Hi everyone. I'd like to introduce myself. I'm Kerry, I was 37 when I was eventually diagnosed last year. I finished treatment (surgery and chemo) in February 2010. After treatment ended I was relieved on the one hand but on the other, I felt as though I'd been cast adrift in the ocean, with no prior nautical experience and not what you'd call seafaring legs!
My medical team were techinically excellent but there was no accompanying psychosocial or emotional support. The cancer diagnosis was a blow, the infertility devastating and the surgical menopause felt like the final cruel straw. All I wanted to do was talk to someone who had been in the same situation. At the same time I wanted to turn this nightmare into a series of positives. Thanks to Ovacome I'm here to share one of those positives, one I hope you'll embrace too.
We're often told that Ovarian Cancer is a disease of the more mature woman, but go online and you'll find ladies in their teens, twenties, thirties and early forties all needing practical and emotional support and advice. The needs of these women, many of whom have yet to start a family of their own, are slightly different. So with that in mind, Ovacome have agreed to launch a face to face Young Ovarian Cancer Support Network and it's success very much depends on us. Here's the official info:
*****Ovacome launch Young Ovarian Cancer Support Network*****
Ovacome the registerd charity and support network for ovarian cancer are aware of the specific need to support young women with a diagnosis and are arranging a Young Ovarian Cancer Support Network evening to address these needs. A diagnosis of ovarian cancer is in itself a challenge but due to the nature of cancer treatment many young women are also faced with an early onset menopause and infertility at an age when they are yet to start a family of their own.
An initial meeting will take place at the Central London offices of Ovacome 1st Floor, Butler House, 177-178 Tottenham Court Road, London W1T 7NY on Wednesday 19th January 2011 at 6 for 6:30 pm (and will run until 8/8:30pm). It is open to ladies with a diagnosis at age 45 or younger at any stage in their cancer journey.
The aim of the evening is to provide a support network for young women who have or have had ovarian cancer. It will be a chance to meet other young women who have faced a similar diagnosis and many of the same challenges; a place to exchange experiences, advice and support . It will be a friendly, informal meeting, led by an experienced Support Line Nurse. Tea and cakes will be provided!
We are also interested in hearing from ladies who are outside the London area as we are looking into the possibility of providing a conference call facility for all those scattered across the country who wish to join the network.
If the evening proves popular Ovacome would like to offer this service on a regular basis. Ideas for future meetings include informal talks by experts in HRT, adoption and surrogacy as well as reflexology, deep relaxation techniques and other complimentary holistic therapies.
Due to financial and practical limitations the future of the group very much depends on inital take up. Ovacome are only able to hold the meeting if at least 6 ladies put their names down to attend. So if this sounds like the haven you've been searching for contact Ruth Payne at Ovacome on 020 7299 6650 or email r.payne@ovacome.org.uk to register your interest and secure your place at the meeting.
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So come on ladies, jump aboard! Pop the 19th January firmly in your diaries and email Ruth today. Let's navigate this pesky raft together!
Land Ahoy!!
Kerry xx
Nominate Ovacome to win £5000 to fund support services for those affected by ovarian cancer 💙
World Ovarian Cancer Day: May 8th 2013
Ovarian cancer support group with guest speaker on bladder care
