I signed up to do the 10th Anniversary of ‘Ride to Conquer Cancer’ on April 9th, after meeting Wally of the team ‘Riders for Ryders’ in Tim Horton’s, and thinking it was something I’d like to participate in.
On April 23rd, I was diagnosed with stage 3 Ovarian cancer with metastasis.
Timing! Why?
I was just ready to ‘get on with life’ after a stressful past three years which ended my nursing profession.
I am a Registered Nurse of 30 years, 20 years at Hilltop House and five at Squamish General Hospital who has nursed many patients and therefore families as they have battled cancer.
I’ve come full circle!
We are all affected by cancer and we have all experienced the tolls it takes.
One out of two Canadians will experience cancer in their lifetime.
I’ve always believed in open, honest communication, so after pondering, I’ve realized it is to help with awareness of ovarian cancer and to help with talk and support.
So many of us are living with cancer and other health issues, loss of loved ones, situations that many would think are anything but ‘the norm.' We live in a society where conversations related to illness, death and dying, anxiety and fear are not openly spoken of.
A society that idolizes youth will spend all sorts of money to achieve that ‘look’, to help defy age and any sign of it.
I’ve lived, worked and raised children in this beautiful town of Squamish for 28 years. I know a lot of people, and if I choose to live ‘with’ cancer, it isn’t fair to me or the people I know, who ask how I am doing, to not be honest.
I’ve always found health news so hard to handle. As a nurse we are exposed to a lot of life, which quite often = suffering and death.
I really appreciate what people have said to me, “I’m sorry to hear you are going through this.”
A big hug and a genuine offer of help if/when needed.
That is all that can be said.
Another aspect of life; A new adventure in my life to be explored, felt and experienced to the fullest.
Ovarian cancer is the fifth most common women’s cancer, but the most serious. It comes on silently with subtle vague symptoms that we can all make little of. Until we look like we are pregnant, realize something is ‘wrong’ and by that time are at stage 3.
Chemo and surgery are what is next. And aren’t I lucky to live in Canada, to have one of the best health care systems in the world, to live at a time when the miracles of medicine are amazing and the people who commit their lives to health care form the best team imaginable.
My first chemo treatment was May 28th. The ascites has drastically slowed and I feel great!
I’m so happy to now be receiving the treatment that can lead to recovery and therefore ‘life’ on this road I find myself travelling.
On August 25-26, 2018, I hope I can participate in The Ride to Conquer Cancer benefiting the BC Cancer Foundation. This is a ride that spans two days and covers over 200 kilometres.
Funds raised through The Ride will support cancer research, treatment, and services at the BC Cancer Agency, a leader in cancer research and treatment.
Thanks for supporting me at www.conquercancer.ca/goto/carolinesolonenko.
Caroline Solonenko
Squamish
