Paying it Forward

I got to do something really great that had been done for me. I got to talk to a newly diagnosed ovarian cancer warrior. She has already had surgery and was going that day to her oncologist to talk about staging and chemo. We discussed treatment, side effects, how to get through it all. We talked about medication, constipation, acupuncture and hair loss. We discussed B vitamins and how to deal with ridiculous advice from well-meaning friends and acquaintances. I tried to be as honest as I could be. Yes, recurrence is almost likely, but I have met women who have handled it with grace and optimism. She will be tired and there is no shame in letting others help. I let her know I’m still not strong enough to ride a bicycle but I will get there. I told her while eating healthy is important, no food, except sushi and salad bars, is off limits. I told her to get premium brands of ginger ale. I told her to take advantage of good days and nap when she needs to. We had a great discussion, and she said the best thing ai said to her was, “you got this.” And I’m sure she does. She will have days when she is angry at this disease, and maybe days when she is depressed. But they will pass. It really is a journey. It’s a journey we wouldn’t choose to take but we come out stronger and wiser because of it.