Ovarian Cancer patient blogs her way thru treatment and life

Hissy_Fitz

I came across a blog that is maintained by an awesome OC survivor. Her name is Jayne. http://shoppingkharma.blogspot.com

Be forewarned, however, that this woman, who just turned 40, is fighting Recurrent Ovarian Cancer. She has had multiple recurrences, and many different types of therapy. She did Avastin quite some time ago and it was really hard on her intestines. Anyway, she does talk about end of life issues, plus she is very liberal, and some political commentary pops up now and then. Also some adult language. There is a disclaimer at the beginning, warning people that her blog is for adults only. I wasn't offended, but then, I'm not as easily offended as some "little old ladies" my age. In fact, I was more offended by Jayne's oft-repeated reference to age ("I have an old lady's disease," she says) than by her references to bodily functions. LOL

She has videos and pics that some people might find shocking - her stomach, for instance, after the 5 surgeries, including a pain pump that was implanted and two tumors that are currently being treated via radiation.

Jayne was given no more than 2 years to live, and probably much less. That was almost 8 years ago. Her will to live is amazing. She is over the top of the spunk-o-meter. To steal a phrase from an old John Wayne movie, this girl has true grit.

Back in January, she wrote:
Right now we are fighting doctors and home nurses about going on hospice care to prepare me to die. They don't want me to be on the IV fluids or even TPN for much longer; just prepare me for another month or so? This is so morbid; but as long as my heart is beating and I have this strong desire in my heart to live; I will live.

nancy591

she's been fortunate to have lengthy remissions thanks to a good response to chemo.

Hissy_Fitz

nancy591 said:

she's been fortunate to have lengthy remissions thanks to a good response to chemo.

I know her first remission
I know her first remission was 3 1/2 years, and the other was 15 months. You are right, Nancy - lengthy remissions and good response to chemo are what we all hope for.

They nicked the bowel trying to place her port, so she didn't get to do IP chemo. I think she has had 3 rounds of chemo, plus a lot of surgery and now radiation. I said 5 surgeries, but it's actually 7.

I sent her a message and a link to this board. I hope she joins us. She has a lot on her plate right now, though.

LPack

Hissy_Fitz said:

I know her first remission
I know her first remission was 3 1/2 years, and the other was 15 months. You are right, Nancy - lengthy remissions and good response to chemo are what we all hope for.

They nicked the bowel trying to place her port, so she didn't get to do IP chemo. I think she has had 3 rounds of chemo, plus a lot of surgery and now radiation. I said 5 surgeries, but it's actually 7.

I sent her a message and a link to this board. I hope she joins us. She has a lot on her plate right now, though.

key sometimes
That first remission of 3 1/2 years is great!!! Recurrence less than 6 months is a bummer!! ☺