For the second week of our September survivor blog series, we continue sharing voices that remind us of the power of lived experience. Survivors responded to thoughtful questions about their journeys—what they’ve faced, what they’ve learned, and how they’ve been supported along the way.
This week’s reflections reveal both the difficult and the hopeful moments, painting a fuller picture of what survivorship can look like and how community care makes a difference.
In our first post, survivors began sharing how they recognized the earliest signs that something wasn’t right. Their words carried weight and honesty. This week, we continue that conversation, highlighting more perspectives so each story has room to be heard.
How has your life changed since your diagnosis—physically, emotionally, or spiritually?
“I try not to take the days for granted or the years. I’ve known so many women who have gone too soon from this.
“I am physically exhausted as I’ve been in some form of treatment for nearly 4 years. I get Taxol and Avastin every other week now, after having had it three weeks on and one off for the first 5 months. I was once an active person, and now I can’t do the things I used to. Emotionally – It’s up and down. Been a roller coaster ride. After each scan or blood test, I am either relieved or concerned. Spiritually, I try to remain focused on hope.”
“Well, I’ve had major surgery!”
“I am a 38-year survivor of IIIc ovarian cancer. For the past 26 years, my mission has been to give HOPE to others going through what I have experienced. I had 2 big surgeries and 2 1/2 years of chemotherapy. I was 41 years old at diagnosis, and I am now 80, and I feel great 😊.”
“I was already a spiritual person. I think what changed with me was emotionally. I don’t dwell on the small things and just accept people as they are. Everyone has a different perspective on life. We have to respect others’ outlook, though it may be different from ours.
I have not changed much physically.
Lost my hair, but have not lost weight or appetite.”
“Took on a carpe diem attitude, because we never know.”
“I suffered through anxiety, depression, and gambling addiction. I spent money I didn’t have because I thought I was given a terminal diagnosis. I felt lonely even with support all around me. The journey was painful and difficult, but I “hoped” I could be that one who would get through it. I did a clinical trial that was deemed a failure, but it worked for me. I’m still paying the debt I accumulated while heading down a dark hole. My hope is that people will come to know it’s not a life sentence!!! You can survive this beast!!!”
“I’m more emotionally and physically aware. I feel things strongly and deeply. I listen to my body. I will sit my behind down and rest if my body tells me to.”
“Spiritually, my life changed for the better. The day I received the diagnosis, I sat in my car and prayed, “Dear Lord, if this is the journey you want me to take, I will, but I need you to carry me.” I suddenly was covered in peace and never cried about it again. Emotionally, I have learned to let those I love know that I love them. Before the words, I love you,” I mostly spoke to my family. Now, I tell everyone, “I love you.” On the other side of the coin, I panic with every little cramp or twinge in my abdomen. I think, “Is the beast back?”
Physically – The change in my body physically has been difficult (of course, I am now 60). I was always an athlete. Now, I do well to walk around my yard. I tire out more easily. I have to rest more. I just do not have the same energy that I had before cancer.”
“It has decreased my stamina and balance. I’m no longer work-driven and retired early. I am thankful for every day I’ve got. Traveling more, enjoying life/kids/family more”
“I’ve always had self-esteem issues, and now I think it’s worse. I’ve got a bald head (thankfully, now my hair is slowly coming back in), and scars on my stomach from 2 surgeries I had to have. I was ok with my body before, but now it’s marked up and not easy to hide. I see a lot of ladies embracing a bald head, but that’s not me. I still wear a hat when going outside in public. I had a meltdown when I told my husband I wanted him to shave my head. I absolutely HATE change, and this was an extreme change for me, and everything happened so fast. Trying to grow closer to God, but it’s hard. Never had a good relationship to start with. I always say Why me. Life was good, and then you want to go and throw this huge curveball at us. We made it, but it wasn’t easy. There are still days when I cry. Whether it’s from being tired or having no energy to do anything. It’s still hard even after treatment. Nothing will ever be “normal” again, and it hurts. I don’t think I grieved my old self. If anything, I want my old self back, but I know it’ll never come. I have to adjust to a new normal, and I haven’t figured that out yet. Day-to-day life after treatment, even during treatment, is just that…day to day. You survive daily, focusing on one day at a time.”
