We’re back at it with our 4th blog in our September blog series. We’re finishing the month strong with more positives, more negatives, more advice, more connection, and more hope. If you have been encouraged by our blog series this month or if you want to find more connection with Teal Diva, please reach out – we are sisterhood waiting for you!
(email erin@tealdiva.org to get connected)
A Positive : I’ve learned to cherish every minute and live life happy and with a smile.
A Negative : I realized just who my true friends were. Many don’t want to be bothered with you or don’t know what to say so they stay away.
A Bit of Advice: Stay positive, keep doing the things you enjoy, travel, play games, spend time with family and friends. Stay away from negative people. Never give up.
Dale, Ovarian Cancer Survivor
A Positive : Meeting other incredible women with a cancer diagnosis and gaining wisdom and strength from each one of them.
A Negative : Some friends and family have not stayed in touch with me.
A Bit of Advice: Educate yourself on your specific kind of cancer and get a second opinion. Trust your instinct on what kind of treatment is for you. Nurture the relationships that show you love and compassion and say goodbye to those that no longer serve you, no matter how difficult it may be. Find your tribe!
Joanne, Peritoneal Cancer Survivor
A Positive : I am now a volunteer at the cancer center where I had treatment giving back.
A Negative : Fear, every time I go to the doctor or have tests done.
A Bit of Advice: Take things one day at a time, one minute at a time.
Margaret, Ovarian Cancer Survivor
A Positive : The ability to slow down and appreciate the simple pleasures of life like walking my dog and feeling my feet in the grass while listening to the birds, being mindful and present without dwelling on the past nor worrying about the future.
A Negative : Navigating relationships especially as a young adult. People have come and gone (more have gone), but I’m thankful for the few who have stayed by my side from day one.
A Bit of Advice: My advice would be not to wait, and do whatever their heart desires now. Leave no opportunities wasted, tomorrow’s not promised to anyone.
Christina, Ovarian Cancer Survivor
A Positive : The one thing that has come out of my cancer diagnosis is a new found appreciate for life. All aspects of life!
A Negative : The one negative thing to come out of my diagnosis is a fear of dying and missing out on years of my children’s lives.
A Bit of Advice: Look for and read stories of hope and stay away from statistics. They are not accurate and honestly, they are just depressing. When those statistics are taken there is no accountability for age, underlying health conditions, treatments taken, etc. Your body is amazing and with a positive attitude and healthy diet you can live many years with cancer.
Tami, Ovarian Cancer Survivor
A Positive : Being a positive advocate to women for GYN/Ovarian cancer. Have had lots of friends and friends of friends reach out to me for questions. Being an influence to help anyone that gets the news they have cancer to bring some hope, ease their mind and make them feel better is the biggest positive impact for me.
A Negative : Not having anyone that really understood all the emotions that came with the C word. Teal Diva came many years after my treatment however that connection now is so powerful and I know I am not crazy with my thoughts.
A Bit of Advice: Have an advocate at your appointments-you won’t “hear” everything they are telling you. TAKE THE HELP. Believe me, I tried to be strong and do it all, found out real quick I couldn’t physically do it all. Me finally accepting/asking for help, whether it was putting clean sheets on my bed or filling up my gas tank. Anyway that made them feel involved and part of my care in someway.
Karla, Ovarian Cancer Survivor
A Positive : The little things became the important things. I acquired a deeper appreciation for things I once took for granted, such as a comfortable bed and a warm shower. As my physical strength returned, I became genuinely thankful for my ability to walk the neighborhood, climb the flight of stairs, complete a day of work, and participate in family activities. Daily life has a new sparkle.
A Negative : Surgically induced menopause turned me into a crazy woman. I hardly recognized myself! My husband began to avoid me and when we were in the same room, he tried not to speak with me for fear a maniacal me would appear. Eventually, we bridged that massive abyss with the help of medications and a commitment to our twenty-plus years of friendship. We really are best friends, again.
A Bit of Advice: Seek joy every day. Joy provides the spark that makes life’s journey happier.
Glenna, Ovarian Cancer Survivor
