Melanie, United States
So… 7 years ago I was diagnosed with stage 3c ovarian cancer. I was 42, training for my second marathon and busy Mom to 3 teen boys, wife very active.It was unexpected and really scary. I thought I had a kidney stone back pain sent me to the er and I left with a huge mass on both of my ovary’s, I was so In Denial I almost refused care. A hysterectomy, omendectomy and a lot of chemotherapy I was cancer free for the last 6 years and had no issues at all till March of 2025. Routine blood work was elevated ca125 sent me for a ct and revealed a few small tumors in my abdomen. So more chemotherapy and did 6 rounds from May till October 2025. Had a supprise new tumor show up so 3 more rounds of chemotherapy that I finished 2 weeks ago and now I wait need a pet scan and blood work soon but I’m in limbo from here. I feel good just tired and cold but I’m good.
I’m pretty lucky in most of that, I have excellent health insurance and support from healthcare. I’m surrounded by family and friends and have never felt alone. I’m a nurse and I’ve tried to work between rounds of chemotherapy but it’s got harder towards the end of things. My employer has been tolerant of my time off but they have not been very kind or compassionate about my needs , I’ve feel a lot of stress becouse of this. I want to work and love my job. I’m running out of savings but I’ve needed no assistance at this point. Using stuff like disability coverage is a pain in the but and not nearly enough to cover even part of my wages lost , not eve close to half. My hubby works 2 jobs , but he always has.
I’m determined this is not how I end. I have too much to do and I’m going to do it. My family expically my husband and children have been wonderful. They don’t baby me but that keep me moving and I’m loved. My sister has been my rock and my therapist and so many friends ….im never alone, I am loved. I just want to get back to normal whst ever that is. Oh and my Grandaughter who is 6, she really gets me moving. For a while I felt pretty unsupported propane offfer to help but don’t. I need more that a bag with a blanket and chapstick although nice, someone whose been here before me would have been nice. I do this for others.
Like I said I’ve excellent coverage and care. Not a lot to complain about. This is really silly but I’m not a morning person like makes me miserable before 9 am anything. I’ve worked 2 and 3 shifts most of my life asking me to move at 5 am is just not my best moment, ice apologized to a lot of people lol. But also making appointments around my work schedule if I’m working till 1200 midnight I’m not commming in at 7 am fior chemo the next day. I’ve given in a lot on this it’s petty I know but really stressed me out a lot.
I once prayed for the people moments and things I have today. Live not like your dying, people need you, to live. Don’t quit, never give up. experience every day moments big and small.do the things, nobody cares about your hair. None of this is guaranteed. Be kind. Don’t pretend to know what all the answers are, nobody does be teachable , humble. Have compassion I look at things in a very different way now. It’s ok to have a bad day, just don’t pack a bag and stay there. Ask for help, people want to but don’t know how. When life it too much make the moment smaller till it spreads out and it’s manageable. Most of all love like nothing else matters and will never end it will last the longest far beyond what you can see or feel and I hope I’ve spread enough to last way longer than me. I hope that someone remembers I’ve said to them I see you and I got you.like I have.