“I’m more tired and miss the energy I used to have. My faith has grown, and my relationship with God is stronger. I know He is my strength and healer. But I’m still emotionally shaky sometimes. I have good days and bad days with too much thinking, projecting, and worrying.”
“Of course! Physically, I try to pay more attention to my body. Emotionally? I am much more emotional. Spiritually? God was there and still is. I felt him in a very tangible way a few times.”
“I get quite emotional. I never know when I might start crying. I am scared a lot. It is harder to walk. I get muscle spasms with pain and shortness of breath. My ribs and abdomen hurt at times. I pray more often. I ask God to heal me, and I don’t understand why I still have cancer. It is a rollercoaster of emotions. I am still trying to hold on. I can’t drive currently or do things I used to physically do anymore.”
“Realizing that you are here on this planet for only a short period of time and do not take any of that time for granted, because it can be over in a second.”
“I am much more aware of the need for healthy eating, daily exercise, the impact of environmental toxins, etc. Our bodies were designed to heal, and if we give them the right tools, healing is possible. Emotionally, I think I am much stronger. I can handle a lot when needed. Spiritually, I think I am much more aware of God in my day-to-day life and His concern for all the details.”
“I realize that I was very lucky. I could have been diagnosed at a later stage. Thank god for that. Physically, the chemo and other meds have aged me a bit. Slowed me down some. But I am doing fine.”
“My mindset is different about life. Don’t take it for granted. Enjoy life. I feel I have gotten closer to God through this journey.”
“I was VERY uncharacteristically emotional after my diagnosis and debulking surgery for several months. My sister, who is a psychologist, recommended I talk to someone. I went to a local OC support group and found MY people. I have become an advocate and educator regarding ovarian cancer. I also work with the Turban Project to sew headwear for newly diagnosed ladies of all of the gynecological cancers to go in bags of hope (containing educational materials, support opportunities, and goodies for treatment).”
“Physically, I am more health-focused. I was before, too, but am more so now. I eat better, more focused on protein, less sugar, less processed foods, less pesticides, and herbicides. Emotionally, I am more thankful, and I prioritize time with family and friends and doing things I enjoy. I’ve cut back at work. I want to make many memories, and I realize how short life can be. Spiritually, I am strengthened. I felt God carrying me through this difficult journey, and I trust He will give strength for all the difficult things in life.”
“At 70, almost 71, I am still fighting the much-ignored symptoms of a complete hysterectomy. Never sleeping through the night, low libido, changes in eyesight, heart palpitations; I could go on and on. Emotional changes and still a feeling of youth lost. You can be grateful to be alive, but the symptoms sometimes bring you to your knees. People want you to be grateful to be alive; they don’t understand the mental and physical changes cancer brings.”
“Physically, I am still dealing with the effects of the hysterectomy and the sudden hormonal changes. I have lingering neuropathy in my hands. I had a quadruple bypass four years after completing treatment due to premature clogging of my arteries… a rare side effect of chemo. I exercise, but I am slower and not as strong. Emotionally, even seven years post-diagnosis, the possibility of recurrence haunts me.”
“Since my diagnosis, life has changed in every way. Physically, I’ve had to face my limits and listen to my body. Emotionally, I’ve learned to release what doesn’t matter and hold tight to what does. Spiritually, my faith has deepened. I trust God more fully now, knowing He’s been faithful through every battle and every breath.”
“Physically, I am not the person I was. Thirteen surgeries and 10 years of constant treatment take a toll. Emotionally, I have learned a lot. No is a complete sentence. Peace and joy are priceless. I have always been a very spiritual person. I have more conversations with God now, versus only praying to God.”
“It’s hard to say… I had several years NED where there was minimal impact. However, I’ve been in constant treatment for the past 18 months, and I’ll admit it’s tiring at times.”
“Spiritually, I learned to depend on the Lord to make it through each day, as I am unable to walk through my cancer journey without His help. Before my diagnosis, I tended to depend on my own abilities and not as much on the Lord.”
