1. < Gynecologic Cancers

Ovarian Cancer in remission: Any advice on staying healthy?

Posted by starko @starko, Apr 26, 2019

I have ovarian cancer, stage 3C but seem to be in remission, at least for now. My oncologists at Mayo, AZ are totally amazing, bringing me from death’s doorstep to where I am now. I try to do all the recommended therapies, meditation, no sugar or carbs, Mediterranean diet, daily exercise. Are there any ovarian cancer survivors who might advise me on what else I should be doing?

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Dee | @danielad | Apr 26, 2019

Hello @starko -- I am very happy you are in remission! I know how difficult Ovarian Cancer is. Mine is not a "personal" experience; I have a very good friend who was diagnosed with 3C ovarian cancer 3 years ago. She has been in remission for a while now and I hope she will continue on this road! Everything I know has to do with her experience; but I would be happy to share with you what I learned through her. Let me know if that is OK. Stay strong!
--Dee

REPLY
1 reply
starko | @starko | Apr 26, 2019
In reply to @danielad "Hello @starko -- I am very happy you are in remission! I know how difficult Ovarian..." + (show)
@danielad

Hello @starko -- I am very happy you are in remission! I know how difficult Ovarian Cancer is. Mine is not a "personal" experience; I have a very good friend who was diagnosed with 3C ovarian cancer 3 years ago. She has been in remission for a while now and I hope she will continue on this road! Everything I know has to do with her experience; but I would be happy to share with you what I learned through her. Let me know if that is OK. Stay strong!
--Dee

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Many thanks! I am very appreciative of any advice.

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starko | @starko | Apr 26, 2019

Did NOT mean for the photo to be this large! My apologies!

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Dee | @danielad | Apr 26, 2019

I am happy to help in any way I can @starko. So let me first tell you a few things about Dina, my dearest friend who has Ovarian Cancer. She is now 74, will be 75 in Sep. She was diagnosed initially in Nov 2014, following a CT scan. But it was following a very extensive surgery, in Dec 2014, when all cytology reports were completed, that we all realized the gravity of her situation. As you, she had stage 3C Ovarian Cancer. She had a complete hysterectomy and had to have a large portion of her colon and intestines removed because the cancer had metastasized to the colon and intestines. In fact she had to have an Ileostomy. Even though she almost died during the very long surgery, she made it through and was able to begin the hard road to the current remission. She is now a 4 year and 4 months survivor.
Dina has been a true inspiration to family, friends, and other patients. Doctors are amazed by the fact that, in spite of the seriousness of her situation, she is in remission. This is why I thought I should share her experience with you my dear. So below, is what I call Dina's Strengths.

1. Her first and foremost strength is her Faith in God. She derives a lot of strength from her Faith.
2. Her second strength is her tremendous Desire to Live. She has two (grown) kids and 4 grandchildren -- She REFUSES to die.
3. Her third strength is the Love and Support of family and friends. She is surrounded by a circle of love and prayers.
4. Her fourth strength is her refusal to become a "victim". I never heard her say expressions such as "why me?". And she refuses any help. She does everything by herself, including cleaning her "stoma". In fact, she wanted, and had the Ileostomy reversed successfully!
5. Her fifth strength -- Meals:
a. She eats small but frequent meals.
b. Everything she eats is organic.
c. Foods are low fat, low sugar and very nutritious.
d. She avoids everything the doctors (or her own experience) tell her to avoid.
e. She eats good protein (rarely meat) and lots of vitamins and minerals-rich foods.
f. Each meal (and snack) is always eaten at a regular time.
6. Her sixth strength is the seriousness she takes in her own medical care. Dina sees her doctors regularly; does all her labs and scans as required; did all the chemo as scheduled (currently is NOT doing chemo because she is in remission); and informs the doctors as soon as something may be going on.
7. Her seventh strength is continuing activities around the house; yard; and for others.
8. Her eighth strength is continuing an exercise program that includes long walks.
9. Her ninth strength is to keep love and optimism in her heart.

