If I Reach One Woman

Over the years I have contemplated whether or not this blog is valuable to others and whether or not I should continue posting to it. I get very few comments - even spam comments - compared to the comments which the #gyncsm community blog receives. 

I think that I write this blog as much for myself as for others. . I have made some great connections through this blog. And it is a place where I can go back and reread information on tests I had or events I attended or how I felt at a specific time in this journey.

I remember how I felt when I was first diagnosed and didn't know much at all about ovarian cancer. Looking for someone who had a similar experience. So  I continue writing.

And then every few years I cross paths on another platform - Facebook group, Smart Patients, Inspire and they ask me if I am the one with the Women of Teal blog. Like this woman who last week responded to a post on another platform that I wrote about the  #gyncsm chat on Vaccines.

So great to see you on this site. I’ve read many of your Women of Teal blogs, but was never able to figure out how to reply with a thank you. So, thank you for your work and dedication to the OVC community. When I was diagnosed with stage 3 c ovc in 2015 ...  I tried to research information about this beast of a disease and somehow came upon your site. Your words helped me to deal with an overwhelming sadness. My doctors told me it would come back. The fact that you recurred and still continued to give back always stayed with me. 
( public response)

There is my answer. I will continue writing this blog.

Dee
Every Day is a Blessing.

Another Graduation!

When telling my story on this blog, I tend to put life events in relationship to my cancer diagnosis.

I was first diagnosed right before my son, Matthew, returned to college for his sophomore year.   My husband drove him back to Virginia a few weeks after my surgery. This is one of my favorite photos from when I was in treatment. My daughter drove me to one of his crew meets. 

In the spring of 2008, I was there to see him receive his Bachelor of Arts degree. I wasn't sure back in 2005 that I would be there.

Five months after his graduation in 2008,  I had a recurrence which required another surgery and chemotherapy. Two years later in  2010,  I returned to campus to see him receive his Master of Arts degree.

 

On May 7th of this year my family celebrated once again. My son received his PhD in History. I was very emotional when I heard them say, " Doctor " as he received his hood.

It is hard to express how grateful I am to all my gyn oncs and nurses who got me to each and every graduation and to my family and friends for their unending support.  Seeing him reach his goal was amazing. And I could not be prouder. 


Dee
Every Day is a Blessing!