Ovarian cancer survivors are a group of strong, brave women from all walks of life who have triumphed in their battle against ovarian cancer. Such women serve as an inspiration for those who are presently fighting this potentially fatal illness. They are living proof that recovery from ovarian cancer through proper treatment is possible. There is no question about just how courageous these women were to fight back against a disease as dreaded as ovarian cancer.

To be counted among ovarian cancer survivors is no small feat and each survivor’s tale is a testimony to the strength of the human spirit. It takes a lot of guts to take the bull by the horns in fighting the disease and accept all the risks involved as well as all the discomfort that goes with the treatment.

Survivors will tell you stories of how they lost their hair or how they became weak after each chemotherapy session. They will tell you of the bouts of nausea, the loss of appetite, the mouth ulcers, the numbness of their feet or hands, and all the other hardships they had to face while undergoing chemotherapy, especially for those who were diagnosed when the cancer was already in its advanced stages.

It is quite common for patients undergoing chemotherapy to suffer the various side effects that result from the drugs used in the treatment. These side effects can only be lessened in impact or prevented through careful and proper medication under the guidance of a doctor.

But at the same time, the very same ovarian cancer survivors will tell you how good it is to have recovered and just how much they had learned from the whole experience. They will tell you how their struggle with ovarian cancer gave them the opportunity to learn several things they would never have learned or appreciated had they not been diagnosed with the disease.

Many of them will probably tell you of the overwhelming support and love that they received from both their families and friends. They may tell you that having cancer made them value and appreciate life more than they ever did before. There will be those who will say that they have a better relationship with God after battling ovarian cancer and that they now truly believe just how strong the power of prayer is.

Ovarian cancer survivors have gone through so much and have triumphed over countless obstacles. Current ovarian cancer patients can listen to the words of encouragement and comfort a survivor can give so that they too, may find the courage to face the long journey ahead.

Alongside ovarian cancer survivors, ovarian cancer patients can seek the advice, comfort, and encouragement from healthcare providers such as gynecologic oncologists, radiation oncologists, medical oncologists, gynecologists, oncology information specialists, mind-body therapists, dieticians, etc.

When an ovarian cancer patient loses her hair, she can regain her confidence with the help of a wig specialist or with the help of both a loving and supportive family and her friends. She will feel that many people want her to live and because of that, she will be even more determined to make it through despite the odds.

Supporting the total physical, mental, and spiritual health of an ovarian cancer patient is key to helping them recover and survive the disease. Treating ovarian cancer should be a combination of conventional and complementary therapies.

No matter what a patient’s prognosis is, ovarian cancer survivors demonstrate to us that there is always hope.