Just one of those days...

So today is one of those weird limbo days...getting back to "normal" is a lot easier said than done. I've been having a hard time sleeping as of late...I use to be such a good napper...so as you an imagine it's quite frustrating that I am having such difficulties in the napping and sleeping department. This could be a side effect from instant menopause however I refuse to google "symptoms of menopause" because that's just one less thing I need to start obsessing about.

I have way more energy than I've had in months, yet at times I still feel so tired... both physically and mentally. It's nerve wracking, as every little twinge, ache or pain is a constant and intrusive reminder of where I've been and the unknown that lies ahead of me. Gone are the carefree days of obsessing about red carpet fashions or who's dating who. Long gone are the days that cancer was some far off remote possibility that only happened to "other" people.

I volunteered last week at the Southern Women's Show with The Ovarian Cancer Alliance booth here in Orlando. The experience was wonderful, yet a brutal reminder of how horrible this disease is and of how many family's it has torn apart, often without any advanced warning. I was happy to meet people with whom I have this common bond, this sisterhood of sorts...however the number of people who have lost a loved one to this dreadful disease left me with mixed reviews. I felt their pain as if it was my own, I felt guilty because I made it through and scared because it's my "new" reality.

In The Family...must see tv!!

I heard about this great movie that follows the story of a young woman from Chicago who decides to get the BRCA1 and BRCA2 gene test after a family history of both Breast and Ovarian Cancer. She tested positive. This is her story and the story of so many other woman, what do you do when faced with these circumstances?

PBS online if offering a free online stream of the video throughout the month of October, please visit their website or visit the attached link below. I haven't watched it yet, but I hear nothing but great things...enjoy!!

http://www.pbs.org/pov/pov2008/inthefamily/fullfilm.html

Breast Cancer Awareness...friend or foe?

You'd have to live under a rock not to know that October is breast cancer awareness month:) There's just no escaping it. It's out there to make you aware, diligent and mindful about what's happening in your body. It would be wonderful if all cancer's received the same amount of attention and publicity as breast cancer does. I'd love to one day see the stores flooded with teal m&m's or bodywash and to have my house filled with all things teal... Since being diagnosed with Ovarian Cancer teal has become my new BFF. It's a bit like joining a sorority...albeit a sorority that you didn't sign up for, heck in a lot of cases a sorority you didn't even know existed.

I hear a lot of people talk about how unfair it is that Breast Cancer gets all the attention from mom and dad, while survivor's of other cancer's feel like lonely step children. Sometimes Mr. jealousy enters my world also, but then I remind myself that this isn't a competition between the "it" girls and the not so "it" girls. We can't afford to waste our energy trying to out do one another.

I'm not mad at Breast Cancer, if anything I'm encouraged by it. I know that with hard work and diligence Ovarian Cancer will soon be right up there along side it's sister.

The crazy thing about the breast/ovarian cancer war is that in some instances the two are connected. In hereditary cases changes or mutations of the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes increase the chances that a woman will get one or both cancers. Gene test to identify potential risk are often done on woman who have a family history of breast, ovarian, or colon cancers. A lot of people don't realize this and it's something we should all be aware of. Just another one of those little facts that could play a pivotal role in saving your life.

There's no time like the present, so if you haven't had your mammogram yet...now is the time. If you're not sure when you should start having them, talk to your gyn...be sure to let them know your family history or any past problems you may have had. They can only help you if you're willing to help yourself!

Oh, what a year!!!

A Prayer for Today--Joel Osteen
Father in heaven, thank You for watching over me and making a way even when there seems to be no way. I trust that You will never leave me nor forsake me. I bless Your name today and always. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.

It was one year ago today that I heard those chilling words, words that I will never forget. You have Ovarian Cancer. A year ago my world was turned upside down, a year ago I sat immobilized and in a complete daze...not sure where this journey would lead me, but today is a new day. I woke up this morning feeling good, I had a great work out at the gym, made my own lunch and did a bit of volunteering for Senator Obama's campaign here in central Fl. My day may seem pretty mundane to many, but any day that I feel good is a blessing...I no longer take anything or anyone for granted.

I've met some amazing people this past year and I've had the most incredible team of people working to help save my life. It's true, I would have never thought in a million years that I would be writing a blog sharing my experience with cancer, but I am and I'm thankful that I'm here to do so.

Thank you to everyone near and far for your prayers and continuous support. Please continue to pray for me and for the family and friends of those who were not as fortunate.

Ovarian Cancer-Silent NO More!!