experiences of borderline ovarian cancer
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 →
http://ovariancancerday.org/about-ovarian/5-facts-everyone-should-know-about-ovarian-cancer/An important article was published in The Guardian yesterday. But I don’t entirely agree with the article (for many reasons). The 103 women who I’m connected with across the globe who have the same diagnosis as me have had a range of experiences - many DID visit their GPs and in good time… but were told not... Continue Reading →
A year ago I was just waking up from surgery. In fact, it was probably about now that I was shouting obscenities at the ever-patient nurses from the recovery room as they wheeled my bed over what felt like The Biggest Bump in the world into the lift. I cursed, I screamed. Then we had... Continue Reading →
A tool to assist women to engage with their GPs.“The Symptoms Diary app is free to download, and will help women accurately record their symptoms and communicate more effectively with their GP. The app reminds women to record the symptoms they are experiencing once a day and prompts women to book an appointment with their... Continue Reading →
“Now that women are discouraged from initiating estrogen therapy, those who undergo oophorectomy at a young age and do not initiate or continue estrogen therapy until at least the age of natural menopause are at significantly increased risk for several chronic diseases of aging.”It’s an ongoing debate, mostly (from what I’ve understood) as a result... Continue Reading →
Today, the (female) sonographer asked me when I’d had my surgery and then asked if I had kids. I said nearly a year ago and no, no kids. She said “ag, shame”, looked sad, and that was the end of that conversation. Then the (male) radiologist came in, asked me how I was diagnosed, said... Continue Reading →
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