I try to ignore the depressing statistics for stage 4 ovarian cancer. I am alive and my focus is on living with cancer rather than dying from it. For me that is a state of mind that gives me strength to keep going. I want to do everything I possibly can on My Survival List, because that makes me happy and it is an excellent way of creating memories.
I have seen that life is fragile, and that everything can change from stable and familiar to unpredictable and unknown in a split second. My illness has made me value my life differently and I could not just let it go on, as before my diagnosis. Raising awareness about ovarian cancer, sharing a positive message and giving hope, have become my focal points. In order to realize those, I needed to step out of my comfort zone, by being more public and open also on social media. Nevertheless, if I can help just one person then I have achieved what I set out to do.
I have seen that life is fragile, and that everything can change from stable and familiar to unpredictable and unknown in a split second. My illness has made me value my life differently and I could not just let it go on, as before my diagnosis. Raising awareness about ovarian cancer, sharing a positive message and giving hope, have become my focal points. In order to realize those, I needed to step out of my comfort zone, by being more public and open also on social media. Nevertheless, if I can help just one person then I have achieved what I set out to do.
What has helped me?
What has helped me?
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Family and friends
For me it has been important to have family and friends to talk to and be with. Of course to share my experience and get support, but also to talk about everyday normal stuff. Life goes on and for me it was necessary to occasionally get out of the cancer bubble and feel somewhat normal. There is no right or wrong thing to say, when interacting with people with cancer, as long as you show that you care. Do not be afraid, your friend needs you! Asking for and accepting help I have struggled with this a bit. I am used to being a strong, independent woman, knowing what I want and being proud of my independence. I am used to helping others in different ways, but not needing much support myself. My illness completely changed that, and there have been several occasions when I have been fatigued, frail and needed help. I have learnt to not only accept help, but also to ask for it. I am truly grateful for all the kind people who have helped me in different ways, by driving me to the doctor, accompanying me to medical appointments, picking up my kids, bringing food etc. |
Exercise- physical and mental
I have always been a physically active person, no super athlete, but I have always done some sports. During my illness, I have tried to do as much exercise as possible. Mostly walks in the nearby forest, but good weeks when I felt okay and strong enough, I hiked in the mountains, did yoga or weight training at the gym. I feel my mental state benefited tremendously from me managing to be physically active. I have also come to realize the importance of mental exercise and have started practicing meditation and mindfulness regularly. This has helped me immensely with being here and now, and not thinking about what might come or what might happen in the future. Good meditation and mindfulness webpages and Apps that I can recommend: Headspace Calm Stop breathe think 
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Inspiration and support
I have looked for inspiration and hope. Below websites are great when you need an upbeat: Greig Trout's webpage You, Me and the big C My Survival Story The cancer community is big and very supportive. For me it was important to find others with a similar diagnosis as I felt pretty lost. Most countries have patient organizations, and I recommend the Swedish one: Women with gynecological cancers Mentor support by somebody with the same type of cancer: Imerman Angels Accepting all emotions Living with cancer is an emotional roller-coaster ride and needless to say, not all days are good. For me it has been vital to accept and not trying to push away any emotions. However, I have taken a conscious decision not to dwell and focus on the negatives. I have decided to live my life as best as I can, with as much positivity and enjoyment as I possibly can. I try to smile, have fun and drink champagne! 
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Life's too short and tomorrow is no guarantee.
Do what makes you happy,
be with those that make you smile
and love life!
