It’s always something: My

Palliative care, pleural effusion, blood transfusion and thoracentesis are just a few things that are discussed in my weekly update. Fighting ovarian cancer has become my full-time job. It's always something that comes up and needs to be addressed. It has been one heck of a busy week! One thing that I have learned with cancer, expect the unexpected and be ready to pivot when the need arises.
#cancer
#cancertreatment
#chemotherapy
#bloodtransfusion 

[@ElinorRumming]

This is why I donate blood to the max, for good people like you. Keep your spirits high!

[@MyCancerJourneyMaria]

Thank you so much - it is amazing how much good that donation provides. I didn't realize until receiving the blood that they separate the blood into separate components so recipients get what they need. So, the RBC get separated, as to the platelets, etc. I only needed that RBC, so that's what I got and someone else will get the platelets or whatever other component. Keep up the donations because they are truly life-saving!

[@marciamusial9952]

Rest In Peace, Maria and thank you for sharing this incredible knowledge with everyone.

[@angelab5325]

STAY BLESSED 🙏

[@grammamarth6681]

I had to have the fluid drained from my lungs several times. No worse than getting it drained from my abdomen, just a different location, but what an improvement in my breathing! If you do need to have this done, it should help with your breathlessness. As always keeping you in prayer.

[@MyCancerJourneyMaria]

I will be getting it done this week. I’ll be so happy if it really does provide an improvement in my breathing. That is very limiting, along with the pain.

[@betsyslat7326]

Maria, you are so eloquent and upbeat! If anyone can kick cancer’s ass, it’s you, girl! Having just spent the holiday with my 4year old granddaughter and 6 month old grandson, I know just what you mean - they bring such joy!

[@MyCancerJourneyMaria]

I don’t have grandchildren yet but I am certainly looking forward to it. The time I spent with my niece at Thanksgiving was such a joy.

[@sarahgriego769]

Sarahgriego Hai How are you today KZbin ma Have a nice day Raja Petra I want friend for you Irdina binti breast cancer kenapa Okey Mia Nissan Navara Hasani former Imo losing hair saya percaya Wanna One Nation husband eventually Nescafe Salahlah mahu test Klang cara-cara definition download iTunes cara desain baju desa hatchery ya sahabatku Ya saya faham awak dah kacau mom cubalah WeChat You welcome garisan kontra Jesus loves you

[@gwynethgrove772]

Being engaged in your own treatments makes a difference, it helps your team so much when you are open to ideas, options and support. Keep pushing on.

[@MyCancerJourneyMaria]

The way I see it, I need to be open to ideas. I want to live and I want a good quality of life. The only way I think that that could happen is with a collaborative approach.

[@oddanneout]

Steroid will also help with the fatigue and appetite. Sending big waves of love to you and the family. Happy everything, love! ❤️

[@MyCancerJourneyMaria]

Thank you!

[@sylviagatterburg5318]

I am glad, you have such an wonderful family and had such a happy time with them.

[@MyCancerJourneyMaria]

I am very grateful for that. They have really been a huge support to me throughout this journey.

[@happycamper4thewin]

Sending prayers and blessings!

[@Anastashya]

I’m so sorry you’re going through such an horrific illness. OC is a beast because it’s so sneaky, but getting good palliative care is really intelligent on your part. My mother worked in palliative care and is often sad that many people are too scared to use the services wrongly believing it means “the end” when in truth it can give fantastic quality of life throughout treatments. Sending you love ❤️ and prayers 🙏🏼❤️🙏🏼❤️🙏🏼

[@MyCancerJourneyMaria]

When I first heard about it, I admittedly thought that it was similar to hospice and indicated an end. Now I see it as a tool to help improve my care team and my quality of life.

[@pam164]

When your very ill it must be very stressful waiting for the Insurance company to pass your treatment. I live in England so we have the NHS but it's run down to the ground so it's not very good. Your always in my prayers.

[@commonsense6967]

So true about the NHS! I follow Tiffany's cancer journey, her vlog is Tiffanythinks, and she keeps being promised an op for stage 4 colon cancer, but this gaslighting has been going on for many months now.

[@MyCancerJourneyMaria]

I wasn’t waiting for treatment as far as the CT scan. It’s dealing with the billing after procedures are done. I just don’t like having to wait for prescriptions to get approvals first before I can start taking what my doctors ordered.

