My friend, Sarah, suggested that I go to the Breast Cancer Coalition after learning of my clear cell ovarian cancer diagnosis. She thought I would find the community supportive and take advantage of yoga classes to relieve stress. Three weeks after my diagnosis, I met with Yvonne at the Coalition. She gave me a huge hug, handed me my favorite sparkling water, and reminded me that I was not alone. Over and over.
I looked back at my messages with Yvonne from a year ago, and I found that I wrote the following: “It was fortuitous that we spoke today. The GYN discussion group was exactly what I needed; I left it feeling more supported and more in control of what is happening to me right now. I’m so glad you called and let me know about it today.”
I can still picture the first meeting with my bi-monthly support group, how they gave me information on chemotherapy, its side effects, and the next steps. They must have seen how scared I was, and they were so kind to let me talk and ask questions. I also recall the first time when I could share my experiences and advice in the hope that this could help others.
In this journey, I told myself to laugh and try something new. I participated in the Coalition’s writing class, and now my friend and I share our stories. In the height of my chemo, I was in the Coalition’s meditation class, and I learned to let go. The Coalition set me up with a mentor, and we have great fun talking about wigs and our ever-changing hair styles as they grow each month. As for trying something new, I had 16 wigs. Both of my sons picked one out for me; I had pink, brunette, blond, curly, straight, short, and long. And, the wigs had names too. When chemo ended, I brought all of my wigs to Florida where I was to meet my college friends. They met me at the airport wearing wigs. And we wore them at my friend’s house interchanging them during cocktail hour.
Sarah thought I would love the Coalition’s yoga, and, surprisingly, that is one program I have not participated in.
July 2025
