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Cancer
Ovarian Cancer
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Controlling the symptoms of advanced ovarian cancer
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Psychological impact
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Ovarian Cancer
Subject index
Topic
Cancer
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Ovarian Cancer
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Other sources of support
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Other sources of support
Other sources of support
Clip
Cancer
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Ovarian Cancer
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5-6 years since diagnosis
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Interview OV39
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Recovered quickly from surgery and avoided strenuous activity by getting her mother to help with childcare and housework.
Ovarian cancer diagnosed in 1997 following abdominal pain, frequent urination, vaginal bleeding, fainting fit, and rash. Treated by surgical removal of ovaries and womb followed by chemotherapy.
Cancer
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Ovarian Cancer
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2-5 years since diagnosis
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Interview OV10
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Her body's reaction to chemotherapy followed a pattern.
Ovarian cancer diagnosed in 2000 following an abdominal ache. Treated by surgical removal of ovaries and womb followed by chemotherapy.
Cancer
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Ovarian Cancer
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Less than 2 years since diagnosis
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Interview OV48
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Had been concerned about her body image and about having sex, but her husband had been very supportive.
Ovarian cancer diagnosed in 2000. Treated by surgical removal of ovaries and womb and chemotherapy.
Cancer
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Ovarian Cancer
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Less than 2 years since diagnosis
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Interview OV48
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Her husband was not concerned about her changed appearance and still made her feel feminine.
Ovarian cancer diagnosed in 2000. Treated by surgical removal of ovaries and womb and chemotherapy.
Cancer
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Ovarian Cancer
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Less than 2 years since diagnosis
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Interview OV22
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Feared that her husband would no longer find her attractive because of her operation scar, but he was supportive.
Ovarian cancer diagnosed in 2002 after finding a lump in her abdomen. Treated by surgical removal of ovaries and womb followed by chemotherapy.
Cancer
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Ovarian Cancer
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7-14 years since diagnosis
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Interview OV47
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No longer felt she was a sexual person after surgery, though her husband was still attracted to her.
Ovarian cancer diagnosed in 1996. Treated by surgical removal of ovaries and womb and chemotherapy.
Cancer
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Ovarian Cancer
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5-6 years since diagnosis
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Interview OV29
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Had no sex since her illness due to a total loss of interest in it, and her husband was supportive.
Ovarian cancer diagnosed in 1998 following a vaginal discharge and bleeding. Treated by surgical removal of ovaries (previously hysterectomised) followed by chemotherapy and radiotherapy.
Cancer
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Ovarian Cancer
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2-5 years since diagnosis
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Interview OV07
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Found sex uncomfortable after her treatment so found other ways to be intimate with her husband.
Ovarian cancer diagnosed in 2000 following digestive problems. Treated by surgical removal of ovaries and womb followed by chemotherapy. Recurrence treated with further chemotherapy.
Cancer
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Ovarian Cancer
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2-5 years since diagnosis
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Interview OV38
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Despite initial concerns, had no difficulty resuming a normal sex life after treatment thanks to the support of her husband.
Ovarian cancer diagnosed in 2000 following abdominal aches and pains. Treated by surgical removal of ovaries and womb followed by chemotherapy.
Cancer
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Ovarian Cancer
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5-6 years since diagnosis
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Interview OV31
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Had no difficulty resuming a normal sex life after treatment and felt the experience had strengthened her marriage.
Ovarian cancer diagnosed in 1997 in the course of infertility treatment. Treated by surgical removal of ovaries and womb followed by chemotherapy.
Cancer
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Ovarian Cancer
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2-5 years since diagnosis
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Interview OV30
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Gained support from her Christian faith and her prayers.
Ovarian cancer diagnosed in 2002 following abdominal bloating and bleeding. Treated by surgical removal of ovaries and womb, and colostomy, followed by chemotherapy.
Cancer
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Ovarian Cancer
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2-5 years since diagnosis
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Interview OV38
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Tried to be as upbeat as possible about her diagnosis to make it easier for other people to deal with.
Ovarian cancer diagnosed in 2000 following abdominal aches and pains. Treated by surgical removal of ovaries and womb followed by chemotherapy.
Cancer
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Ovarian Cancer
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5-6 years since diagnosis
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Interview OV15
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Describes how counselling helped her.
Ovarian cancer diagnosed in 1997 following frequent urination and feeling that all was not well. Treated by surgical removal of ovaries and womb. Recurrence treated with chemotherapy.
Cancer
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Ovarian Cancer
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7-14 years since diagnosis
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Interview OV04
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Her husband used crying as a release and coped with running the home and working while she was in hospital.
Ovarian cancer diagnosed in 1992 following abdominal swelling. Treated by surgical removal of ovaries and womb followed by chemotherapy.
Cancer
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Ovarian Cancer
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Less than 2 years since diagnosis
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Interview OV43
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Her husband had a series of small strokes and depression and could not look after her.