[@MyCancerJourneyMaria]

That’s awful, knowing you need an operation but not receiving it. I could really empathize with her. I’m waiting on surgery but it is up to my body to get rid of the ascites and reduce the cancer before I am a candidate.

[@pam164]

@@commonsense6967 Yes she should have had op ages back, a wait and see approach with Cancer is not good. Chemo stopped working a good while back, she is only 30.

[@pam164]

@@MyCancerJourneyMaria It's opposite in England prescriptions are OK to get, we have to pay, but operations are very delayed with the last 2 years and a lot get cancelled at short notice.

[@michelles9897]

🤍 I love seeing you enjoy your thanksgiving and your smile makes me smile. you are an amazing woman and attorney. 😊 thanks for the update. my mom had a couple thoracentesis and red blood cell transfusions and it helped her feel better.

[@MyCancerJourneyMaria]

That’s great news, thank you for passing that along!

[@prosaically]

My sister is in palliative care and it has been excellent. We are so thankful for the team ❤️

[@MyCancerJourneyMaria]

When I first heard about palliative care, I automatically thought of hospice. Once I learned about the program, I couldn’t imagine why I wouldn’t participate. So happy it’s been helpful for your sister!

[@shellcshells2902]

I am so glad you had a great Thanksgiving! Praying for you 🙏

[@MyCancerJourneyMaria]

Thank you!

[@c.c.6930]

I am proud of you! You are brave and inspiring... Sending love and warm hugs!XOXO

[@MyCancerJourneyMaria]

Thank you so much!

[@patsyanne8095]

Maria, so happy you had such a memorable Thanksgiving. I have no deep words of wisdom, but firmly believe in the power of prayer and the great advances mankind has made in fighting many, many diseases that were not curable 20 years ago! Sit back and soak in all the love surrounding you.😊

[@MyCancerJourneyMaria]

Thank you!

[@alisalavine1052]

I wish that I lived closer to you so that I could share my years of knowledge with you on how to deal with a life-altering illness, including living with pain. Ironically, I worked for a top health insurance company in their Medicare/Medicaid department. I hope you have access to a community of women who are going through or have gone through what you are experiencing. When I was finally diagnosed early this past summer with multiple AI diseases I found a small but mighty group of women who also have Sjogren's. We all have multiple AI diseases so being able to ask questions, offer and receive emotional support, and getting lifestyle tips and tricks has been priceless. We are warriors in our fight and I would love for you to have something similar in your life. Something that we always say is that this is not a sprint but a marathon. I'm sending you healing energy from my little piece of Kansas. Stay strong. We've got this.❤

[@MyCancerJourneyMaria]

Thank you so much! I’m very fortunate to be in a couple support groups, one that is geared towards my type of cancer, which has been a huge help.

[@alisalavine1052]

I'm so glad to hear this.❤

[@coressaclark6354]

I so agree with you on pre-authorizations. It's absurd

[@traceythudin9364]

I'm happy Thanksgiving was so nice for you! Your enthusiasm for just everything is contagious. I hope you a wonderful week and can stay healthy.

[@MyCancerJourneyMaria]

Thank you, I hope so too!

[@myheartisinjapan3184]

You are such a strong lady, Maria. It was so good to hear about your lovely Thanksgiving gathering. Keep pushing through the hard moments. It’s going to get better. You are amazing. Sending you lots of love. Prayers going up for you daily. ❤️

[@MyCancerJourneyMaria]

Thank you very much ❤️

[@marysaunders1770]

So grateful for our NHS service. Glad to see your positive attitude. Still rooting for you. Despite being strangers , I really like your approach and upbeat disposition. Keep up the good fight. Talking about breathlessness...I used to be breathless brushing my teeth. True story.

[@MyCancerJourneyMaria]

Thank you! Hopefully soon we will both be able to breathe smoothly without gasping for breath!

