I’m heading to Mayo today in Arizona. My doctors there are wonderful.
I am having my first recurrence of Ovarian Cancer and pretty scared.
I will be getting surgery and chemo. This time I think it will be Carboplatin and Doxil .
Has anyone had that and what side effects did you have?

Living with cancer is definitely different than before. In October we discovered a melanoma on my back and that my prostate cancer was back and had metastasized to 4 other areas of the bone. I am 70 and had thought that I was in control of my life, as much as you can be, including a successful business career. We still own one business that we have had for 35 years and I am the president. I only say this because I never realized what the mental trauma could be when you realize this can kill you? I was definitely no longer the one in control of my body! I was lucky that when they removed the melanoma and also lymph nodes from my arm pit and the margins came back clean so at least for now we don't have that hanging over us. I have always been an optimist, so keep that in mind but I do realize all of us have a death sentence. We don't get out of this alive. That was an important concept for me to come to grips with. What is really important, if you can, remember that you are still alive and how you live the rest of your life is up to you. Live for the people who love you. I have a great wife of 45 years, a son and his family, my daughter and so many more who I love dearly. I plan on doing everything I can to make the rest of my life what I want it to be. Medicine is always advancing and new treatments may be out there. I could beat cancer or I could die from it down the road or in an accident this morning riding my bike for exercise. We just never know. So fight with the tools you have, make sure, if you can, that you do your best to live the best life you can based on what is important to you. I of course know every day that I have this cancer and it sucks but I am fighting it every day as well. If your doctor doesn't have more ideas don't be afraid to reach out to another clinic or doctor. The Mayo Clinic seems to be a really good option. As a final thought I had a customer years ago who was in his 80's and he had beat eight different forms or recurrences of cancer. He was a true role model of how to live your life.

Hi Teresa - I try to balance things by having peace. I know I am with the best team; I am seeking out support groups, and I spend a lot of time sitting out back, watching the foxes, tadpoles, geese and enjoy my deaf dog, blind cat and mini Yorkie who thinks she's in charge of the world. I keep it simple and have goal oriented projects and my husband and I have our daily wine break at 3 pm. I have met with my minister, who has helped to give me peace also. I only hope my peace will withstand storms that are coming, but I feel good about it. Love to you sweetie! Gina