Introduction
My name is Lena and I am a cancer survivor!
I am 50 years old, was born and raised in Sweden and have lived in Zürich, Switzerland with my husband and our two daughters during the past 6.5 years. I would describe myself as a positive and optimistic person, who has always been good at enjoying my life.
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| December 2018 |
I am 50 years old, was born and raised in Sweden and have lived in Zürich, Switzerland with my husband and our two daughters during the past 6.5 years. I would describe myself as a positive and optimistic person, who has always been good at enjoying my life.
Current status
At the beginning of November 2018, I had my first scan, after reaching what every cancer patient hopes for, complete remission (meaning scans show that all signs of cancer is gone, and no further treatment is currently needed). My results were very good, with no signs of a cancer relapse. I will be having scans and oncology follow-ups, every third month for the coming years, as ovarian cancer has a relatively high relapse risk.My cancer history
Just before Christmas 2017, I was diagnosed with ovarian cancer. It came as a big chock as I had no symptoms, but a flu and a bad cough. Because of the cough, I contacted my doctor, who sent me for x-ray. At the x-ray, large quantities of fluid was found in one of my lungs. When the fluid, 1.7 liters, was removed, it was tested and cancer cells were found. A CT scan was done and a tumor, with the size of my fist, was found on one of my ovaries. I had a big surgery at the beginning of January, the tumor was removed and a HIPEC (Hyperthermic Intraoperative Thoracoabdominal Chemotherapy) was done. In addition my lung was fixed with pleurodesis and a HITOC (Hypertherme thorakale Chemotherapie) was done.
Recovery was relatively tough and it took time before I had regained my strength. Seven weeks after the surgery, chemotherapy started with six cycles in total, one every third week. In July, after finalized chemo, I had a clear scan with no signs of cancer, i.e. complete remission.
Going through a demanding cancer treatment has been like a roller coaster ride both physically and mentally. Some days have been wonderful and others gloomy. Overall, I feel I have coped relatively well, thanks to my supporting family and friends, my general positive attitude and ability to be here and now.
Greig's positive attitude inspired me and I decided to do something similar, hence My Survival List.
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| Half-way through chemo |
Going through a demanding cancer treatment has been like a roller coaster ride both physically and mentally. Some days have been wonderful and others gloomy. Overall, I feel I have coped relatively well, thanks to my supporting family and friends, my general positive attitude and ability to be here and now.
Inspiration
When looking for inspiration, I found Greig Trout's website. Greig is a two times cancer survivor and he found that having things to look forward to, and proactively working towards them, was imperative to him surviving cancer and the psychological effects that came with it. He created the list: 101 Things To Do When You Survive.Greig's positive attitude inspired me and I decided to do something similar, hence My Survival List.
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