[@Sushi2735]

You are just amazing! You must be worn out! Oh my gosh, and doing retail therapy. My favorite. And bravo for hooking up with Palliative Care. What a wonderful organization. They are professionals in cancers and treatments. Their vast experience will help guide you, especially with pain management!!! The insurance issue is simply horrible! I was so lucky at the time with mine. Granted my doc did go to battle over several things, but he always won. The squeaky wheel. You need your doctors to be willing to do battle, themselves!! You are a brave warrior and I know you’re not afraid to be your own advocate, talk to your doctor to make sure he/she is willing to FIGHT for you when needed. Having to wait in your condition is simply inexcusable. You are a smart well educated professional woman. Remember the doctors work for you. I’m very happy you had a great Thanksgiving, that will pick a girl up. I’m pulling for you and think of you during the week. But it’s good to see you looking so positive! Oh, Happy Anniversary to you and your husband 🍾🎉🎊

[@MyCancerJourneyMaria]

Thank you so much! The doctors are going to bat for me and they do have a preapproval team that does good work. Most of my gripe is with the insurance company and the delays that they caused. I just don’t think there is any excuse to delay providing a prescription to a patient.

[@MyCancerJourneyMaria]

Oh, and thank you for the anniversary wishes! It was a beautiful day.

[@debmary2999]

I’m so glad I live in Australia with almost free health care without all the pre approval nonsense; what a waste of time and energy for everyone. Sounds like you are getting great support from everyone 🤗.

[@deirdrekiely6187]

It's awful here. America is the only major industrialized nation on earth without universal healthcare. People have to battle insurance companies constantly for approval for treatments, meds, procedures for mental and physical health. America is all about corporations and profit.

[@commonsense6967]

@@deirdrekiely6187 Have you not noticed?? Most people that have a serious illness, like cancer, are unable to get timely care in "socialized" medicine countries. That's why they have to pay for private care to get the care they need! Canadians often come to the US to receive private care, as the waiting lists in Canada can be years long. Everything run by the government turns to shite.

[@eliseyoder8562]

Maria, you say you're disappointed with the "healthcare system," while at the same time you feel your oncology team is alert and responsive to you. I think this points to something important. Should we even be regarding the health insurers as being part of the healthcare system? They are not on our side; their interests fundamentally aren't aligned with ours. They are sort of the antagonists of the healthcare system, it seems to me.

[@juniordixie9489]

Trust me. You pay for it in taxes or somewhere. Nothing is free.

[@keithcitizen4855]

I pay the private anual $3k health fund and still have to pay a "gap" fee for dentist and other. Some doctors still "bulk bill" mine doesn't EG my local doctor charged me $70 to talk to me the other day with the public Medicare fund giving him more than that on top. Non private means you suffer while waiting for free surgeries but not car accidents. RIP dear lady in this video , best regards to her grieving family.

[@cynthiaholland13]

I can't believe that in America we have to worry about paying for our Sicknesses when we should only be focused on getting better!

[@Ragt0p]

I’m so sorry you having to deal with this insurance BS. You really have to have good health and boundless energy to battle healthinsurance, never mind the actual illness. Growl! Wishing you the best going forward. We were so thankful to have a palliative care team involved with my mom’s illness. They provided so many options, explanations and a more holistic approach to the person. Wishing you all the best going forward💕(edit:spelling)

[@MyCancerJourneyMaria]

Thank you so much!

[@Shaz73]

I'm so glad you had a great Thanksgiving, hope your son is better soon ❤️

[@MyCancerJourneyMaria]

Yes, then I’ll be able to see him!

[@lindawhite5006]

You have a lot of prayer warriors sending up prayers for you! You look great in this video! I'm glad you had a wonderful Thanksgiving holiday. Take care my friend. See you next time.

[@MyCancerJourneyMaria]

Thank you so much Linda

[@LorySuzanna]

So lovely to hear you were able to enjoy the holiday with your family. Congratulations to your daughter!! ❤️

[@MyCancerJourneyMaria]

Thank you!!! I’m very happy 😊

[@rachelbee7921]

You've got a wonderful mindset to get past this, Maria!! Keeping you in my prayers, and look forward to your updates. I hope you're resting after such a busy week. God Bless you! ❤🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽

[@dawnlovescouture2644]

I’m glad that you had a good Thanksgiving. Don’t let the side effects scare you. The doctors are legally obligated to tell all of the side effects that were reported, even if only one person reported it. It doesn’t mean that it will affect you. Keep strong!

