I recently visited a friend in Phoenix, recently diagnosed with uterine and ovarian cancer. Janice, her name is a young (under 60 years old) vibrant social worker in the Scottsdale area. Her journey has just begun with chemotherapy, medications, surgical plan upcoming in 7 weeks, and a caring bridge website for her family and friends to send messages from the various states they live in. If any of you want to send her a message, just click on www.caringbridge.org/janicecoggins/visit
she really loves to get email in the desert!!
As I traveled there, I was thinking that I would write her story in an upcoming book , however that may take some time so i will give a little glimpse of what I learned this week.
The oncology nurse stated that ovarian cancer can be tough to treat when it goes undetected. Here is a website that can help you or others that want information about Ovarian Cancer. www.OCAZ.org
This organization developed as a direct result from women with ovarian cancer who wanted to spread the word about this type of cancer in hopes to bring healing and hope to women either facing this illness or those who are supporting loved ones with this cancer. When you visit this website you will find information you can share with other women.
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Every 37 minutes, a woman in this country dies from ovarian cancer.
Most could have survived.
Historically ovarian cancer was called the “silent killer” because symptoms were not thought to develop until the chance of cure was poor. However, recent studies have shown this term is untrue and that the following symptoms are much more likely to occur in women with ovarian cancer than women in the general population. These symptoms include:
• Bloating
• Pelvic and Abdominal Pain
• Difficulty eating or feeling full quickly
• Urinary symptoms (urgency or frequency)
• Family History of Breast or Ovarian Cancer
Women with ovarian cancer report that symptoms are persistent and represent a change from normal for their bodies. The frequency and/or number of such symptoms are key factors in the diagnosis of ovarian cancer. Several studies show that even early stage ovarian cancer can produce these symptoms.
Women who have these symptoms almost daily for more than a few weeks should see their doctor, preferably a gynecologist. Prompt medical evaluation may lead to detection at the earliest possible stage of the disease. Early stage diagnosis is associated with an improved prognosis.
We believe that every woman deserves to know the symptoms of this disease. This knowledge is her chance for an earlier diagnosis . . . in fact, her right to survive. ”
The Director of Marketing and Communication gave us her card, she is full of live and a passion to help others.
Pass this one, maybe we will save a life today
Camille
Publishing “dying in God’s hands” has been a tremendous experience in my life. Since the unveiling in October, many people have written me emails, personal notes or called about their experience with dying, death, or living with an illness. I am truly touched by the incredible sharing from so many of you.
The Silver pitcher is an idea that generated this past Monday. As I was spending time with my mom and dad, Anna Mae and Robert Pavy, mom wanted to prepare for Christmas by looking through some of her treasures at the house as gifts for her children. There are four children and mom is unable to drive at this point due to her physical limitations….so she decided shopping in her house would be a good idea. I totally agree as their personal treasures are gifts from their wedding in 1948, special collections from travels, or gifts given to them over the years.
As she maneuvered slowly with her new friend “the walker” in her home, she told stories in each room of how this piece of china or this picture found shelter in her home. This living story was a chance for me to listen about events or memories that rested in each treasure, whether china, silver or other. I thought, WOW, it is much better to hear her story instead of trying to imagine after her death what meaning a certain treasure had.
There was a Silver pitcher that was unique and she graciously placed my name on it. I am sure it has some tangible value; however the real value of the Silver pitcher to me is a wonderful memory of the afternoon in December 2009 that mom and had toured her house hunting for Christmas gifts. She is preparing me for the final end of her life and though that can bring sadness, I am grateful for feeling some of it now when I can hug her for comfort. God Bless all of you for a VERY Merry Christmas and may JESUS fill your heart with love.