As I look back on the past two years-the years when ovarian cancer changed my life, I can appreciate how lucky I am.
Originally I was diagnosed with a swollen ankle-six months later the doctors determined that it was ovarian cancer. Needless to say my husband and I were both in shock, but not for long.
I made the decision to leave the small town where we lived and travel 3 ½ hours south to Pittsburgh, Pa, UPMC Magee Women’s Hospital. That probably was one of the best decisions of my life. And there is a point, YOU have the right to make all of the decisions, don’t just accept what is told to you. Question, research if you can, and then question again. It’s your life, take control of it. Never be afraid to question your medical team, that’s what they are there for. I questioned on an hourly basis and it worked for me. It gives you the empowerment that you need during this type of medical crisis.
I was lucky to get one of Pittsburgh’s best gynecological oncologists who treated me with kindness and understanding throughout the process and throughout the past two years. It wasn’t easy, losing your hair, not feeling well during chemo treatments, not being able to do anything may all contribute to a feeling of helplessness and hopelessness. Not so. I was told by a PA that my job was recovering from the cancer surgery and getting well-ok, I could handle that, it just didn’t go as quickly as I wanted.
When you have cancer, keep in mind that everyone in your home “has” cancer, not just you.
Everyone is affected. My neighbors helped, they cried, they cooked and baked. My husband devoted months to my recovery-never did I feel alone in this journey nor should you. I always said, “we’re in this alone, together.”
Don’t let your attitude control, you can control it, and you’ll feel a lot better doing that.
It’s up to you. The medical people will do their part, your family will do its part, your friends and neighbors will do their part, but it’s up to you to do your part. Be positive. Cancer is not necessarily a death sentence-we all know that we are on this earth for a specified period of time, sooner or later that time will be up. However, don’t count on it being your time when you get the diagnosis of cancer. You, like I, may have many more years to live and to help others.
If you want to read more about my journey and in doing so support the Evans-Krivak fund, you can purchase my book, Don’t Write the Obituary Yet on Amazon.com. All proceeds from the sale of the book go to the Evans-Krivak Gynecological Research and Education Fund.
– Susan Evans
