How to Cope With a Terminal Ovarian Cancer Diagnosis

Ovarian cancer is a malignancy of the ovaries, which are female reproductive organs. Receiving a terminal ovarian cancer diagnosis is almost always a shocking and emotionally devastating experience. However, patients diagnosed with terminal cancer have many resources at their disposal to help them cope with their diagnosis, discomfort and mortality, including support groups and the love of friends and family.

Instructions

Difficulty: Challenging

Things You’ll Need:

• Computer with Internet access

Be Informed About Ovarian Cancer

1. Do everything you can to be an intelligent patient. Dealing with the unknown is one of the most difficult parts of a terminal disease. When you know what to expect, coping is that much easier.
2. Ask your doctors about all available treatments, including any alternative and/or non-traditional methods that may exist. If you believe that you can still fight your cancer, these treatments can help you battle your disease. If you have accepted that your cancer is terminal, these treatments will help palliate your pain and symptoms.

Seek out Support to Cope With Your Diagnosis

3. Join a cancer support group. Although friends and family can be supportive, they can't fully understand what you're going through. Members of an ovarian cancer support group will be able to empathize, rather than just sympathize, with your ordeal.
4. Find comfort in family, spirituality and counseling. There are many places where someone can find a source of strength when she questions her own. Find the source of external strength that works for you.

Look to the Future

5. Take this time to connect more deeply with those you love. If you have any important relationships that are estranged, consider reaching out to that person. If you are lucky enough to have friends and family whom you love, share your fondness and admiration with them. Although this is probably one of the most difficult periods in your life, it can also be one of the richest and most important.
6. Join the fight. If you feel well enough to volunteer your time to an organization like the American Cancer Society, do so. If you are too weak or ill to donate your time, consider donating money. Many women find that working specifically with an ovarian cancer related organization is a deeply rewarding experience.

Tips & Warnings

• Ask your doctor to recommend resources to you that will help you gather information about ovarian cancer and find a support group in your area.
• A terminal ovarian cancer diagnosis can very naturally lead to severe depression. Consider seeing a mental health professional to help you cope with this aspect of your diagnosis.