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Sarah's Bit

Sarah

My interest in ovarian cancer grew stronger as my disease progressed. The more treatment and surgery I underwent, the more I needed to get my hands on the right information. This proved very difficult, and I gradually realised what a 'silent' disease this is. There is research going on, but it's fairly unpublicised. More importantly I could find no support group to provide me with the information and the contact with others that I needed.

So, I decided to 'do my bit' to raise awareness. I wrote my story, and it was published in the February '96 issue of Good Housekeeping magazine. The story concentrated on the effect of my cancer on my small family, particularly the implications for my three year old daughter and her likely future without a mother. The article obviously touched a nerve, and I was overwhelmed by the response, from sufferers, families and friends of sufferers, health professionals, well wishers and the media. I rewrote the article for the Mirror Woman; Michèle and I appeared on BBC 1's Good Morning programme; and I also appeared on Sky One.

OVACOME is the result of my little campaign, and I can only hope that it will be a success, because the letters I received show that it is needed. I know that I have benefited tremendously by hearing from women who are going through a similar experience, and I was inspired to speak to women who have survived.

I want to give this chance to others.

Sarah Dickinson, founder of Ovacome

Tips

Let's Help Each Other

This section of the newsletter is for people to give and receive advice.

If you have any problems or questions, be they medical, practical, emotional or whatever, let us know, and the team will endeavour to answer. Likewise, if you have any advice to offer, please share it with us. This may be ideas on how to manage a Hickman line in the shower, a new way to tie a scarf, or even a recipe to tempt a flagging appetite.

Music

On the cover of her new album, Olivia Newton-John writes:

'I was diagnosed with breast cancer on July 3rd, 1992. Not only am I a survivor, but I have never felt stronger physically or spiritually...this is my journey.'

The album is entitled Gaia, and the words of the songs give hope and strength, returning to mother nature for support and inspiration. One song Olivia wrote after a chemotherapy treatment, and reflects on the pain and uncertainty of sleepless nights. Another is written after surgery and gives the message 'Don't say why me.' For me, the most poignant song reflects her love for her husband and child. Here is the chorus:


'I-I want to spend my life with you
No other love
Could make me feel this way
Where I can be myself
And live the truth
No other love has ever let me be myself
When I'm with you my heart feels free
To open up And I'm never afraid to love
Surrendering to your sweet touch.'

Books

Here are a few books that have been recommended.

Let me know if there is a piece of music or book that is special to you that you would like to share with others.

 

The Funny Side

Cancer doesn't destroy your sense of humour and sharing a joke often helps.

Please tell us your light-hearted stories or funny incidents - anything to make us smile or laugh.

Poem of the Day

If

If you think you are beaten, you are
If you think you dare not, you don't
If you'd like to win, but you think you can't
It's almost certain you won't.
If you think you'll lose, you've lost
For out of the world we find
Success begins with a fellow's will -
It's all in the state of mind.
If you think you're outclassed, you are
You've got to think high to rise
You've got to be sure of yourself before
You can ever win a prize.
Life's battles don't always go
To the stronger or faster man
But sooner or later the man who wins
Is the one who THINKS he can

Anonymous
Contributor: Chris, Llanwrtyd Wells

 


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