Sandy's Caregiving Story

I'm Sandy, and I am a caregiver to my spouse Susan. In January of 2018, she was

diagnosed with Stage 3 ovarian cancer at the age of 53. I was not familiar with ovarian cancer but learned a lot very quickly. My mother had breast cancer when I was 16, and I was her caregiver being the oldest child and my father having to work 50-60 hours a week. So I was somewhat prepared. I knew I was in for the long haul prepared to do what I had to do. During my research, I discovered WOCA and sent them an email and a few days later received a tote full of stuff, including information on the disease. I was the cook, the maid, the chauffeur, nurse preparing injections, etc.… We decided to treat in Madison, which was a 3-hour drive once a week for ten weeks. My employer was very accommodating with my hours so, that was one less cause for stress.

I am not a person to ask for help, so it was very comforting to know I had my family's support, especially my mom's. Thankfully Susan has excellent health benefits, and I was able to seek emotional guidance through her treatment facility.

Susan is now almost two years N.E.D., and we are living each day to the fullest. Sometimes being the caregiver, I have to remind her to slow down!