Community on OVdialogue changes a life
November 22, 2017
The community’s strength in numbers is growing as more women with ovarian cancer are connecting online and confronting the disease with support from others who have been there. To do this, they are joining OVdialogue, a new online community where people who have been diagnosed with ovarian cancer can get to know one another, exchange insights and share their stories.
Right now a variety of discussions are underway as women connect about topics ranging from gene mutations to side effects of treatment. Others are discovering common bonds that bring levity to their journeys, posting photos of their pets for instance. To chat in real-time, one group is starting live sessions on Teal Tuesdays.
The growing number of discussions and posts make it clear that women are finding support as they turn to one another for advice and encouragement. Beyond this, there is generosity in responses as personal insights are shared in efforts to help.
Sheri Roberts used OVdialogue to connect with other women who understood what she was going through. Diagnosed in September of this year, Sheri was grappling with treatment decisions as the effectiveness of chemotherapy hasn’t been well-established for cases like hers. Concerned about possible side effects, she was anxious to hear from someone who had been in her shoes.
At the Ovarian Cancer Canada Walk of Hope, Sheri’s husband Paul found out about OVdialogue and encouraged her to sign up and ask questions.
“I have a huge phobia of throwing up and it was the main barrier keeping me from chemo,” she explains. “When I sent that first message out, I received positive, supportive messages from the other women. They were full of such kindness.”
It was the first time Sheri had been in touch with others who could relate to her situation firsthand. Everyone she heard from had been through chemo, many shared practical advice about anti-nausea medications. Their experiences enabled Sheri to decide on a course of action.
“What helped the most was seeing the stories from women who lived through treatment, that’s all the evidence I needed,” she says. “They reassured me that while the side effects may be uncomfortable, you can live with them… These women got through it, and I can too.”
Today, Sheri is awaiting her second round of chemotherapy. Between appointments she hopes to spend more time on OVdialogue, posting updates as her treatment progresses and sharing what she’s learned along the way.
“If you are thinking about signing up, just go for it,” says Sheri. “I can tell you that it helps to get those positive messages back to know that you aren’t alone in this.”
Go to ovariancanada.org/OVdialogue to register and participate in the latest discussions.