The Ovacome AGM

One woman's recollections

I woke early to find an indifferent day weather-wise but had a sense of excitement as I was off to the Ovacome AGM. I decided to put on my Ovacome tee-shirt as I thought at least I would feel as if I belonged. I don't have ovarian cancer but my mum died of it two years ago and that was when I first found out about the charity. At 9 a.m. I set off for the bus stop to catch the bus to Oxford and from there a coach to London. Armed with a cup of coffee, I sat back on the coach and wondered quite what I was going to. By midday the coach had arrived at Victoria and after a quick hop on the tube to South Kensington, I set off for Stewarts Grove. I eventually found the Royal Marsden Hospital and then spotted the small turning for Stewarts Grove. As I walked down the street I wondered if I was in the right place but soon found the venue and was heartened to see an Ovacome notice on the door! Once inside it was a relief to find the loos (why are women always in need of a loo?) and then the receptionist directed me downstairs. I was a bit apprehensive - actually I was very apprehensive but I needn't have been! I walked in and thought: well I'm here now so what next? Jugs of juice meant I could busy myself getting a welcome glass and then I wandered over to a table to obtain a sticker. Once I had a name badge I felt a bit more relaxed and went to help myself to a sandwich.

I was ravenous so the food was most welcome. I started chatting to someone and then suddenly all my apprehension vanished as I knew I was with friends and not strangers. All around me people were talking and the buzz in the room was great. Wandering over to see what was for sale I ended up buying four lots of Christmas cards (excellent value and lovely cards) and another tee-shirt! I realised then I should have brought a larger bag with me! It was then time to go upstairs and off we all trooped to find the lecture theatre. Soon it was time to begin and the speakers were excellent. I learnt a great deal, had a lot of my worries allayed and was a bit overwhelmed by it all. There was a lot to take in.

For me, Patrick Holford's talk stands out because it was exactly what I was looking for. I had a hysterectomy two years ago and now I am 40 know it's likely I could soon be heading for the menopause. As I cannot tolerate synthetic hormones (the reactions I get range from constant nausea and shakiness to severe depression and tearfulness) I knew I needed to find an alternative to HRT. It also made me realise in part what possibly contributed to my Mum's illness and his talk really helped me. By mid-afternoon I was feeling very tired with the stream of knowledge we were being given and I was delighted when we broke for tea! I think we all chuckled to ourselves as after listening to Patrick outline the harmful effects of caffeine, etc., we all rushed for a cup of tea or coffee.

Again I was amazed at how easy it was to chat to people and, of course, I had to buy one of Patrick Holford's books and then some Ovacome raffle tickets! Winning a prize was a nice bonus, as I never usually win at raffles! Back again to the lecture theatre for the AGM and again I thought how brave everyone was. For me it had been a tiring day and yet I did not have any major health problems to contend with. Sadly I soon realised it was nearly 5 p.m. and I had to leave before the end of proceedings as I had a long journey home. Walking back to South Kensington tube station to begin the journey home, I reflected on the day and felt very buoyant. I was very glad to find a coach waiting when I got to Victoria and finally reached home at 8 p.m., whereupon I collapsed into a hot bath! All in all it had been a wonderful day. Tiring but well worth it! I learnt a great deal, met people I'd read about, and felt glad I had made the effort to attend. I am committed to Ovacome in my own small way and am proud to be associated with such a great organisation! My thanks and appreciation go to everyone who made the day such a success.
Vanja J Payne
Oxfordshire