Last month I started a dialogue about Ovarian Cancer and this month I would like to continue along those lines.  Why?  Ever since Theresa and I started Pink Ribbon Associates, LLC, two and a half years ago, people have been asking us ‘why only breast cancer’?  And the answer was easy–because we both had breast cancer and it’s easy to write about something you know.  However, now that I am getting my certification as a Professional Cancer Coach, I have to learn about all different types of cancers and because Ovarian Cancer is so prevalent among women and because it is so difficult to diagnose, I am taking this opportunity to inform you, my readers, as well as myself.

Picking up from last month:

Preparing for your initial doctor visit:

Write down any symptoms you’re experiencing; write down key personal information; make a list of all medications; ask someone to go with you so that you don’t misinterpret anything; and, write down any and all questions you want to ask.

Questions you may want to ask your doctor:

• What can the cause of my symptoms be?
• What kinds of tests do I need?
• What types of treatments are available and what are the possible side effects?
• What do you feel is the best course of action?
• What is my prognosis?
• Are there any restrictions that I need to follow?
• Should I see a specialist?  What will it cost?  What will my insurance cover?
• Are there any brochures or other printed material that I can take with me?  What websites would you recommend?

If Ovarian Cancer is your diagnosis, you will need coping skills and support:

• Know what to expect. Find out everything you want to know about Ovarian Cancer – such as type, stage, treatment options and side effects.
• Be proactive. Talk to your doctor, family and people you rely on for support how you want to approach decision making.  For example, some women prefer to get all the information and make treatment-related decisions for themselves.  Others would rather have the feedback from others before making decisions.  And some women like to blend these two approaches.
• Find someone to talk to.  Find a friend or family member with whom you feel comfortable discussing your feelings.  You may also find the concern and understanding of a formal support group or other cancer survivors to be helpful.  It may help to talk with others who have already been through the challenges you’re facing.
• Let people help — they want to help!
• Set reasonable goals. Having goals helps you feel in control and can give you a sense of purpose.  Reach for attainable goals–don’t set yourself up fail.
• Take time for yourself.  Eat well, relax, get a massage, get enough rest–all of these things can help combat stress and fatigue.  Cut back on time commitments and plan ahead.

Loretta Schatz said, “Awareness of ovarian cancer can save lives and lack of awareness really does kill.”  Schatz knows what she’s talking about.  She’s seen it happen, and it might easily have happened to her.  The symptoms discussed last month are not definitive and can easily be attributed to many other causes.  According to Schatz, “There is no definitive test for early detection.”  That’s why approximately two-thirds of the women diagnosed with ovarian cancer lose their lives to it.  This three-time cancer survivor does not like those numbers and has embarked on a crusade for change–a change that can happen only when more cases are diagnosed in the early stages.

“Women have to take care of themselves,” according to Schatz.  Especially Jewish women, because ovarian cancer, like breast cancer, is a Jewish (Ashkenazi) disease with the presence of  BRCA1 and/or BECA2 gene mutations among significant risk factors.  Women past 50 are also at higher risk.

“Listen to your body; do not ignore symptoms and don’t take no for an answer,” says Schatz.  “If you have symptoms and/or family history insist on tests, including a CA-125 blood test and an ultrasound.”

For more information, contact the Ovarian Cancer Research Fund at 800-873-9569 or visit www.ocrf.org.