Ovarian cancer diagnosed in 2002 following constipation, frequent urination, tiredness, diarrhoea, bloating, umbilical hernia, and breathing difficulties. Treated by surgical removal of ovaries as remaining tumour was inoperable, then chemotherapy.
Cancer
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Ovarian Cancer
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7-14 years since diagnosis
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Interview OV03
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Thinks family carers have a hard time because they have to take on new roles and have little support.
Ovarian cancer diagnosed in 1996 following abdominal swelling and pain, and depression. Treated by surgical removal of ovaries and womb followed by chemotherapy.
Cancer
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Ovarian Cancer
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Less than 2 years since diagnosis
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Interview OV42
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Her three children reacted to the diagnosis in very different ways.
Ovarian cancer diagnosed in 2003 following abdominal pain (diagnosed as gall stones) and bloating. Treated by surgical removal of ovaries and womb followed by chemotherapy.
Cancer
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Ovarian Cancer
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5-6 years since diagnosis
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Interview OV09
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Received visits, cards and flowers from friends and had plenty of people she could phone if she wanted to talk.
Ovarian cancer diagnosed in 1997 after finding a lump in her abdomen. Treated by surgical removal of ovaries and womb followed by chemotherapy.
Cancer
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Ovarian Cancer
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Less than 2 years since diagnosis
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Interview OV33
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Had a network of friends and family who came and looked after her after her operation.
Ovarian cancer diagnosed in 2003 following shoulder pain, abdominal bloating, cough, and pain on eating. Treated by surgical removal of ovaries and womb followed by chemotherapy.
Cancer
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Ovarian Cancer
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5-6 years since diagnosis
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Interview OV09
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Explained that her husband did the housework, taking time off when needed, and mopped up after chemotherapy made her sick.
Ovarian cancer diagnosed in 1997 after finding a lump in her abdomen. Treated by surgical removal of ovaries and womb followed by chemotherapy.
Cancer
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Ovarian Cancer
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7-14 years since diagnosis
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Interview OV01
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Her husband continued to go out to play bridge twice a week as a break from his caring responsibilities.
Ovarian cancer diagnosed in 1992 following abdominal pain. Treated by surgical removal of ovaries and womb, and chemotherapy. Recurrences treated with further chemotherapy and radiotherapy. Bowel surgery needed to treat blockages.
Cancer
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Ovarian Cancer
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7-14 years since diagnosis
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Interview OV24
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Would have liked more emotional support from family, friends and colleagues during her treatment.
Ovarian cancer diagnosed in 1989 after finding a large abdominal lump. Treated by surgical removal of ovaries and womb followed by chemotherapy.
Cancer
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Ovarian Cancer
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7-14 years since diagnosis
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Interview OV03
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During her chemotherapy she had great support from friends, but it dried up when she finished her treatment.
Ovarian cancer diagnosed in 1996 following abdominal swelling and pain, and depression. Treated by surgical removal of ovaries and womb followed by chemotherapy.
Cancer
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Ovarian Cancer
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7-14 years since diagnosis
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Interview OV21
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Describes the range of support services offered at her local cancer support centre and the benefits of going there.
Ovarian cancer diagnosed in 1996 following weight loss, abdominal bloating, lighter periods and tiredness. Treated by surgical removal of ovaries and womb, and chemotherapy. Chemotherapy for recurrences caused kidney failure and immunological shock.
Cancer
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Ovarian Cancer
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2-5 years since diagnosis
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Interview OV16
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Benefited from the experiences of other ovarian cancer survivors by subscribing to Ovacome's regular newsletter and 'Fone Friends' facility.
Ovarian cancer diagnosed in 2002 following constipation, pain and bloating. Treated by surgical removal of both ovaries (previously hysterectomised) followed by chemotherapy.
Cancer
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Ovarian Cancer
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7-14 years since diagnosis
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Interview OV03
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Gained support from hearing about, and making friends with, other ovarian cancer survivors.
Ovarian cancer diagnosed in 1996 following abdominal swelling and pain, and depression. Treated by surgical removal of ovaries and womb followed by chemotherapy.
Cancer
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Ovarian Cancer
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5-6 years since diagnosis
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Interview OV31
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Benefited from keeping in touch with other survivors through going to a local self-help group.
Ovarian cancer diagnosed in 1997 in the course of infertility treatment. Treated by surgical removal of ovaries and womb followed by chemotherapy.
Cancer
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Ovarian Cancer
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5-6 years since diagnosis
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Interview OV39
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Started a local self-help group because she felt isolated and wanted to give something in return for her survival.
Ovarian cancer diagnosed in 1997 following abdominal pain, frequent urination, vaginal bleeding, fainting fit, and rash. Treated by surgical removal of ovaries and womb followed by chemotherapy.
