The Chemo Club is so excited to get to know you! Please introduce yourself (Name, where you’re from) - What was your life like before undergoing chemotherapy?

My name is Selena, I am going to be 38 this month, and I live in West Virginia, but I am originally from California. I moved to WV 4.5 years ago to live closer to my immediate family. I am a proud aunt of an almost 13-year-old young man.  I am so grateful to be able to watch him grow and be a part of his life; before Chemotherapy I was in a routine that probably didn’t stop to appreciate that enough. 

 Bring us along your journey – when were you diagnosed with cancer? What was your initial reaction?

I was diagnosed with Stage 2 Ovarian Cancer in September ’22, I was very eager to know the results from my emergency hysterectomy and my doctor reluctantly told me over the phone prefacing that he really wants to talk more in person. I remember shaking on the phone, tears welled up in my eyes, and I have never felt fear more in my life. 

What was your first chemotherapy treatment like? What treatment/treatments did you or are currently undergoing?

I am BRCA 1 Positive, and the protocol for my stage of cancer is 6 Carbo/Taxol treatments three weeks apart plus a minimum of 1 year on the Chemo pill. I have just one more treatment left on Feb. 16th.  My first treatment was a little unnerving.  I was thrilled to have my mom by my side the whole time. I remember thinking and worrying about how much treatment might affect me physically and I had tears running down my face as the first treatment started; I was so scared I as a person was going to change. 

 Who did you turn to as your support system?

I have had A LOT of support! Wonderful encouraging support every which way, I’ve had sweet gifts come to my door on a weekly basis from friends and family, and the physical support of my family has been the best; especially from my mom who has been down this road before.  I turn to my mom constantly. I also began therapy very early on to help me process things weekly and joined a couple social media groups.  My community has even been pretty wonderful, I’ve had individuals come up to me several times in the grocery store and pray for me, encourage me, help me to my car, and just love on me. All of which have helped me through my days.

Have there been certain side effects that have been worse than others?

Even though I experience physical side effects like nausea, fatigue, and weakness, the worst side effect for me has been my anxiety.  It can be a challenge, but this is why I have support systems in place to turn to in those moments.

 What are tips/tricks you have learned along the way to help with chemo side effects? Any advice for other chemo patients?

 I have learned to give myself a lot of grace; lots and lots of grace. Nothing is going to look the same for you, you won’t recognize yourself in the mirror, and there will be a whole lot you can’t control. So do things that bring you joy.  Leave up that Christmas tree extra-long, celebrate your birthday all month long, don’t count calories just eat when you can, sleep whenever you get a chance, get sunshine, take your vitamins (that are approved by your doctor), stay on top of the nausea medications, know your limits and speak up when you need help.  Listen to your body, drink lots of water, consider swapping out toxic products for non-toxic ones. Cling to your family/close friends; spend as much time with them as you can.