[@MyCancerJourneyMaria]

💪🏻

[@gillsimpson4976]

Sending you much love. Xx

[@MarilynMayaMendoza]

Hi Maria, You are so strong but I felt like cryingI I almost cried. I used to dance and I know how it feels when you can’t do what you loved before. I was always too clumsy to hike but I love to walk to music and I still do instead of dancing. I pray for you constantly and think of you. I live in Hawaii and have really good insurance but I know that’s an issue in many places in the US. Enjoy your grand niece and your wonderful family. I usually celebrate Thanksgiving but my 15 1/2 year-old dog Was ill and my partner had Covid so we didn’t celebrate but I made dinner as I usually do on Friday evenings because it’s our Sabbath. Sending much healing Aloha your way

[@MyCancerJourneyMaria]

It sounds like you know exactly how I was feeling. I am a very active individual and my joy really came from being active in a variety of ways, whether it’s running an obstacle course race, hiking the Inca Trail or being active in other ways. Losing that has been so difficult.

[@kimtongo3533]

I am so glad you had a wonderful Thanksgiving!!!! Your team of doctors seem so focused and prompt on whatever u need!!! That is a blessing!!! I hope your scans show that the chemo is working and hope all that fluid goes away and you can get back to doing all your hobbies!!!! Thanks for sharing the updates and I hope you are having a great weekend!!!! As always I look forward to seeing your next video!🙏✨🔆✨🙏🔆🙏

[@MyCancerJourneyMaria]

Thank you so much Kim. The scans won’t happen until mid December but I’m hoping it brings some great news.

[@kimnixon4969]

Hi Maria! I am so happy to see you smiling and to hear Thanksgiving was wonderful for you. Babies are such a blessing and bring so much joy. 💓 Prayers for positive results of your new treatments being received. Your positivity is infectious. Praying you have a good week. #staystrong #godisgood

[@commonsense6967]

Happy Anniversary, Maria, and how nice of your daughter to volunteer to take over Thanksgiving dinner for you!

[@MyCancerJourneyMaria]

Thank you so much, we had a wonderful day.

[@juliej5917]

Self advocacy is so important. You’re doing such a great job! So glad to hear of the lovely Thanksgiving, and the good daughter news. Give Harley a smooch for me. And just do one decoration a day and you’ll be set for a beautiful Christmas! 💋💚🐾

[@MyCancerJourneyMaria]

Harley was too busy sleeping to make an appearance today. However, she was right next to me 🐕

[@elizabethbaird8950]

❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@mo-anniemc8227]

Happy Thanksgiving,Maria.What a joy you are❤️

[@MyCancerJourneyMaria]

Happy Thanksgiving to you too & thank you!

[@leaveittolefty]

😉feels ya sis-- ov ca survivor here. i am not able to go for walks either. i've had to put my feelings about skipping activities aside " for now" . the fact that you have the desire to go on long walks is a very good sign! at my sickest i didn't want to, see what i mean? a friend said to me " you sure say 'i can't' a LOT" so i started using "i'm not able to ......"-- it was upsetting to hear her say that. she is younger and very strong ( federal agent) so she really couldn't empathize. i had to release that friendship to the past.... i bought a lightweight power chair ( lime green!) from walmart online to use if i wanted to go anywhere big. my dr ordered a power chair for me through insurance and after a year i gave up-- his staff wasn't providing the detailed paperwork to suit insurance requirements, plus it takes several months to actually get it after approval. if denied ( Medicare) you cannot reapply for a long time (6 months? year? forgot) so i said heck with it i need it now! ps: choose fun colors when getting assistive devices! In your spare time lol look up Spoon Theory. it is a brilliant tool to interact with others ( and yourself!) about how you manage your energy daily.

[@MyCancerJourneyMaria]

Thank you for all the information. It must have been so frustrating to go through all that paperwork and still not get the wheelchair you need. That’s really freedom!

[@Enlightenment246]

I love your honest response to your situation, thank you for sharing your journey. You a beautiful person please stay strong.

[@MyCancerJourneyMaria]

I’m trying, thank you!

