remaining hopefull

• By sarahliz
• Posted February 1, 2009 at 8:58 am
• Report post

I was diagnosed at age 22. When something like this happens it changes your world. I have only done chemo once. I try to live each day like it is my last. I also don't think about having cancer. There are days that go by when the only time it crosses my mind is in my prayers. It is hard. People our age don't understand they want to be supportive but they really don't know how. If you ever need anyone to talk to I am here. I know what you are going through.

• Reply

• By FavoriteAunt
• Posted February 1, 2009 at 8:59 am
• Report post

You are so young to have to deal with this disease. Did you have surgery first? The ascites usually goes away with that.

You are lucky to have a supportive family to help you through this tough time. There are lots of good drugs they use, so stay positive. I was also IIIC and got a 6-yr. remission the first time, so it is possible.

I really hope to can get back to your normal life soon. All the best to you.

• Reply

• By hinsopa
• Posted February 1, 2009 at 9:22 am
• Report post

I am so sorry. I really cannot imagine the struggle you have each day. Please let me know what I can do to help. Ask any questions you have and come here as often as you need to. God Bless you.

• Reply

• By Debofil
• Posted February 1, 2009 at 9:48 am
• Report post

God Bless you having to deal with this at such a young age. Just keep saying to yourself "I can do this" every day. You CAN do it. It is very hard to remain positive all the time, well impossible really,
but the more positive thinking, the better you will be.
We are all here for you ! I will pray daily for you.
Keep us informed as to how you are doing !

Deb

• Reply

• By hope4all
• Posted February 1, 2009 at 10:40 am
• Report post

Hang in there, you'll beat this soon and your life will improve. It's been almost 10 years for me with no recurrences and I’m looking forward to living many more. God Bless and protect you throughout your ordeal.

• Reply

• By essie
• Posted February 1, 2009 at 12:42 pm
• Report post

Thank you all so much 4 ur support.my family are so supportive but sometimes u cant help feeling alone.my friends are now a yr ahead of me in uni so its a battle not to feel left out.i was originally operated on 2 remove a cyst on my ovary.its only after the histology that they realised it was cancer.i am a 2nd yr medicine student so the reality hit me harder than most.the cancer has spread to both ovaries and the left kidney.1st time around the kidney didnt respond to the chemo i am hoping for better results this time.after the diagnosis my platelets fell considerably and when they put in a central line in my neck a haematoma dev.this caused an embolism to form in my brain when it was pulled out.i ended up partially blind and paralysed from the neck down.luckily my sight returned after 2 days,and after months of physiotherapy my movement is back. so whenever things look bleak i remember where i have come from and get the strength to continue fighting.

• Reply

• By abbaschild
• Posted February 1, 2009 at 1:38 pm
• Report post

Hello Essie...you are so young to have gone thru all this...but remember we have hope that it'll work out and you'll live a long and fruitful life!

I was talking to our pastor this morning and he mentioned how he holds Kenya close to his heart....and then I come on here, and here you are!

I will be praying the Lord's blessings of healing upon you and strength to get through the hard times and peace for your soul. Don't despair, and hold onto the Lord God for your help when you're feeling down. God bless you!

• Reply

• By verlinda
• Posted February 2, 2009 at 5:37 am
• Report post

Essie,

What a warrior you are! I am praying for relief for the ascites and healing for you. Did you have additional surgery to remove the other malignancies or has your health prevented that?

Let us know how we can help.

Blessings.

• Reply

• By katelynsmamaw
• Posted February 2, 2009 at 8:58 am
• Report post

hope4all,
Noticed you said no recurrence after 10 yrs. What stage are you?

Thanks,
Shonna ;)

• Reply

• By MaryW
• Posted February 2, 2009 at 11:03 am
• Report post

Essie, what a struggle you have gone through already! You are definitely in my prayer. I have a friend from Kenya that I lived with for 2 years here in the states. She is hoping to come back soon. I some other ties with Kenya too, so I feel connected to you in a special way. Mary

• Reply

• By cjpipkins
• Posted February 2, 2009 at 12:20 pm
• Report post

Sweetie you can do this but only through God's strength and truly believing that He has a purpose and plan for each one of us. I have now been through 2 sets of chemo and I can say I wouldn't take anything for the lessons I learned and the people I came in contact with. Honey, NO ONE is promised tomorrow. I have a 19, 20 and 2 year old and I feel your pain. I was just recently told I have the gene BRAC1 and BRAC2 and the first thought was what if I am not here for my girls when they go through treatments, surgery etc. But honey only God knows are future and He loves us and we must hang on to this. My favorite verse Phil 4:5-6 "Be anxious for nothing but in all things through prayer and supplication let your request be known to God and HE WILL GIVE YOU that peace that passes all understanding" Your in my prayers. IF you ever need to talk my number is 85-937-9664.

• Reply

• By Rose2
• Posted February 6, 2009 at 12:42 am
• Report post

cjpipkins....what a uplifting comment you shared. God Bless you for sharing this. The Lord has been my strength and comfort thru both my cancer journey and my husbands (currently in stage IV). Knowing God has a purpose and a plan is such a comfort. You are right, only God knows our future. And no one knows what their future might hold. What a weight that takes off our shoulders. To know that is not just a truth for others , but for every person on this earth, including us with OVC. Ovarian Cancer is not in control of our lives, God is. (It is easy to get our thinking wrong) A big thank you for sharing this wonderful truth!!

• Reply

• By dollycat6
• Posted February 6, 2009 at 7:23 am
• Report post

Essie I can't help but think of my grandmother who was called Essie. What strength she had and I feel you have the same stamina in you. Yoi=u've gone through so much and God does have a plan so please hang in there as we are all praying for a speedy recovery for you.

Blessings,

dollycat6

• Reply

• By dollycat6
• Posted February 6, 2009 at 7:23 am
• Report post

Essie I can't help but think of my grandmother who was called Essie. What strength she had and I feel you have the same stamina in you. You've gone through so much and God does have a plan so please hang in there as we are all praying for a speedy recovery for you.

Blessings,

dollycat6

• Reply

• By Dodie1
• Posted February 9, 2009 at 7:17 pm
• Report post

essie,
I'm so sorry to hear about you going through this at such a young age. My daughter will be 20 this Oct. She's going to her first gyn visit next month with a few of the symptoms of ovca. I hope it's only pmdd or something like that in her case.
You'll pull through though. You're young and tough.
I know the chemo can put a toll on your body, but get rest when you can.
I'll keep you in my thoughts and prayers.

Take care & God Bless

• Reply

• By SuziQ
• Posted February 23, 2009 at 10:56 am
• Report post

Essie,

I was 21 when they first discovered my cancer but I wasn't diagnosed until I was 22. That was 5 years ago this month actually. I was stage 3c. I am currently battling a reoccurance. I know it seems hard to stay positive when in the midst of ovarian cancer, especially when we are quite young, but you can do it. Try not to feel discouraged. We are here for you!!!

• Reply

Add to the discussion