September is Ovarian Cancer Awareness month. My plan had been to inundate you all (lovingly!) with updates on my Facebook page, Instagram page and blog with Ovarian Cancer facts and share my personal story.
Well, that hasn’t happened. As usual, a busy life got in the way of my best intentions. Interestingly, this month also happens to be Charcot-Marie-Tooth (CMT) Awareness Month. Lucky me – the folks assigning these monthly “awareness” observances grouped mine into one month!
CMT is a form of Muscular Dystrophy that affects the nerves. For me, it makes walking a challenge, as I have peripheral neuropathy in my legs and feet. I mention this so you will understand why I’ve committed to two months (September and October) for walking my “60 Miles in September” to raise money for Ovarian Cancer awareness. It will take me that long to walk 60 miles.
The specific organization I’m walking to raise money for is OCRA – Ovarian Cancer Research Alliance.
“Mission: Ovarian Cancer Research Alliance is dedicated to curing ovarian cancer while improving treatments by advancing innovative science, promoting preventive measures, and advocating, educating and supporting anyone affected by gynecologic cancers to ensure the best possible care and outcomes.”
OCRA fulfills this mission by raising money — 81 cents of every dollar donated funds research and programs.
OCRA invests more funds into ovarian cancer research than any other public charity.”
My own ovarian cancer story
I was diagnosed with stage IV Fallopian Tube (Ovarian) Cancer in April 2019 after experiencing a cough. You can read more about it here. Shockingly, 70% of the most common ovarian cancers actually begin in the fallopian tubes. Thank God I did well with my treatments and was in remission for two years. Then, I was hit with my first recurrence.
I say “first”, because once it comes back, they (the doctors) expect it to keep coming back. I think of it as having a kchronic condition. In fact, I call it chronic cancer. I went through treatment six months ago, undergoing six rounds of a different chemo “cocktail” – and I’m in remission, once again.
My bloodwork has a tumor marker (CA-125) that’s rising, which indicates “something” is going on in my body. Not great, so we monitor it. More bloodwork, more scans. In the meantime, I pray for the development of better diagnosis procedures and new, effective treatments.
What’s in a number?
The statistics for surviving ovarian cancer are not good. Luckily, I am NOT a statistic. For the first two years, I didn’t even know the statistics – which really was a blessing. Unfortunately, it is almost impossible not to learn about the statistics when trying to understand this miserable disease and what can be done to improve one’s health and chance of survival.
There’s no reliable early detection for ovarian cancer. It affects older women in menopause, but I’m beginning to question that statistic due to all the young women in the support groups I’ve joined. There are so many young mothers on this journey – heartbreaking!
I’m walking and praying we find a way to detect this cancer earlier, find new treatments to offer hope for long lives, and I’m walking for my health. Walking just 30 minutes a day is one of the best things a person can due to remain healthy while in cancer recovery.
Due to my CMT, I’ll be walking slowly over the next few weeks to reach this goal. I’ve logged 25 miles already!!! Crappy weather has put a damper on some of my walking attempts, but I”ll keep trying. I had an “AHA” moment just yesterday, I can do walking videos when it rains! That counts!
Here is the link to donate, if you’re interested. And I’d love walking company, if you’re ever interested in joining me.
Finding the ability to put one slow step in front of the other.
Beautycounter Product Spotlight
One of my favorites is back by popular demand…Talc-free eye shadow palette in 5 beautiful shimmery and matte colour options. Perfect for light day time wear, or more dramatic evening looks!
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All the products are awesome and our Holiday Collection launches next week, fun pairings of our favorites and some exciting new items.
Finding Abilities 