Living

When I first searched the internet for other young women living with an ovarian cancer diagnosis, I had no idea that I would discover such a far-reaching community. I quickly...

Today while watching a PBS documentary, I was reminded that rivers are a wonderful metaphor for life. Each turn of a river presents a new experience. Much like our lives...

Many illnesses come with steep price tags. Once you have a diagnosis, navigating treatment expenses can be challenging. Insurance plans cover some expenses. But out-of-pocket costs add up quickly. We...

During the course of being a cancer patient, I’ve been told, “your disease does not define you,” more times than I can count. But I personally feel that my diagnosis...

Many readers share the day-in and day-out awareness of life with advanced ovarian cancer. No matter how we feel or how capable we are of continuing in the life we...

Every year, doctors treat millions of people for mental health conditions. They are learning more about how people who identify as women experience these conditions. In some ways, women's mental...

As a 4-year ovarian cancer survivor, I’ve helped raise thousands of dollars in support of various cancer-related campaigns and organizations. Whether for World Ovarian Cancer Day on May 8th, National...

One of my closest friends is pregnant, and as much as I have always wanted to have a child (without any doubt in my mind), I will never be able...

We are extremely saddened to say that on August 9, 2024, Ellen Reed passed away. Ellen was a valued member of both the AdvancedOvarianCancer.net community and the SocialHealthNetwork.com community, and...

Being diagnosed with ovarian cancer is one of the toughest things to happen to a woman. You are never prepared for all that comes with this and how it will...

In September 2018, I received a diagnosis of high-grade serous ovarian carcinoma. Suddenly, cancer indeed took on a primary focus. I stopped working full-time, began researching, and came to terms...

No doubt, living with a cancer diagnosis can be incredibly isolating. There are so many complex issues that come with being diagnosed at a younger age—especially when it’s a gynecological...

Women have unique health needs that span the course of their lives. Luckily, when it comes to preventive healthcare, women are generally more proactive about getting regular health checkups than...

Some health issues affect only women. Other conditions may occur in anyone but affect women in a unique way. For example, women are more likely to die after a heart...

As time goes on in my cancer trajectory, I realize how a downward health spiral can easily affect how I feel, how I lead my life, and even the quality...

Through publicly sharing my ovarian cancer journey on multiple platforms over the past 3 years or so, I’ve admittedly received (and wholeheartedly accepted) numerous opportunities to speak with dozens of...

Sometimes when alone and feeling scared and rather sorry for myself, I ask how I got here. Foremost, I acknowledge my blessings. However, managing advanced ovarian cancer creates many obstacles...

Genetic testing looks for specific, potentially harmful hereditary changes, scientifically known as "genetic variances," in one's genes to provide a greater understanding of their overall health. This is particularly helpful...

Long ago, before we had laptops, Health Union, and the Social Health Network crew to turn to, I learned the importance of being well-informed and advocating for others. As a...

Just 2 weeks prior, I was watching picturesque sunsets, imagining my ideal future with my potential husband – and even children, too. The juxtaposition between then and this moment felt...