CarolynC's Journey with Primary Peritoneal Carcinoma

Total shock and disbelief. Thought it was the end of the world for me and my family.

In the beginning, hair loss was hard for me because when I looked in the mirror I felt bad with no hair, eyebrows and eyelashes. However, I found a great wig and got used to doing my make-up and started to feel better about things. I loved not having to shave my legs! My family was very supportive. Now I realize having hair loss is a lot better than having other kinds of side effects which can make you physically ill. I did feel fatigue at times but never felt sick.

We are having a huge 25th anniversary celebration in September 2012.

I left my job to concentrate on getting well and I feel sad about that sometimes as I have always been a mom who worked outside of the home. My kids like having me at home now.

I decided to live my life one day at a time. I wanted to have meaningful relationships with my kids and husband. I do not get upset about small things anymore. I understand how precious life is and that you should savor every moment. Sounds cliche but it is true. We have had a lot more fun in these last two years because we are no longer putting off the things we want to do.