I’m never sure what date you "celebrate" a cancerversary – the day you first saw a doctor, the day you saw the oncologist or the day of your surgery? Since we were pretty sure those grapefruit sized tumors were ovarian cancer, I’ll go with the day I saw my oncologist.
Looking at calendar I realized that my next doctor appointment and chemo treatment (March 6, 2023) is five years and one day after first meeting my GYN oncologist. The day that changed the trajectory of my life. The confidence this smart, articulate and fierce doctor imparted to me that first day has helped me navigate this disease.
Five years of appointments, three surgeries, three chemo treatment cycles, and two different oral drugs. Four of the five years in treatment...I got one year off for good behavior! The constant has been the care and compassion shown by my doctor and her nurses. After five years, they are more than my care team, they are like family. They are my cheerleaders! I remember those early days when I knew nothing about handling the side-effects of chemo. Their calm demeanor and expert advice helped tremendously. Now we chat more about family, vacations and fun stuff!
It was because of my doctor’s suggestion that I began speaking to future medical professionals on the symptoms of ovarian cancer (OCRA’s STS program.) This opened up a new fellowship of brave and vibrant survivors that I am honored to call my "Sisu" sisters. Sisu is a Finnish term translated into English as strength of will, determination, perseverance, and acting rationally in the face of adversity. Sisu is not momentary courage, but the ability to sustain that courage. Yep, that sums up these wonderful women!
When I look back at the past five years, there are tough times, puking like I was in the Exorcist movie is a vivid memory not easily forgotten. But what bubbles up in my mind is all of the wonderful support I have received, and those nuggets of joy scattered along the path. Steve is amazing and just rolls with the punches, knowing smelly food is a no-no post chemo, walks in the woods calm me down, and enjoying the little things mean the most. The kids are always ready to lend a hand, making me laugh with silly snap chats, driving to appointments, checking in with long-distance chats, and making holidays special. And my sisters are so supportive, encouraging me at every step. I am thankful for my many awesome friends. Friendships from decades past and newer friendships that have blossomed the past few years. These angels often surprise me with unexpected cards, messages and gifts that always seem to come at the most opportune times.
The past five years have also included many adventures! My trip to Cambodia and Vietnam, South Korea for Mike and Sangah’s wedding, and Peru with "A Fresh Chapter." Time spent in the PNW with my mom, sisters and my side trip to see Portland friends, the once in a lifetime trip to the Grand Hotel at Mackinac Island, attending "Camp-Mak-A-Dream" in Montana, and our Alaska fishing vacation. And I can’t forget the magical time spent on my kayak, hiking and yoga with my friends, and solo hikes sauntering in the woods. The Zumba and Tai Chi classes from our local cancer support community makes me smile (and sparkle) and the craft events with OCRA brings creativity into my life.
Yes, the past five years have had many ups and downs, challenges and triumphs. I am learning to take each day as it comes - being grateful for every sunrise and sunset and for all the awesome people in my life. I look forward to sharing many more adventures with you!
If you would like to support the programs I mentioned, these non-profits for cancer survivors have helped me in my journey:
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