MILLIE
From: Boynton Beach, FL USA
Member since: November 2007
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I am a: Patient
Coping with...Ovarian Cancer
Date of Birth: 09/1974 Date diagnosed: 05/2007 Sex: Female

Prepare to Live Buddy: Yes
Contactable by Prepare to Live members: Yes
Email: mandrouin@yahoo.com

01: How has cancer positively affected you: I appreciate the simple things in life and try not to make a big deal of little things. There are much bigger things out there. I also have a stronger faith than I had. I leave a lot of decisions up to God.

02: What does "cancer" mean to you as a Young Adult: A bump on the road and of course no hair.

03: What’s the one thing you’d say to someone who has just been diagnosed: Do not panic, it is only a temporary stage and have lots of faith. NEVER LOOSE YOUR SENSE OF HUMOR!!

04: What things won’t a Doctor tell you: Most doctors will not mention anything about nutrition andI think it is a very important part to eat well and healthy. If you also know of any holistic medicine like accupuncture and yoga to relax you those are great things.

05: What advice do you have for a caregiver, doctor, or nurse who is treating a Young Adult with cancer: Have a lot of patience, the mood swings are normal and they will come.

06: To me, cancer is: an eye opener, and a driver of courage. Strength builder.

07: What is the best kind of support to give/receive: Listen and be there.

08: Who or what were your best resources for information: Internet and a wonderful book my cousin gave me: Crazy Sexy Cancer Tips by Kris Carr, it is funny and real about different stories of different people and how they coped with cancer.

09: What has helped you the most:My support system. There are too many wonderful things in this world to just give up. My husband always trying to keep me on the go and not letting me get depressed.

10: What’s your favorite tip or trick for dealing: I am lucky I live close to the beach, so I like to take walks when there's nobody there and bring some of my favorite music, it is so relaxing and calming. I also try to head to the gym to snap me out of it and of course loose those calories.

11: The thing that keeps you going is: My family.

12: What are you doing to Prepare to Live: My hair is growing back!!! I am enjoying everyday and also not doing things I don't want to do. Life is too short to waste with nonsense stuff. I want to be happy with everything I do and thankful for the great family and friends I have.

What additional comments, experiences or ideas would you like to share: Do not dispair. Educate yourself and ask for experts opinions, sometimes those are free and you can find good doctors by researching the top hospitals. I am currently going to MD Anderson in Houston, but I live in Florida. They are the only ones that seem to know my type of case.