Lydia's story

Have you been diagnosed with ovarian cancer? Share your story and meet others on OVdialogue, an online community for women living with this disease: ovariancanada.org/OVdialogue
Lydia reflects on what it was like to share the news of her diagnosis with her friends and family. She also speaks on her initial understanding of clinical trials and how her perspective has changed.

[@LorindaSmith-po1ts]

May God bless you always. 😢

[@thecolmaster2300]

Thank you so much for your time on this subject. On a day when I was feeling hopeless you've given me hope. I'm sending you and every other woman with this love. Alison

[@rachelrose20]

I hope you’re doing well now xxx

[@LoanCaoThiKim-nf7bx]

D

[@aileenm.939]

How are you now?

[@melodymulligan1067]

I’m truly sorry to share that my mom passed on April 10th, 2019. I just found this video of her. Thank you so much for asking about her. It’s still really hard to deal with. But we were there for her beside her when she passed, so she wasn’t alone. Xoxo

[@rahulns1881]

How’s she now

[@melodymulligan1067]

I’m truly sorry to share that my mom passed on April 10th, 2019. I just found this video of her. Thank you so much for asking about her. It’s still really hard to deal with. But we were there for her beside her when she passed, so she wasn’t alone. Xoxo

[@brooketaylor799]

@@melodymulligan1067sorry for your loss 🙏🏽

[@lindsayholden5959]

Oh Melody.....i feel sad for you honey and here on this video your mom looks the picture of health. Goodness me...... but you were there with her and i am sure that was such a comfort for this lovely lady, your mom.

[@esmeraldamontoya8176]

What causes ovarian cancer?

[@carolinaherera8138]

genetic heritage

[@sassi7966]

It seems that often it is just random. Not always down to the faulty gene.

[@melodymulligan1067]

From working with the Harvard doctor that treated my mom, (Lydia), she said even with a genetic positive test, you would still only have 30-50% the gene would be active so it’s epigenetically turned on by your environment. Yes some people will have no possibility if they test negative- but even for those who have genetic issues- it’s not always true. My moms genetic test was negative. So it came from her environment- her cancer was in her RNA- which is the mutation in the protein not the DNA- so it was caused by something in her environment. The Harvard doctor told me this while we were in a treatment for her. So I am determined for people to know this- because people NEED to be getting GENE tests so they know how much work they would need to prevent a downgrade in gene activity through lifestyle.