Cancer cells are like the Kardashians. They are everywhere all at once, and their only real talent is to screw as many people for profit as possible.
Exam Day. I was laid out waiting in preparation on the gyno exam table. Every woman has been there. I was naked with a thin scratchy sheet covering me, my legs akimbo in the stirrups. I felt so vulnerable, worried and especially tired. The mass in my left ovary was killing me...literally. I looked like a pregnant Octo-Mom. Remember her?
Finally the exam door opened. A 12 year boy with a stethoscope walked in. OK he wasn't 12 but he looked it. I kept looking around the corner for his father, Dr. Cohen Sr. I'm kidding...no I'm not.
Young Dr. Cohen was to do my exam. As he put on his gloves, he kept ordering me to move down to the edge of the exam table. "Miss Joffrey MOVE further down...a little further...a little more." Why couldn't he move up? Plus don't I get dinner and a movie first? Again kidding...no I'm not.
Here's the truth; I was F**king terrified. I wanted, no I needed a woman doctor!
And it never occured to me to simply ask. I couldn't insult A DOCTOR in order to take care of myself. How dare I?! Who was I?!
ASK... that's my advice.
Ask for what you want. Ask about what you don't understand. Ask for the all those not with us any longer and those that will get cancer. Ask because you can. It is your right.
This is a lesson I finally learned from having stage 4 Ovarian Cancer and I am grateful.
Thank you for reading. Please follow along for other insights. I'd love to hear what you are dealing with emotionally around the cancer that is temporarily in your body. So please comment. This is not a medical forum. I can only hope to bring light and laughter to your situation. I found this to be very healing. I laughed as often as possible and I became better. I also found myself on stage doing stand up and speaking to women groups. I am now 3 years out (cells within normal range at last testing) from my dealings with Ovarian Cancer.
My love to you,
--Lisa J
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