Dear @starko, I have tried to "draw a picture" of what Dina is and does. All of these strengths have managed to keep her alive well beyond what doctors expected. I can't tell you how long this will last; I hope it is forever! And I wish you the same! Let me know how I can help you!
A big hug! Stay strong!!
--Dee

REPLY
1 reply
Dee | @danielad | Apr 26, 2019
In reply to @starko "Photo" + (show)
@starko

Photo

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No problem @starko! This is a great photo! You are young and beautiful! I see your great love for life in this photo. Stay strong and be optimistic! Have Faith in God, Yourself, and Life.
--Dee

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1 reply
Mentor
Teresa, Volunteer Mentor | @hopeful33250 | Apr 26, 2019
In reply to @danielad "I am happy to help in any way I can @starko. So let me first tell..." + (show)
@danielad

I am happy to help in any way I can @starko. So let me first tell you a few things about Dina, my dearest friend who has Ovarian Cancer. She is now 74, will be 75 in Sep. She was diagnosed initially in Nov 2014, following a CT scan. But it was following a very extensive surgery, in Dec 2014, when all cytology reports were completed, that we all realized the gravity of her situation. As you, she had stage 3C Ovarian Cancer. She had a complete hysterectomy and had to have a large portion of her colon and intestines removed because the cancer had metastasized to the colon and intestines. In fact she had to have an Ileostomy. Even though she almost died during the very long surgery, she made it through and was able to begin the hard road to the current remission. She is now a 4 year and 4 months survivor.
Dina has been a true inspiration to family, friends, and other patients. Doctors are amazed by the fact that, in spite of the seriousness of her situation, she is in remission. This is why I thought I should share her experience with you my dear. So below, is what I call Dina's Strengths.

1. Her first and foremost strength is her Faith in God. She derives a lot of strength from her Faith.
2. Her second strength is her tremendous Desire to Live. She has two (grown) kids and 4 grandchildren -- She REFUSES to die.
3. Her third strength is the Love and Support of family and friends. She is surrounded by a circle of love and prayers.
4. Her fourth strength is her refusal to become a "victim". I never heard her say expressions such as "why me?". And she refuses any help. She does everything by herself, including cleaning her "stoma". In fact, she wanted, and had the Ileostomy reversed successfully!
5. Her fifth strength -- Meals:
a. She eats small but frequent meals.
b. Everything she eats is organic.
c. Foods are low fat, low sugar and very nutritious.
d. She avoids everything the doctors (or her own experience) tell her to avoid.
e. She eats good protein (rarely meat) and lots of vitamins and minerals-rich foods.
f. Each meal (and snack) is always eaten at a regular time.
6. Her sixth strength is the seriousness she takes in her own medical care. Dina sees her doctors regularly; does all her labs and scans as required; did all the chemo as scheduled (currently is NOT doing chemo because she is in remission); and informs the doctors as soon as something may be going on.
7. Her seventh strength is continuing activities around the house; yard; and for others.
8. Her eighth strength is continuing an exercise program that includes long walks.
9. Her ninth strength is to keep love and optimism in her heart.

Dear @starko, I have tried to "draw a picture" of what Dina is and does. All of these strengths have managed to keep her alive well beyond what doctors expected. I can't tell you how long this will last; I hope it is forever! And I wish you the same! Let me know how I can help you!
A big hug! Stay strong!!
--Dee

Jump to this post

@danielad
The story of your friend's dedication to a positive, healthy lifestyle is inspirational. I'm glad you shared it with @starko and the rest of us.

REPLY
1 reply
Dee | @danielad | Apr 26, 2019
In reply to @hopeful33250 "@danielad The story of your friend's dedication to a positive, healthy lifestyle is inspirational. I'm glad..." + (show)
@hopeful33250

@danielad
The story of your friend's dedication to a positive, healthy lifestyle is inspirational. I'm glad you shared it with @starko and the rest of us.

Jump to this post

@hopeful33250 -- Thank you Teresa. --Dee

REPLY
1 reply
starko | @starko | Apr 26, 2019
In reply to @danielad "@hopeful33250 -- Thank you Teresa. --Dee" + (show)
@danielad

@hopeful33250 -- Thank you Teresa. --Dee

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You are kind and most gracious to share Dina’s experiences. I shall read it periodically to keep inspired. Mahalo! (I live in Hawaii)

REPLY
1 reply
Dee | @danielad | Apr 26, 2019
In reply to @starko "You are kind and most gracious to share Dina’s experiences. I shall read it periodically to..." + (show)
@starko

You are kind and most gracious to share Dina’s experiences. I shall read it periodically to keep inspired. Mahalo! (I live in Hawaii)

Jump to this post

@starko -- I believe we should help one another when we can; so let me know if I can support you in any way.
Keep the faith and be strong my dear. Mahalo!
--Dee

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