World Domination, Step 1 | Increase Awareness

October 25, 2017Leave a comment

While talking with one of my doctors today, I mentioned that I might reduce posts to only once a week because it doesn’t look like my posts are being read by many folks. Then I rattled off the concerns I have: are my posts too long? are they poorly written? am I posting to frequently? After all, I’ve had people complain about my Facebook posts in the past, saying they muted me because I flooded their feed. Is that what’s happening here? Should I focus on one topic a week and do it up right? I mean, if my friends don’t even want to read my blog, why would a complete stranger? How will I ever effect any change if I’m just shouting into the void?

After a beat, he asked me if writing these posts was helping me?

Certainly, getting these thoughts out of my head onto the page has been a huge help.

Does writing as often as you do work for you?

At least for right now it does, there’s a lot of thoughts rolling around in my head.

I certainly don’t intend to discount the need for increased research, but isn’t the biggest issue a lack of awareness? There are people out there that don’t even know ovarian cancer is a thing and early detection is key…

Yes, and I’ve heard of friends who were aware having to beg their doctor to investigate their symptoms because they can so easily be written off as symptoms of aging.

Right. In my opinion, if your posts save just one woman that would be huge.

So, I’m going to keep going. I’m still looking for my voice and trying to figure out what works for me, but if you hang in there with me I promise I’ll get the hang of this eventually. And maybe, just maybe, these posts will help someone else besides just me.

If, like my sister, you think this blog might help someone who loves a survivor understand what they are going through and you know someone who might benefit, would you please consider sharing with them? I’d be ever so grateful!

Don’t worry, I’ve got this!

❤ P

Let’s All Go For a Walk

October 10, 2017Leave a comment

Not all cancer is PINK.

Ovarian cancer, for example, is TEAL, pancreatic is PURPLE and multiple myeloma is BURGUNDY. I know these colors because people in my life have been touched by these and they often don’t receive the same bandwidth (or support) that breast cancer does. I guess that is why I like Relay For Life; they walk in support of all cancer survivors AND honor the caregivers who help us get through some of the toughest days of our lives.

Over the years I have walked in several breast cancer walks and was trying to figure out what I would do instead now that I’m an ovarian cancer survivor when I met Jennifer, a multiple myeloma survivor, at her Sparkles N Sprites craft booth at NC ComicCon. She invited me to join her and her friend, Veronica, at an upcoming Relay For Life event happening near me in Cary. She felt the experience would be good for me as I was just beginning to rebuild my energy after finishing up chemo a couple months before. Remembering how it had been important to Amanda and Kelli, it didn’t take much to convince me to join after that.

We got a lot out of that morning of walking and determined we would continue to participate in the future. Overachiever that I am, I piped up that we should start a team and the wiser among us agreed that if I started it then they’d likely join me 😉

So here we are 6 months later. I am approaching my first year post-chemo and the prospect of finally saying goodbye to my port after I pass my first year anniversary. How to mark these momentous occasions? Then I received a challenge email from Relay For Life to attempt to reach a fundraising goal of $150 by the end of October and it all came back to me. I’m starting a team! I’m raising funds for cancer research! I’m going to spend time with friends walking around a track! This is how I can make a difference for others who might have to go through what I did! Oh goodness, what have I gotten myself into? I need your help, please!

Now, here’s where YOU come in…I’ve CREATED the team, but I need you to BE the team since we all know there is no ‘I’ in ‘TEAM’.

WHAT IS RELAY FOR LIFE?

Relay is a team fundraising event where team members take turns walking around a track or designated path. Each event is 6-24 hours in length and each team is asked to have a member on the track at all times to signify that cancer never sleeps. Cancer patients don’t stop because they’re tired, and for one night, neither do we.

Each team sets up a themed campsite at the event and continues their fundraising efforts by collecting donations for food, goods, games, and activities. This money will count towards their overall team fundraising goal.

I’ve signed TeamPamda up for the event at NCSU on Friday, April 6, 2018 (I think) and would love for you to join me. This will be my first time as captain of a team like this so we’ll be learning the ropes together. Right now I’m looking for help to get this all going, so even if you don’t think you can be there the day of the walk there are other ways you can get involved and help us reach our fundraising goal.

There will be more posts as I receive additional information, but you can visit the Relay For Life site (home page) to register and join my team. The earlier you register, the more time you have to raise funds and earn fabulous swag in the process.

Thank you for your support!

AMA | My Experience With Ovarian Cancer So Far

September 17, 20171 Comment

I’m traveling this week with family. When I told my family about my random encounter with my new found friend, George, at my neighborhood Target store, mom came to the same conclusion George did… recording my story would be easier for than trying to write it all up. After all, I’ve been telling it to everyone this past year who would stand still long enough for it to gush out of me.

What better time to do it than during Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month and the one year anniversary of my diagnosis?

Here’s my request to you, since I like the exchange I experience when telling my story face to face…

If you could ask me anything about ovarian cancer, anything at all, what would you ask?

No question is too hard; no topic is off limits. I’m no expert, but I will answer every question to the best of my ability. If I can’t, I will get the answer for you somehow, most likely via the team of medical professionals who helped me get through this first year.

Let’s hear it, #TeamPamda, what do you want to hear about most?