Thursday, July 29, 2021

A Different Kind of Sweet 16

In 2019, my sister sent me an old photo from my Sweet 16 party. It was a small party at my home with a few friends from high school. In the photo were Kathy, Karen, Patty, Ilene, Mindy and Debbie who were   fellow twirlers and classmates. Everyone in the photo was smiling. I remember it was a fun day. 


Today, July 29th, I celebrate another Sweet 16. 

On this day in 2005, I woke up from surgery to hear my gynecologic oncologist say " I am sorry Dee, you have stage three B ovarian cancer but I will do everything I can to make you well. " I am here writing this blog sixteen years later because of the treatments I received at the Rutgers Cancer Institute of NJ , the care provided by Dr Rodriguez, Dr Gibbon and their team, the support of my family and friends and my faith. 

Today I am thankful for these Sweet 16 years of life. 


Dee

Every Day is a Blessing!


Thursday, July 15, 2021

And the Fourth Edition is Published !

In 2005, shortly after my diagnosis,  I picked up the second edition of a book titled 100 Questions and Answers about Ovarian Cancer. I referred to it through out my intial diagnosis and recurrence and used post-it notes to mark important topics. 

In 2015, Dr Dizon asked me to share my voice and experience in the 3rd edition. I was honored to be a part of the publication. 

Fast forward to 2019 the Drs Don Dizon and Vance Broach asked me once again to work on the 4th edition of 100 Questions and Answers about Ovarian Cancer ( Jones & Bartlett Learning).  I was thrill to be part of the updated edition. The book includes the latest information on front line and recurrence treatments including PARP inhibitors, as well as maintenance therapy information and coping strategies. See this on Twitter last Saturday made my day!

 

The book is available through Jones and Bartlett ( https://www.jblearning.com/catalog/productdetails/9781284183115) or  Amazon (https://www.amazon.com/Questions-Answers-About-Ovarian-Cancer-dp-1284183114/dp/1284183114/ref=dp_ob_title_bk). Be sure to check that it is the  new 4th edition so you get the most up to date information. 

I hope those who read this edition find it as helpful as the 2nd edition was to me.

Dee

Every Day is a Blessing!