“Ufff! It is life-changing….feeling the uncertainty of what will happen. Having to be dependent on others is difficult for me, but I have learned to go with the flow. I enjoy my life, and having some physical limitations (like tiredness, fatigue, pain, etc) can be challenging. I try to keep a positive attitude and be active (within the things I can do now), doing everyday normal tasks, but even though I try to keep strong, fear tries to play tricks, and I cannot let it take over. Spiritually, it has increased my faith; God’s will is perfect, and I have no control over this. I do my best not to question God and just let Him work on the purpose of my journey.”
What helped you get through your hardest days?
“Community”
“Sleep, breathing, and talking to my friend.”
“One step at a time. One chore at a time, walk as much as I can.”
“Taking it a day at a time. Having long-term and short-term goals. The short-term goal was counting down to the treatments. My long-term goal was to get my younger son through school. If I couldn’t get him to do his homework, I would do it, so I wouldn’t worry. He was finishing 3rd grade when I was diagnosed. He is now 47 and a very successful businessman. So grateful I have lived to see this.”
“Knowing that whatever happens, I will be okay. Life does not end when we leave this earth. We just changed location.”
“Being there for my five kids, who were nineteen through ten at the time, and had no idea I was going through anything.”
“I tried to take my worries and give them over to God.”
“The people around me and my daughters. Even when my peers were scared for me, too – they never showed it to me. They were very encouraging and positive. They helped where I needed it. They took care of my daughters for me when I was in the hospital. I learned that while yes, I can do things alone, I don’t have to.”
“PRAYER & FAITH IN GOD. At a couple of my chemo treatments, I could actually feel people praying for me. It was very humbling. And through every treatment and procedure, I was at peace.”
“Sleep, antidepressants, good talks with friends, journaling, art”
“My husband. During treatment, he would tell me ‘thank you’ every night before bed. Thank you for giving him another day. Thank you for fighting. He still tells me he’s proud of me when I accomplish things (same things I used to do before cancer, just now they take longer to do). He’s my rock.”
“Reaching out to my church family and reading my Bible.”
“Focusing inward, prayer, crying, talking to anyone who would listen, and my husband, who held me tight and let me sob.”
“Pain medicine. Crying. Talking to a friend. Distraction by getting outside in nature. Prayer. Sleep.”
“Knowing that what was happening to me, meaning side effects from chemo, etc., was temporary and was going to make me better. Some days it was harder to believe than others.”
“My youngest 3 daughters (I have 5!) were 12, 11, and 5 when I was diagnosed. I knew that I needed to live for their sakes. The older two are now in nursing school, and my youngest is 12, and we’re doing great! Also, my 2 boys who had their own families – the joy of grandchildren is a great healer!”
“Talking about the cancer. Family and friends.”
“My faith and family.”
“Friends, family, and teal sisters visiting and texting and video calling.”
“My faith, and also my family. My nieces and nephews were a great distraction.”
“I am a strong cookie. Being part of the OCRA, volunteer work, getting the word out, and speaking up have helped me to realize that I am not alone and I must share what I have learned. I am a dinosaur in the ovarian world.”
“My husband, my kids, rest, prayer, and Kraft macaroni and cheese!”
“What got me through my hardest days was leaning on God’s promises, my husband’s steady love, and the prayers of friends and family. Even when I felt weak, their strength and faith reminded me I wasn’t fighting alone.”
“My husband has been my rock, never leaving my side. We laugh, cry, and continue to enjoy life together. With chemo, knowing when I was to finish treatment helped. I can do anything for a limited amount of time when I know when the end is.”
“Faith is at the bedrock of my existence. I’m tremendously grateful for my foundation in faith.”
“Notes of encouragement or prayers written out in the comments of my posts on CaringBridge and Facebook. Also, becoming part of the Ovarian Cancer Christian Fellowship group and reading the Daily “Feels” and News posts.”
“Believing in God and family support. Also keeping up with a positive mental attitude – “One day at a time”. “Things will get better”. “If I have overcome previous situations and God has helped me through it, it can happen again”.
