Attitude & Coping with Cancer

I guess from the time I was told I had that big C word, everything changed when I came home from surgery. Three weeks later, I started chemo, which was a whole new world I was venturing into. So when I met up with the staff and oncologist at a Private Chemo Clinic called Icon, they had not left one stone unturned as to what was going to happen and the process it would take. I got my head around it all. I was nervous, but I knew I was in good hands.

My specialist in Brisbane said that I would have chemo every 3 weeks so when I came back to Townsville and the oncologist said it would be weekly, I went into panic stage. I rang my specialist in Brisbane as she found the best oncologist for me and from phone call to phone call I was reassured with having chemo weekly. It was the less invasive option for my body so that's what it was going to be. I did my research before chemo, I went online and organised wigs, scarves, beds, and hats. You name it, I had it. I was not going to look any different. Then, chemo started. The first week, I was really good, and then the second week, my hair started to fall out.

My family knew I had a thing about my hair, but my attitude was that I have been dealt these cards and there was nothing I can do about it. Only to get through it. I didn't have a porta put under my skin because I had good veins. So happy that I didn't. My husband and I had a routine every Monday. I go for a blood test at 8 am, then we go have breakfast somewhere different and go back for the oncologist report before I would start chemo. This was our routine for the next 6 months.

I'm not going to say that it was easy. Each morning I would get up to take a shower and put some makeup on as there was always someone popping in. We have set a room up so I could go lay down and watch TV. But after awhile I decided I didn't need it. I would do all my chores everyday and my husband was still working. He was the chef anyway, but when I didn't feel nauseous I would cook. I have my sisters and one in particular would come check on me everyday. We would try different things to help the nausea but if I never see Ginger again, it won't be too soon.

Before I knew it, my 6 months had just come to an end. Both of my specialists have always complimented me on how my attitude has got me through it all. I'm their star patient. I do get called to help other patients that have been diagnosed with ovarian cancer from time to time. I know not everyone can be positive but it sure helps to always think that there's always someone else doing it tougher.

Hope my journey helps someone.

-Jannine Napier