We know that a cancer diagnosis can bring on so many emotions. The first emotion we think of is the negative emotion, but we do try to do our best to see the good in everywhere we look. We have gathered another group of survivors to share, with you, some positive moments, some negative moments, and some advice. We hope this offers you a connection – you are not alone in this fight, we are right beside you, fighting for you and fighting with you.
A Positive : Meeting wonderful women who have battled this cancer.
A Negative : How many women I have loved and lost.
A Bit of Advice: Stay positive. Hope is stronger than fear. Knowledge is power.
-Janice, Ovarian Cancer Survivor
A Positive : Close relationships I’ve made with others in our community. I have met the most amazing women. We have taken turns supporting one another, in celebration of milestones, and holding space for each other during heartbreak.
A Negative : Dealing with cancer as a chronic illness. I know I have overcome so much: multiple recurrences, surgeries, chemotherapy, radiation, losing organs, etc., but each step has aged me biologically. I’m still navigating through life with permanent changes to my body.
A Bit of Advice: There will be good days and bad days. Enjoy the good ones doing the things you love, with the people you love. On the tough ones, honor your body and your feelings. Just remember that better days are ahead and you can lean into our community.
-Mai Linh, Ovarian Cancer Survivor
A Positive : I learned to say ‘no’.
A Negative : Giving up work as an RN that I loved.
A Bit of Advice: Be your own best advocate. Keep a journal of treatment and research, private thoughts.
-Sarah, Peritoneal Cancer Survivor
A Positive : I have developed a deeper appreciation for the present moment and I have met people and gained sisters that I may not have met otherwise.
A Negative : The rapid progression of menopause and other medical residuals from treatment.
A Bit of Advice: The best advice I can give someone is to keep a positive attitude and surround yourself with positive people that can see you and NOT the diagnosis.
-Sharkea, Ovarian Cancer Survivor
A Positive : I no longer relentlessly try to manage the future.
A Negative : Loss of a robust sex life.
A Bit of Advice: Allow your brain to focus and, your body will follow.
-Chris, Fallopian Tube Cancer Survivor
A Positive : I knew I had to fight because my mom was dead, no sweet ovarian cancer. So I knew for me, the most positive thing is to fight and don’t give up.
A Negative : When I lost all of my hair.
A Bit of Advice: Find your biggest supporters. My family was my support from the beginning to the end. They were there every step of the way they did not miss a beat. I made sure I did all the things that the doctor told me to do. I knew I had to fight for my life. I wanted to be here to see my daughter graduate from high school.
-Monica, Ovarian Cancer Survivor
A Positive : I was diagnosed with cancer the day after my son was born. My son is now 18 months old and is healthy! My biggest concern was/is him and to ensure he was healthy and the cancer had not impacted him. I am thankful for everyday, it is a gift!
A Negative : My circle became smaller. I learned who friends were there to support me fully. Sometimes friendships last for a season and seeing those friends who have stuck by myself has been incredible.
A Bit of Advice: Fight! The statistics are overwhelming. Please know that every person is unique and there is no expiration date for anyone. Take it all one day at a time.
-Amanda, Ovarian Cancer Survivor