Cancer
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Ovarian Cancer
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2-5 years since diagnosis
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Interview OV38
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She no longer gains from attending her self-help group but continues for the sake of others.
Ovarian cancer diagnosed in 2000 following abdominal aches and pains. Treated by surgical removal of ovaries and womb followed by chemotherapy.
Cancer
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Ovarian Cancer
>>
Less than 2 years since diagnosis
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Interview OV22
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Had not been to a self-help group because she wanted to live her life as normally as possible.
Ovarian cancer diagnosed in 2002 after finding a lump in her abdomen. Treated by surgical removal of ovaries and womb followed by chemotherapy.
Cancer
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Ovarian Cancer
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2-5 years since diagnosis
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Interview OV40
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Hearing the stories of bereaved relatives at a self-help group meeting was depressing.
Ovarian cancer diagnosed in 2001 following urinary incontinence and abdominal bloating. Treated by surgical removal of ovaries and womb followed by chemotherapy.
Cancer
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Ovarian Cancer
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2-5 years since diagnosis
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Interview OV10
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Got Ovacome's newsletter but didn't want to read the stories of women who hadn't survived, preferring positive information.
Ovarian cancer diagnosed in 2000 following an abdominal ache. Treated by surgical removal of ovaries and womb followed by chemotherapy.
Cancer
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Ovarian Cancer
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7-14 years since diagnosis
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Interview OV26
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Since she was diagnosed has noticed there is more information and health professionals seem more willing to explain things.
Ovarian cancer diagnosed in 1993 after requesting a health check (no symptoms experienced). Treated by surgical removal of ovary and womb then chemotherapy. Recurrence after 10 years treated with chemotherapy.
Cancer
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Ovarian Cancer
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7-14 years since diagnosis
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Interview OV04
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Being positive can be difficult at times but you need to believe that you will survive.
Ovarian cancer diagnosed in 1992 following abdominal swelling. Treated by surgical removal of ovaries and womb followed by chemotherapy.
Cancer
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Ovarian Cancer
>>
7-14 years since diagnosis
>>
Interview OV03
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People should not feel guilty about having days when they feel low and cannot be positive.
Ovarian cancer diagnosed in 1996 following abdominal swelling and pain, and depression. Treated by surgical removal of ovaries and womb followed by chemotherapy.
Cancer
>>
Ovarian Cancer
>>
5-6 years since diagnosis
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Interview OV17
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Sought information and visited internet chat rooms where she could contact other women with ovarian cancer.
Ovarian cancer diagnosed in 1998 following breathing and bladder problems, weight gain and bloating, and changed bowel habits. Treated by surgical removal of both ovaries and abdominal fluid, chemotherapy, then hysterectomy and further chemotherapy.
Cancer
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Ovarian Cancer
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Support from family and friends and spirituality
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Support from family and friends and spirituality
Support from family and friends and spirituality
Cancer
>>
Ovarian Cancer
>>
2-5 years since diagnosis
>>
Interview OV38
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Wanted to find out everything possible about ovarian cancer and used many sources.
Ovarian cancer diagnosed in 2000 following abdominal aches and pains. Treated by surgical removal of ovaries and womb followed by chemotherapy.
Cancer
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Ovarian Cancer
>>
2-5 years since diagnosis
>>
Interview OV40
>>
Hearing the stories of bereaved relatives at a self-help group meeting was depressing.
Ovarian cancer diagnosed in 2001 following urinary incontinence and abdominal bloating. Treated by surgical removal of ovaries and womb followed by chemotherapy.
Cancer
>>
Ovarian Cancer
>>
Less than 2 years since diagnosis
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Interview OV22
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Had not been to a self-help group because she wanted to live her life as normally as possible.
Ovarian cancer diagnosed in 2002 after finding a lump in her abdomen. Treated by surgical removal of ovaries and womb followed by chemotherapy.
Cancer
>>
Ovarian Cancer
>>
2-5 years since diagnosis
>>
Interview OV38
>>
She no longer gains from attending her self-help group but continues for the sake of others.
Ovarian cancer diagnosed in 2000 following abdominal aches and pains. Treated by surgical removal of ovaries and womb followed by chemotherapy.
Cancer
>>
Ovarian Cancer
>>
5-6 years since diagnosis
>>
Interview OV39
>>
Started a local self-help group because she felt isolated and wanted to give something in return for her survival.
Ovarian cancer diagnosed in 1997 following abdominal pain, frequent urination, vaginal bleeding, fainting fit, and rash. Treated by surgical removal of ovaries and womb followed by chemotherapy.
Cancer
>>
Ovarian Cancer
>>
5-6 years since diagnosis
>>
Interview OV31
>>
Benefited from keeping in touch with other survivors through going to a local self-help group.
Ovarian cancer diagnosed in 1997 in the course of infertility treatment. Treated by surgical removal of ovaries and womb followed by chemotherapy.
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