Take Action | Ovarian Cancer National Alliance

Take Action Ovarian Cancer National Alliance

What Cancer Cannot Do

Cancer is so limited...
It cannot cripple love.
It cannot shatter hope.
It cannot corrode faith.
It cannot eat away peace.
It cannot destroy confidence.
It cannot kill friendship.
It cannot shut out memories.
It cannot silence courage.
It cannot reduce eternal life.
It cannot quench the Spirit.
             Author, Unknown

5yr Cancerversary

For the past several weeks, I thought about my approaching cancerversary with a combination of reverence, anxiety, grief, delight, and liberation. Sounds crazy, huh? Well welcome to my “new normal” the life of a cancer survivor. When you are a cancer survivor, you have this date engraved in your memory like you birthday, wedding day, September 11, the day Marvin Gaye died.  You'll never forget where you were or what you were doing when you heard the words, "You have cancer." For me that date is March 17, 2006, a kind of new birthday. My life as I knew it would never be the same again, no matter the outcome. I never planned on becoming an ovarian cancer survivor because, like most people, I never planned on having ovarian cancer. When you're a young woman, getting on with your life, cancer let alone ovarian cancer is the last thing on your mind.

Although this cancer journey has been long and some times frightening, along the way I have met many amazing women who I am proud to call sister-friends. Today I will spend time quietly remembering some of those women who didn't make it this far in their journey. We are all at different stages of our cancer journeys, but united in our desire to be there for each other through this rollercoaster ride our lives have now become. From the time I first heard the words "you have cancer", I have been surrounded with love and support. Support I am still humbled by today. From prayers, meals, cards, to those who would sit quietly with me in the chemo room...I have loved it all.

This year I have reached the quintessential 5-year mark where cancers survivors are considered “out of the woods”. (Whew) What helps me find meaning in all of this is a deep desire to give something back, to help others with a diagnosis of cancer. I have a story that needs to be shared so that others will not feel alone in their fight against cancer. So armed with the lessons I have learned from my cancer experience, I look to the future and vow to make the best life I can for myself and those I care about and in the process to hopefully touch the lives of others with some of the compassion and love I was given. The more I do, the more I want to do.

Happy 2011!

I love, love, love the start of a new year! It's something about getting a chance to set new goals/intentions and getting a chance to reflect on the previous year’s good, bad and ugly makes me feel fortunate! And a little self reflection is always good. So here are some of my goals/intentions for 2011 (in no particular order):
• Start an exercise program and stick with it.
• Eat healthier…more beans, greens and fruits.
• Read fifty good books.
• Give a little more of my time to….
You get the idea!

Happy Birthday to Me!!

I always think of birthdays as personal holidays, and I always take a vacation day from work - that's one of my birthday gifts to myself. Since my parents have both passed I am usually the one who celebrates my birthday telling every and anyone who will listen that “It’s my birthday!” and having cake or cupcakes. 
So HELL yeah I’m celebrating! I am another year older, wiser, and more grateful. So…today I’m going to be around people who matter to me, have some cake, maybe treat myself to a massage and a new pair of shoes or two or three who knows (tee hee hee)...It’s my birthday! It’s my birthday! 

Do I smell CAKE or Piece of Cake!!!

New To-Do List

• Sing.
• Smile at strangers.
• Keep learning.
• Notice kindness.
• Eat ice cream.
• Hope.
• Count my blessings.
• Laugh.
• Love.
• Love some more.

 

Happy Anniversary Honey!

I just wanted to let the world know what a wonderful husband I have. So….to my honey, Do you realize how much you mean to me? You always give so much of yourself unselfishly. You always care and always try to make things better. You came into my life at a time when I had given up on love and I thought all was lost. Honey, I love you exactly the way you are. You are my gift from God, and although our lives are not picture perfect, as no one’s is, I wouldn’t trade you for the world. I just want you to know I respect you greatly for the things you have accpmlished and the way you've chosen to live your life. I thank you for being the greatest man on this earth, and I thank God for giving you to me. You allow me to be me with no string attached. Your love strengthens me every day. You fill my heart with love. We have many years to look forward too. Whatever storm is upon us, we will weather it together with God and united in love. I love you, don’t ever forget that. Always know that your love for me gives me strengthen every day.

Advocacy

I was diagnosed with stage IIa ovarian cancer in March 2006. After the fog cleared and I began adjusting to my new life-- as an ovarian cancer survivor --in my opinion you are always a survivor. I began to look for ways to deal with the new me. Advocacy has given me a tool to continue fighting this disease, not only for me but for those who are fighting, those who have lost their battles and women who may be at risk.

Speaking out works - by getting involved, breast cancer survivors have increased funding for breast cancer that has led to new treatments and tests that are saving more lives than ever before. We are doing the same for ovarian cancer. As advocates for ovarian cancer we are educating women about ovarian cancer, changing public policy, and making a difference!

Through this thing called ovarian cancer I have had the opportunity to meet and become friends with some of the most courageous and impressive women on the face of this earth. Learn the risks and symptoms of ovarian cancer.