Ask CancerCare

A. Being treated for ovarian cancer presents many physical and emotional challenges that can often create a sense of isolation and frustration. But no one has to face a cancer diagnosis alone. In a group setting, sharing one's feelings and learning how others in similar circumstances are coping can provide you with a community of strength and guidance.

Here are a few suggestions that may help you connect with people with advanced diagnoses:

The Association of Cancer Online Resources (ACOR) offers both Ovarian and Gynecologic Cancer "listservs." A listserv is a designated group that communicates through email. After you join (or "subscribe") you will receive emails from others who post messages that are sent to everyone in the group. These groups often have a large number of members, so it is likely you can find others with a similar diagnosis to yours. Learn more about these groups through ACOR's FAQ section.

SHARE (Self-Help for Women with Breast or Ovarian Cancer) has a toll-free hotline (866-891-2392) and can help you find local support groups.

Cancer Hope Network connects people with similar diagnoses for support and guidance.

And finally, CancerCare's Women's Cancers Program offers both support groups and individual counseling. A professional oncology social worker who specializes in women's cancers can provide you with counseling by telephone, in person or online. Currently we have both telephone and online support groups for women with ovarian cancer. To find out more about these groups, call us at 1-800-813-HOPE or email info@cancercare.org.

A. First, let me assure you that you have not lost your mind. After being diagnosed with cancer, many women report having trouble finding words and remembering multiple things. Remember, you are the expert on you. Be persistent in communicating with your doctor about what you are experiencing. Here are some tips that may help you improve your communication with him:

• Request a time to speak with your doctor to focus on your specific concerns
• Express how these concerns are affecting you and your quality of life
• Be specific and give examples
• Use statements such as, "I need your help understanding this" and, "Do you have any suggestions on what I can do?"

For more tips, read our fact sheet, "Tips for Communicating with your Health Care Team" .

It's also possible that you may be experiencing side effects from chemotherapy. This is sometimes referred to as "chemobrain," a condition that affects your short-term memory. You may consider getting evaluated by a neuropsychologist (an expert trained in how the nervous system, especially the brain, controls mental functions such as language, memory, and perception), who can assess any cognitive changes and suggest mental exercises to enhance memory and thinking. Chemobrain usually diminishes as the effects of your chemotherapy subside.

A few steps you can take now to enhance your memory:

• Keep a notebook or day planner where you can write down things you need to remember
• Keep the notebook in a specific place so you can find it when you need to
• Use Post-it notes to place reminders in your home, office or other spaces that will prompt you about tasks you need to do

To learn more about chemobrain, read CancerCare's fact sheets:

• "Cognitive Problems After Chemotherapy"
• "Doctor, Can We Talk About Chemobrain?"
• "Combating Chemobrain: Keeping Your Memory Sharp"
• "Ways to Improve Concentration: Three Key Steps"

A. Making a decision about treatment and feeling confident about that decision is imperative but it is also very challenging. It is normal to feel scared about making such an important decision, and it is a decision you need to make in partnership with your healthcare team. Women today are offered many more choices than in the past, and are often asked to make the final decision about their care. To do this you will need to gather information about different treatment options so that you feel confident discussing your concerns with your physician. If you do not feel comfortable around him or her, seek a second option.

After talking to your doctor, keep in mind that you have obtained an expert medical opinion, and you need to understand your doctor's perspective by asking why he or she has made that recommendation. It is important that you not compare yourself to other women in a similar situation. Even women who have the same diagnosis can have a different treatment plan—neither is "right" or "wrong." Rather, it is individualized to you and your body. However, you can review with your doctor the information you learn from other women who have your type of cancer to better understand your own treatment plan.

In making a decision about what treatment to choose, make sure you identify what is most important to you. For example, if you are concerned about chemotherapy, what are the reasons for your concern? What questions do you need answered? Often, people fear that if they choose one type of treatment over another, they will always worry that they did not choose correctly. Instead, ask yourself questions such as: "What am I being told, and why? What do I think is the best choice for me at this time?" The most important thing is that you make the decision that you are most comfortable with, and that you do what is best for you.

For more tips, see our fact sheet "Doctor, Can We Talk? Tips for Communicating with Your Health Care Team" [español] .

The Lance Armstrong Foundation also offers helpful information.

To learn more about your treatment options, contact The National Cancer Institute's Cancer Information Service (1-800-4-CANCER), which provides the latest cancer treatment information as well as a list of comprehensive cancer centers.

CancerCare's professional oncology social workers assist women with cancer, family members and caregivers by providing emotional and practical support, free of charge. To speak with a CancerCare social worker, call 1-800-813-HOPE (4673) or email info@cancercare.org.