Cryssie

I am sorry to hear you have had to join us but its good that you are here now. I am 61 and Stage IV. You need to put yourself first now and be diligent about both traditional and holistic health options. It takes time to learn but all the stuff we now need to know to become our own advocates but it is so necessary. Check out The truth about Cancer by Ty Bollenger. Also Chris beat Cancer, The Sacred plant. I started using CBD after first treatment and I haven't thrown up since. Go for walks, take vitamin D, and its hard but crossing over to the vegan whole food plant based life is good. Smile and know that you can do this! God Bless

Hi Cryssie, welcome to the WhatNext site. I found the site in 2013 when I was diagnosed with later stage ovarian cancer at age 66. Through some research I realized I needed a good gynecologist oncologist to treat me. Because there were none of these specialists in my small town we traveled hours away to get the expertise these specialists provide. They are the doctors that have the additional training and experience to treat ovarian cancer patients. Once I had my medical team, I needed to connect to other survivors and find out more about the journey ahead. From the beginning , I received information and advice from the very supportive WhatNext Community. There are many useful blogs and videos on the site along with numerous survivors and caregivers to help answer any of your questions.

I pass along some things to you I have learned that you may pass them onto your loved one. . The treatments for this disease are difficult, but they are DOABLE. Everyone is afraid when they are diagnosed but when you “ take things one day at a time”, the journey is easier. There will be good days and down days. I want you to know that sometimes the most important thing a caregiver can do is to just be there. Listen. The emotional support from family and friends means everything. I also want to tell you , that today, more than yesterday, there is more hope for ovarian cancer survivors and more weapons in the pipeline for the tomorrows, to fight this disease. I encourage you and your loved one to keep reaching out. I wish the both of you better days ahead and I am here to talk anytime on my wall.

Welcome to the WhatNext network! We are happy you found us but sorry for your reason to be here. There are a great bunch of people here that are willing to coach you through your issues that will come up. It's good to know that other people have been through exactly what you are facing now and have gone on to a good life afterward.

If you have an issue you need help with, just post it on the questions page, someone will see it and add their own personal experiences to help you.

If you see a question posted that you have experience with please at your answer to that question. We all have issues we need help with, you might have the answer someone needs.

We wish you the best and if you have any questions about the website or how to post something drop us an email at contactus @ whatnext . com and someone will help you out.

Greg P
Community Mgr. / Social Media Mgr.
3X Survivor

Hello and welcome, JCryssie! I'm so very sorry to hear of your Mom's diagnosis but you've found a great place to ask questions, get information, and share experiences. Maybe you can even get her to log onto the site and join for herself.

Your Mom and I were diagnosed with the same type of cancer; mine was also stage IV. The good news is, I just passed the SIX YEAR ANNIVERSARY of that original diagnosis. Since my original diagnosis, I've had a couple of relapses. I'm currently still getting chemo but feeling good. I'm just back from a short trip to California to play with my grandkids and see my daughter's new home!

Some time ago, I recorded a series of videos for WhatNext about my cancer journey. You and your Mom may find them helpful. I've included a link at the end of this message should you wish to check them out. My hair is longer now and I have a new knee but not much else has changed since I recorded the videos.

WhatNext.com is a great place for everyone, from the newly diagnosed to those of us who've been living with cancer for some time - friends and loved ones too! While you're here at WhatNext.com, check out the questions and experiences of other folks here. You can find people who've had the same cancer, surgeries, chemotherapy and experiences should you wish. It's often reassuring to know others have been through what you're facing and thrived. I also recommend the PINBOARD - there are often humorous or uplifting posts that can make your day. Definitely worth checking out.

https://www.whatnext.com/video_pages/ovarian_cancer_videos_kalindria

In the meantime, I'm here if you have any questions or want to chat.

These are some things that we have learned over the years:
Dryness. Total body dryness. This was (is) a big issue on a daily basis for my wife when she had IV chemo and now as she is taking oral chemo. Here are some things that we have learned from a number of people over too long a time.
BIOTENE This stuff is wonderful for her mouth. Get the rinse-and-spit bottle and the lozenges. Plus, they make a toothpaste! Goods stuff.
RESTASIS This is a prescription from her ophthalmologist for her dry eyes.
EYES: Also, we learned that it is OK to mix Restasis with Systeane Ultra drops and Systane Nighttime ointment. The 3 are working well against the dry eye.
LANOLIN LOTIONS Put it on after a shower while you are still damp.
SHEA BUTTER in chap stick.
COCONUT OIL This is wonderful for sex. We started using it years ago during menopause---still works great. Use liberally.
WATER Keep a bottle handy and drink it.
LIQUID BANDAGE Pat gets cracked finger tips. Use this to allow them to heal.
RUBBER GLOVES Get some elbow-length ones for washing dishes to keep your hands out of soap and water.
NO SOAP Pat uses soap only on her arm pits and crotch. Everything else gets MOISTURIZING CLEANSERs.
LOMA This is an after-shampoo rinse to help her hair, from Amazon. She tries to shampoo as little as possible, like twice a week.
PROBIOTIC: The chemo is hard on her gut. The probiotic helps keep those microbiomes in there to aid digestion. Talk with your doc about it.

It took us too long to learn this because this dryness is torture by increments. So save yourselves the aggravation and get ahead of the curve. Try some of these products and make life more pleasant.
Compression stockings. Pat thought (for too long) that those ugly hospital or airplane stockings were the only thing out there. Then she started looking and found some very attractive ones, that work! Why put up with the swollen ankles if you don't have too? Buy yourself or her some as a gift.

Welcome to the WhatNext family! The WhatNext family is made up of people like you who are looking for help or looking to help others. To help you along your journey the WhatNext family has put together a Beginner's Guide to Cancer that I highly recommend you check-out here: http://bit.ly/10BQKCi. Also, please do not hesitate to reach out to others or ask for help.

Wishing you the best.

David
Founder, WhatNexter