Emotional Roller Coaster

DeannaSTL
DeannaSTL Member Posts: 4
in Ovarian Cancer #1

I don't know where to start but I guess with alittle history - I was 38 years old when I was diagnosed with Ovarian Cancer in stage 3b.  I found out December 23, 2008 and I had surgery December 28, 2008.  It took forever to get diagnosed because of the insurance company.  By the grace of God, my doctors kept pushing for the necessary test.  My ovaries were the size of a basketball when they were removed.  I endured 6 rounds of chemo and got a clean bill of health.  Then in September 2011 it was back again with avengence.  I started chemo again.  Over the past 30 months, I have been on 6 different kinds of chemo.  Needless to say it's been hell at times.  But I must say for the most part I have been lucky as far as side effects go.  I have continued to work full time and raise my kids.  I have never been one to want sympathy or want pity.  I have always taken the position that cancer is apart of my life it is not my life.  I have a wonderul support structure and I couldn't ask any of them to be there anymore for me than they are already are.  One of the hardest parts about having cancer for me is watching the effect it has on those that I care about.  As strong as I am and I would never burden them with this - for some reason over the last 6 months I have become very emotional and feel I need to talk to someone about how I am feeling.

I would really like to find someone who has or is going through this journey to talk to.  I don't know if this is related to the cancer or something else.  Like I said I have great friends and family but I would never let them know how I am feeling right now.  Yes they would understand and be there for me but I just can't bring myself to do it.

Has anyone ever attended a support meeting?  What are they like?  I am open to any advice.

 

Thanks for listening.

 

 

Comments

  • Alexandra
    Alexandra Member Posts: 1,308
    #2
    Welcome to CSN Deanna

    Internet boards like CSN (or Inspire, or SmartPatients, or CancerCompass) is a great way to meet and share with patients and survivors. There are several closed Ovarian cancer groups on Facebook (The Teal Warriors and Sisterhood of Ovarian Cancer Survivors). Probably there are face-to-face local support groups in your area. There is no shame in asking for help from an onco-psychologist.

    Personally I don't go to support groups and only have seen a psychologist once long time ago. It's not for me. I enjoy talking on CSN and made many good friends here. Women on Ovarian, Uterine, Peritoneal, Breast Cancer boards are very supportive and compassionate; most times you can get feedback within minutes. You can search previous posts, click on user's picture to read their profile, send and receive private messages, start your own threads and reply to others. You can start a blog or post Expressions (pictures, stories, music). There is a chat function, but it's usually deserted.

    To introduce myself - 46 years old, in Canada; diagnosed with OvCa 3C in May 2012, BRCA1+, hysterectomy, 7 chemos, was in remission for 9 months, 5 months into my 1st recurrence, no treatment.

    Best wishes and hugs,

    Alexandra

  • lovesanimals
    lovesanimals Member Posts: 1,366 Member
    #3
    Alexandra said:

    Welcome to CSN Deanna

    Internet boards like CSN (or Inspire, or SmartPatients, or CancerCompass) is a great way to meet and share with patients and survivors. There are several closed Ovarian cancer groups on Facebook (The Teal Warriors and Sisterhood of Ovarian Cancer Survivors). Probably there are face-to-face local support groups in your area. There is no shame in asking for help from an onco-psychologist.

    Personally I don't go to support groups and only have seen a psychologist once long time ago. It's not for me. I enjoy talking on CSN and made many good friends here. Women on Ovarian, Uterine, Peritoneal, Breast Cancer boards are very supportive and compassionate; most times you can get feedback within minutes. You can search previous posts, click on user's picture to read their profile, send and receive private messages, start your own threads and reply to others. You can start a blog or post Expressions (pictures, stories, music). There is a chat function, but it's usually deserted.

    To introduce myself - 46 years old, in Canada; diagnosed with OvCa 3C in May 2012, BRCA1+, hysterectomy, 7 chemos, was in remission for 9 months, 5 months into my 1st recurrence, no treatment.

    Best wishes and hugs,

    Alexandra

    Hi Deanna

    I'm so sorry you've had a recurrence but you've come to the right place for information and support.  I myself have never attended any face-to-face support groups but I believe that other women on this board do particpate.  If you are interested in learning about support groups in your area, the American Cancer Society should be able to help or other organizations such as the Ovarian Cancer National Alliance or your oncologist may have some information.  I know what you mean about not wanting to burden your family and friends, also because they don't "get it" the same way that another cancer survivor gets it and understands what you are going through.

    Best wishes to you,

    Kelly

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