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Dealing with a Diagnosis of Ovarian Cancer

Cancer is a most certainly dreaded diagnosis and ovarian cancer in particular is feared so much more than other manifestations of that disease. This is due in part because by the time ovarian cancer is detected it is usually in the later stages of presentation and survival rates of sufferers even for the first five years post treatments are dismal with 25% being considered an accurate number. This of course causes many a friend and relative - and of course the individual sufferer herself - to wonder how to go about dealing with a diagnosis of ovarian cancer or help a loved one through that initial shock.

Much like the solemn manner in which the physician will deliver the diagnosis, a sudden panic is most likely to set in and immediately the worst is assumed. From there the patient will most likely endlessly chastise herself for smoking, drinking alcohol, eating fried or fatty foods, and not working out more. Although sometimes a bit far fetched, the litany of regrets will be endless and in addition to the grief the sufferer will feel is the dread of delivering the news to family and friends.

It is imperative to understand that dealing with a diagnosis of ovarian cancer is a most serious undertaking and although the straits may be dire and your fear is justified, it is imperative to remember that ovarian cancer is not the same as a death sentence. Clinical trials in this field have yielded remarkable results and continue to offer promise and hope even to those patients presenting with the late stages of the disease. Yet in addition to learning of your health issues - or perhaps because of it - a new sense of awareness is most likely to kick in and before long you will greet each twitch of the abdomen, each cramp, each passing feeling of fullness or bloating as a sign that the cancer has worsened and is most likely metastasizing as you are sitting there. This is not the case but nonetheless it is a most normal experience and in light of the diagnosis with ovarian cancer it is to be expected.

As you proceed through the stages of grieving and feelings of loss - even if your individual prognosis is quite good - you may find that suddenly you are becoming obsessed with death. If this is the case, diverting your attention to an equally deep issue, perhaps the pursuit of your spirituality may assist you in getting over this initial feeling. Add to this a newfound thirst for knowledge to educate yourself about the disease, and before long you will be focused on life, your cure, and the pursuit thereof, leaving precious little time for dark thoughts.

Dealing with a diagnosis of ovarian cancer is not an easy road to pursue and you will need to summon all of your strength and support. Thus it is vital that you not only surround yourself with those whom you love, but also with professionals who will help you achieve that cure and make you well again.