[@pumpkingirl-ln3eo]

Hi Maria, I am so happy I found your channel. You are such an amazing person to share your cancer journey with all of us. One of my sisters was recently diagnosed with Stage 3 high-grade serous ovarian cancer. She had an 11-hour surgery and is now getting ready to begin 6 rounds of chemo. Her initial CA-125 was 11,000 so hopefully, it will decrease considerably. I don't ask my sister questions rather let her tell us what she wants. So watching you is making me aware of what my sister is going through (even though I know everyone's circumstances are not the same). Thank you for creating such valuable content on KZbin. PS: I love your dog, Harley! Nancy from Northern California

[@MyCancerJourneyMaria]

I'm sorry to hear of your sister's diagnosis but am happy that my videos are helpful to you as you support your sister.

[@bettyconnearney7943]

Sending prayers and hugs Maria🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼

[@lynnarmbruster4353]

Maria, I pray that the Lord blesses you in a very special way this week.

[@beverlynoelle6941]

Hi Maria. I enjoy watching your videos. You seem so pleasant. Hoping for the very best for you and your family! I hope that you beat this terrible disease and have many more years!

[@MyCancerJourneyMaria]

Thank you so much

[@kristimartinez7528]

It's great to see you Maria! I am so happy that you had a wonderful Thanksgiving 👏 I will be thinking about you. Thank you for sharing that information about your procedures. It really is very helpful and educational to us. Thank you. I am not sure if you follow Krocks in the Kitchen, but truly a lovely couple 💞😊❤️🤗

[@MyCancerJourneyMaria]

I do follow them. It seems like we are experiencing similar journeys.

[@coressaclark6354]

Congratulations on your daughter's news

[@frokengron]

Glad that you had a great Thanksgiving Maria.Fingers crossed that the thoracentesis will go smoothly. Warm hugs from Canada.

[@MyCancerJourneyMaria]

I hope so too!

[@blancav1873]

Hugs to you my friend. 🙏❤️

[@MyCancerJourneyMaria]

❤️

[@joannpergakis4183]

Happy Anniversary to you and hubby ❤️

[@MyCancerJourneyMaria]

Thank you so much!

[@tatumpiano8569]

Hi Maria, I so much related to the part about being with family. One term that I fought was "new normal". I wanted things to be the same and I did everything I could to continue my life as it was. When you were with family, the neat thing was that you were able to feel like your old self, your old life for a while. I remember my friend telling me that her air conditioner broke after which she said "Oh, but that's nothing compared to what you're going through". I told her "No, I want you to tell me about things like that, your problems, please talk to me like you did before". I just wanted my friends to tell me about their problems and wanted to be there for them. I didn't want a "new normal" as if I wasn't the me I know all of my life. Yes, we go through a lot with this that only someone diagnosed with this can truly understand but please know that in time, it will be like a strange dream...and your life as you knew it will return. Don't accept the term "new normal" but see it as a temporary thing to make you better. Ten years ago, I met who is now my best friend on the Ovarian Cancer Inspire message board. She is now 15 years out, me 8 (10 since diagnosis) and we look back and say "How did we do this?" but somehow, we go on automatic pilot and just do whatever steps that will get us to NED. We're so much more resilient that we think! I am so glad to see you again, I know this stuff is hard, I cried too. I had transfusions too, was sent home twice and refused chemo because my platelets were too low, or other counts...disappointments along the way. Long post, sorry but I so much understand the frustration. You have a terrific, caring team. Rooting for you as always and look forward to seeing you next time. Happy Holidays! Gentle hugs xoxo

[@MyCancerJourneyMaria]

Thank you so much for your support and sharing your experiences with me!

[@lindamcarthur9100]

Sending prayers be blessed

[@corniss]

I had a thoracentesis due to pleural effusion post blood clot and I did not even feel the needle and instantly felt better. So glad you enjoyed Thanksgiving and hope you have many more.

[@MyCancerJourneyMaria]

That makes me feel so much better. I really am ambivalent about this thoracentesis. Was there any soreness after the procedure that you experienced?

[@corniss]

@@MyCancerJourneyMaria no. I was really out of breath and just felt sick overall beforehand. I do hope you can get back to hiking and other activities you enjpy. I really wish you the best.

[@corniss]

@@MyCancerJourneyMaria by the way they put the needle in your back, not chest. That might ease your fear a little.

