What is Ovarian Cancer
Ovarian cancer is a malignant ovarian neoplasm (an abnormal growth located on the ovaries). It is the fifth leading cause of cancer death in women, the leading cause of death from ...
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I have a very dear family friend who was diagnosed with ovarian cancer the day before Christmas. She has had major abdominal surgery to remove multiple organs. She just began abdominal chemotherapy this week.
I'm looking for some suggestions as to what I might be able to do to help her as she is, understandably, very depressed, questioning everything and very withdrawn. I live on the other side of the country but would like to offer help in the way of suggested reading or great support groups or something I might send her or whatever. Your suggestions/advice would be greatly appreciated. I know this is her journey but if any of us in her circle can help to ease her burden in any way, we would love to. Thank you. Posted on 01/23/09, 02:01 pm |
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This is a fantastic web site, which she might like to join, if only to read about other womens experiences, how other's cope and to gain encouragement and support.. As a caring friend, anything you can do to help lift her spirits would be the best to do. The good times in between help us through the difficult treatments. If you can't be close to her, then encourage to relax and enjoy all that she can, between treatments. To banish fears and go forward, one day at a time.. making a huge effort to notice the good things around her.. The good things can out weigh the bad.. even with cancer.. Wishing the best for both of you and hope you let us know how you get on.. All the best.. Inka xxx 
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This is a fantastic site for her to join. No one knows like those of us who have been through it what is like. We all have different stories but we have a common bond. We help each other through the hard times and celebrate the good. As far as what you can do for her, just keep in good touch with her. Sometimes a phone call, an email or a card can make your day. Keep in touch. Let us know how she is doing.
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I agree with both of the ladies above. I was lost with out this web site, as I did not live close to any support groups. I also had the IP trestment (abdominal). I watched lots of movies and used this sight to help me out. My husband laughed at me but a couple of times I got out coloring books and crayons to help my anxiety. I also tried to read but once the chemo brain crept in that was hard to do. Just be a good friend to her and that will help her out greatly.
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Join the site! I also love the book "Crazy, sexy, cancer tips". Do one of those fundrasing cancer walks with her or in honor of her. Make her a t-shirt that says "I'm fighting cancer, what have you done today?" or some other fun slogan. Shave your head in solidarity. Make a feel-good basket with lots of bath bubbles, lotions etc. Don't ask "how are you?", ask "tell me how you are.." Learn all you can about ovarian so you know what she is going through. Realize that sometimes she may just want to cry and that's ok. Realize that sometimes she may just want to laugh and gossip and that's ok too. Instead of flowers and cards, hire a housecleaning service for an hour to help her out. Just some tips that I loved. Hope this helps.
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You have some wonderful suggestions from the others. I joined the chemo angels. She would receive wonderful letters and gifts that will make her smile that website is www.chemoangels.com.
If she has a company called Let's Dish in her area. Have them put together some meals for her and see if someone can bring them to her. Send her uplifting cards and things she may like as offen as you can. Also if you can go visit her for a letting while to help her out.
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I am really loving two books- extremely helpful-
ANTICANCER: A NEW WAY OF LIFE DAVID SERVAN-SCHREIBER, MD, PHDhttp://www.standup2cancer.org/node/1682 and Foods that Fight Cancer http://www.thecancerblog.com/2006/... They are both really well written and full of credible research. Great stuff that really helps you (your friend) feel empowered in the face of this disease. Also, in our City- Portland, there is center dedicated to working with cancer patients using Chinese medicine- acupuncture, herbs, shiatzu massage and nutrition- all geared to helping with whatever symptoms people have from their treatments, to healing, immune system rebuilding and mental outlook. Her city might have something like this. Give her my wishes for health and recovery!!!
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