No longer "The Silent Killer”

Ovarian cancer can no longer be called "The Silent Killer." Symptoms are often subtle, but they are not silent. Women with ovarian cancer DO have symptoms, even in the early stages.
Early symptoms of ovarian cancer often include abdominal bloating, pelvic or abdominal pain, trouble eating or feeling full quickly, and feeling the need to urinate urgently or often. Other symptoms of ovarian cancer can include fatigue, upset stomach or heartburn, back pain, pain during sex, and constipation or menstrual changes. As you can imagine, these symptoms can be caused by a variety of benign conditions, which is why ovarian cancer is often misdiagnosed in its early stages. After all, most women experience some of these symptoms at some point in their lives! The most important thing to keep in mind is that women should see their doctors if they experience these symptoms for longer than two weeks, and if any of these symptoms are new to them. Some other things to remember are a Pap test does not detect ovarian cancer, and there is currently no vaccine.
It is important for all of us to be persistent with our doctors about our health care. Keep the lines of communication open, and be sure to mention any unusual symptoms you may be experiencing. Don’t be afraid to talk about how you are feeling. Don’t be afraid to break the silence.

Daily Meditation

The LORD has done great things for us, And we are glad. Psalm 126:3

Reflections…

As an ovarian cancer survivor it took a long time for me to tell my story. Now it’s hard to get me not to talk about it. Not everyone is comfortable sharing their story. That is all good, I can get with that, and there are still some parts of my cancer experience that are too personal to share. Every survivor has a story. Just like being pregnant everyone's cancer experience is different, meds treat people differently, side effects are different, psychological and physical effects are different. Cancer can consume you if you let it, taking over your every thought and everything around you. I know the hold this disease can have over you, your friends, and your family. Some days I would feel like I could crawl inside myself and hide, like no one else in the world could possibly feel like I did. Some days I would go into work and try to hide being upset and think that my co workers would think "oh there goes cancer girl", upset over… (fill in the blank.) It’s said that a positive mental attitude can go a long way. And I agree. Get cancer, your life changes drastically. Values change. Friends change. Thoughts change. Long term plans change. The resentment is unbelievable – once you’ve had cancer YOURSELF, life is totally different. It almost seems like we ought to be able to just have a holiday. Take a long break. But of course we can’t. We (like everyone else) have to work. We have to pay bills. We have to deal with everyday ups and downs, highs and lows. But it’s hard, as we feel like our lives are short and WHY should we have to bother with these things? Meanwhile, back at the ranch I’ve found in life you always want a flawless ending. But I’ve learned the hard way, that some poems don’t rhyme and some stories don’t have a clear beginning, middle or end. Life is about not knowing, having to change, seizing the moment and making the best of it, without knowing what’s around the next corner... oh well that’s LIFE… the uncertainty of it all.


T.E.A.L
Take Early Action and Live

On this my "cancerversary"!

Never give up... never surrender… Four years now and cancer-free! Feeling great and looking forward to at least 60 more! Thanks to the many family and friends who supported me, prayed for me, and were just there for me. “Don’t pray it were easier, pray you were better. Don’t pray for fewer problems, pray for more skills. Don’t pray for fewer challenges, pray for more wisdom.”

Kim E.