

Thank you very much! This is exactly what I needed to hear!❤️