An ovarian cancer survivor’s guide to navigating the journey

Olga Tsoudis

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There are so many excellent organizations that provide educational resources and social support to those battling cancer. A network of support exists so be sure to get connected.”

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September is Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month. While I am not a medical professional, I am a cancer survivor sharing my personal journey.

At age 54, I was diagnosed with granulosa cell tumors, a rare type of ovarian cancer that occurs in less than 5% of the population. The word “cancer” wasn’t new to me. My brother and mother had both died of stomach cancer, so I was already involved in the cancer world. In many ways, that helped me navigate my new reality.

Ovarian cancer is often silent and can be difficult to detect. Many people don’t experience symptoms. Those who do are often misdiagnosed with other health issues, so it’s very important to be assertive with medical professionals and demand testing if you think something is wrong. You know your body best.

When I was diagnosed, I’d had a month of excessive menstrual bleeding. I ran to the doctor, was given an ultrasound and then an MRI. It turns out a bleeding fibroid alerted me to an ovarian tumor. My friends named her “Fifi,” as the bleeding fibroid saved my life.

Be your own advocate

When someone receives a cancer diagnosis, they aren’t given a guidebook. You must be your own advocate and accept support from those you love. There are many types of ovarian cancer, some more aggressive than others, so it’s important to research the specific type you have and stay up to date. I’ve done research for several of my friends and they’ve done the same for me. Think outside the box, do your research and ask questions.

Seek a support network

There are so many excellent organizations that provide educational resources and social support to those battling cancer. A network of support exists so be sure to get connected. My personal favorites include Cancer Support Community Arizona, the Ovarian Cancer Research Alliance, Unite for Her, the National Ovarian Cancer Coalition and Ovaracome.

Cancer Support Community Arizona was a saving grace for me, from the educational resources they provide to the network of other cancer patients that can lend an ear and know what you’re going through.

There are a few pieces of advice I give to those on a similar journey. My hope is that by sharing what’s helped me, I can help someone else navigate their cancer diagnosis a bit easier.

• Accept help from family and friends, even if it’s difficult. It makes them feel good to help and it will make you feel better as well.
• If someone sends information that doesn’t feel helpful, it’s OK to say, “thank you,” delete their email and move on. While they often have good intentions, they may not fully understand what is going on.
• Social support is crucial. Joining a support group, whether in-person or online has been helpful for me. I am fortunate to have Cancer Support Community Arizona as my support group where I connect with other patients on a weekly basis. I couldn’t do it without them. It gives us a chance to share information and advice that our family and friends may not have for us.
• Be open to learning about lifestyle changes to improve your mental and physical health, and to decrease the chance of recurrence. Many organizations provide guidance on where to begin, and some insurance policies may cover resources like a nutritionist.
• Art and music therapy are great outlets to support your mental health. I have participated in several art classes through Cancer Support Community Arizona, and these types of activities help me lower my stress.
• Movement is very important in the cancer journey. From yoga to strength training, there are many ways to keep your body moving and ways to modify each exercise so that you can support your healing while not being overexerted.
• I personally also use other holistic methods of healing. I have an oncology naturopath, along with acupuncture, meditation and massage. Before trying anything new, check with your doctor.
• If you’re interested, seek out research studies. Your participation is a way to help women in the future, especially those facing rare cancers. It’s also a way to take something negative and make it something positive.

Whether you’re on your own cancer journey or looking to help a loved one navigate theirs, support and resources are available.

Editor’s note: Olga Tsoudis is an ovarian cancer survivor and supporter of Cancer Support Community Arizona, a nonprofit with offices in Phoenix and Flagstaff that supports children and adults diagnosed with cancer, and their families. She lives in Flagstaff. Please submit comments at yourvalley.net/letters or email them to AzOpinions@iniusa.org. We are committed to publishing a wide variety of reader opinions, as long as they meet our Civility Guidelines.