[@leeleegirl8612]

Hugs from Canada 🇨🇦

[@carrieanncancino5118]

It's all like that. You will always need a pre authorization for any treatment from insurance first. That's everywhere.

[@joannpergakis4183]

P care is wonderful ❤️ You were busy I have the same problem with my insurance company I get my pain pill 7 pills at a time What, why Can't get a right answer Insurance company blames CVS CVS blames my insurance Co I am trying to fix it It seems your on the right track Your so amazing, strong You got this Prayers your way Glad you had a great Thanksgiving Hugs Thank you for your update

[@MyCancerJourneyMaria]

That’s a theme - each blames the other!

[@wandadavis2468]

Happy belated Thanksgiving 🦃

[@diannefrazer9836]

Shame on the insurance co.

[@anndeprince9738]

❤❤❤

[@susannechickenmom5621]

♥️🙏

[@finnwiggles28]

Do you have Kaiser for med coverage?

[@joannpergakis4183]

Hello just thinking of you Hopefully your day is good to you Hugs and prayers Your New England friend but living in Texas. Lol

[@MyCancerJourneyMaria]

Thank you- I’ve got a busy day today!

[@californiadoll6273]

Everything health related needs to be free in the USA. Basically if a person doesn't have money= they don't deserve to live. Wtf

[@coressaclark6354]

You can also call the manufactory of each drug. Often times you will get your meds free

[@MyCancerJourneyMaria]

That’s good to know, thanks for that information!

[@Raven24444]

Magnesium helps with constipation from the pain meds Take at least 400 mg daily Smooth move tea from Traditional Medicinals also helps

[@janukakandel1937]

Hello maria i have also same problem i have acitis problem,because of late dignosis i face lots of problems like stomach pain, coming water in lungs,breathing problem, lots off horibble cheakup etc,after 1and half month it dignosis on 26 october, i had 2 times chemothetrapy next is on november 7 and 8.i have ovarian cancer like you..

[@MyCancerJourneyMaria]

I'm sorry that you are also battling this awful disease. I wish you the best of luck in treatment. I have to keep thinking that eventually these symptoms will go away with all these treatments.

[@norahalawad9918]

Try to take vitamin D, C and fast to induce autophage.

[@lisa-dn5cv]

🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏❤️🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏

[@deusvult2302]

Dear Maria, what is your staging???

[@MyCancerJourneyMaria]

I’m not exactly sure, but I explain it at the beginning of this video. kzbin.info/www/bejne/q3Wti513d8x0h80

[@deusvult2302]

@@MyCancerJourneyMaria thank you for referring me back to that video. Your pleural effusions wouldn't bump you up as they often occur under certain treatments provided. A lady I befriended back when I spent time in a palliative care center (which was really nice and offered a lot of very pleasant things such as massages,we had different art & music "classes" you could participate in or take strolls in their beautifully maintained large park, all to regain some strength and distraction from treatment) who suffered from metastatic breast cancer had to deal with those frequently as provoked by her tx. Nevertheless, we are still dear friends and eventhough we suffered from totally different cancers, we both survived and haven't relapsed since then. Please stay as positive as you have been and enjoy as many treats (massages, etc ) as you can. You certainly have a well structured team caring for you. I will continue to root for you all the way! Sending you hugs and prayers! 🌹

[@siannevautour8659]

I am so glad I live in Canada.

[@MarilynMayaMendoza]

I meant when you cried.

[@coressaclark6354]

Why were you not able to walk during shopping?

[@blucky1250]

I’m guessing (my sis has stage 4 OC and needs assistance at times) due to one of Maria’s lungs is only working at 1/2 capacity and she’s undergoing serious treatments that affect strength & energy .

[@MyCancerJourneyMaria]

It is the breathlessness, fatigue and pain that keeps me from walking any type of distance. If I walk across my house, I am fighting for breath. I have been advised that once I am out of breath, not to push it. So, the only way I can really get out for any period of time is to use my wheelchair. Hopefully the thoracentesis can help with that.

[@diannefrazer9836]

70 or 80% is enough to tell insurance co to fly a kite

[@coressaclark6354]

How is your husband dealing

[@MyCancerJourneyMaria]

He has been my rock and he has some close friends that support him. It truly is a group effort.