I was diagnosed with stage 4 ovarian cancer in January 2023, and it reoccurred in January 2024. I joined a webinar on offer to union members via Osara Health on ovarian cancer awareness in February and thanked them for this, as I felt it was beneficial to me.

I encouraged others listening in to watch out and be alert for signs. I was completely taken by surprise with my initial diagnosis. I had never participated in a webinar, or conversation regarding cancer and what signs to watch out for, particularly ovarian cancer. This was almost unknown to me, and the shock of being at stage 4 shook me to the core. On reflection, if I knew the signs, I could have been more alert.

I was given a lot of reading material about my initial diagnosis in 2023, but that was too much to take in, on top of the diagnosis. I had a lot of family and friends to support me, fantastic support from my manager at work and the PSA, a wonderful husband, and my son and his wife to get me through, and my Christian faith. But it was still a lonely journey.

As a PSA CPSU NSW member, I was able to join the Osara Health program. The union pays an annual subscription to the organisation to help any members affected by cancer. 

Having Patrick as my health coach from Osara was great. He gave me an unbiased listening ear.

My health coach was extremely supportive, knowledgeable and encouraged me through the process. He provided me with tips, apps and talked me through eating habits, diet, exercising, sleep patterns, keeping a record of medical notes and my general wellbeing. Even though I had Patrick as my coach during my second round of cancer, it was very beneficial to have someone reinforce what I needed to do, and most importantly, provided that contact from a third party.

Having family and friends say something to you isn’t always what you want to hear, and they ‘make’ you do things. But a professional coach gives you a gentle, yet firm nudge in the right direction. So, there’s a great benefit in having someone, other than those close to you, reinforce what you need to do to remain positive, get healthy and stay focused.

So, to many of you out there who may be considering joining the Osara program, go for it! I can vouch for how beneficial it is. I wish I had this support during my first diagnosis, when I might have needed it most.

I have the apps, tips and all the links that I need to influence my eating, sleeping, exercising, keeping my medical records, and even the various places to purchase a wig to look good, feel good. I hope this will give others inspiration and encourage them to take up the support and benefits Osara offers.

To learn more scan the QR code on the page opposite to enrol in the Cancer Coach or Cancer Caregivers program. Photo above is a generic stock image and not the author.