experiences of borderline ovarian cancer
I never met Sharon. But I felt like I had. Sharon joined the BOT Facebook group that Nicky and I set up in 2014. She was an active member of the group, posting updates about her own journey as well as supportive messages to everyone else. Sharon always replied, sending messages of support during difficult... Continue Reading →
After I finished my PhD in 2010, I vowed to never get involved in any form of exam again. Ever. I had said that during school. I said it after I failed my driving test. I said it after school. And again during my undergrad. And after my MSc. I guess that didn’t work out exactly... Continue Reading →
It’s been two years since I had surgery to remove what was found to be a stage 2c borderline ovarian tumour (BOT). It’s been two years of trying to be a (patient) patient. I’m still trying to figure it out. It’s been two years of medical intervention: a radical (Wertheim) hysterectomy and menopause at 35; 28 surgical... Continue Reading →
“Whatever we accomplish, the social pressure and expectation to become a mother stays heavy on our shoulders. We see it in the media’s preoccupation with celebrities’ baby bumps, or in the movies whose plots culminate around pregnancy as the pinnacle of achievement. It’s unpleasant, yet the motherhood default setting has become so ingrained that women... Continue Reading →
Good news!! My 4-monthly blood test and transvaginal ultrasound, and my 6 monthly abdominal and pelvic ultrasound were a-ok; my CA125 - not the best marker but as mine was so elevated at diagnosis it’s worth including in ongoing monitoring - is 9 (should be under 35, was 2,257 at diagnosis in July 2014). Anyway, I... Continue Reading →
As the months pass, I’m finding myself becoming more and more attached to my BOT diagnosis. When a bunch of hardcore scientists refer to a BOT as contentious, enigmatic and controversial, I can’t help but smile. It seems surprisingly fitting. As another research paper presents its analysis of its selected data to predict BOT prognosis... Continue Reading →
Returning to this great editorial (2011) that (in my mind at least) really does sum up the frustration and confusion of all who engage with BOTs, including the researchers themselves. Fortunately for us, “research suggests that some of the time, confusion can actually be a good thing — an important step toward learning.” Martin Schwartz argues for... Continue Reading →
The wonderful folk at Ovarian Cancer Action are looking for ladies who are willing to share their stories as part of their ongoing public ovarian cancer campaign, particularly in relation to ‘speaking up’. I thought it would be good to try to get some BOT stories shared…. so here’s my attempt to (keep on trying... Continue Reading →
CA125 remains at 10!! Should be under 35, was 2,257 at diagnosis 18 months ago…. Happy Monday 🙂 It’s not a great marker but as it was so high at diagnosis, for me it’s helpful for tracking. Ultrasound on Wednesday; crossing thumbs that remains clear too 🙂
There are times when only a blast of 1980s Madonna will do. In relation to borderline ovarian tumours (BOTs), Madonna really does say (sing) it best: “Borderline, feels like I’m going to lose my mind”.Why am I losing my mind this time? From the global network of over 100 fellow BOT survivors that I’m connected to,... Continue Reading →
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