On Saturday 20^th May around 80 members met at the Bonnington Hotel in Central London for the charity’s annual member’s day. As in previous years, we were privileged to have many specialist speakers on all aspects of ovarian cancer.

The day started with Nathan Hall explaining about the National Cancer Peer Review, the process by which centres are audited. He highlighted the value of patient involvement and encouraged members to be more involved. This was followed by Annie Gilbert’s presentation about the survey she is undertaking with Ovacome, looking at the service, care, treatment and choice for women affected by ovarian cancer. Everyone seemed very excited by this study, which will hopefully lead to changes being made that will benefit all women in their cancer journey.

We then heard from Professor Martin Gore who spoke about the treatment of ovarian cancer now and in the future. Martin explained about the novel treatments currently being investigated and how they work, and his hopes for the future for those affected by ovarian cancer. The morning finished with Yori Gidron and Emily Arden Close speaking about the psychological study they are undertaking with the help of Ovacome members into coping strategies. After each speaker there was time for questions

During a delicious buffet lunch there was a chance to meet other members, purchase Ovacome merchandise and take part in the raffle for which we were fortunate enough to have been donated several exciting prizes.

Following lunch there were two workshops running concurrently.

Louise Cartwright a life coach who has experienced Breast Cancer ran a wellbeing workshop – ‘Life After Cancer’. During the session delegates had the opportunity to reflect and focus on their priorities and aims.

Canon Jane Lloyd from Poole ran the other workshop intriguingly named ‘Who is Patsy Pickles’ (a fur toy cat that Jane took into hospital when having treatment for endometrial cancer)” – exploring spiritual needs. I think all those who took part were very moved by the session and appreciated the chance to participate not only verbally, but by the joint activity which ended the session. This consisted of creating a web of colour wool symbolising the interaction we all come across in our cancer journey.  This web is now hung up in the Ovacome office, and serves as a beautiful visual reminder of how we all support and help each other.

12 members stayed on for the Sunday, which was Ovacome’s first ROC (Regional Ovacome Co-ordinators) training day. Facilitated by Gillian from Macmillan, we had a very interesting and useful time exploring many aspects of being involved with those affected by cancer. 

We hope that for those of you unable to attend this article and given you a taste of the event.  Copies of the slides used by the speakers are available from the office.

We are really grateful to Schering Plough Pharmaceuticals whose grant made this day possible.