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Saturday, March 23, 2013

My former student and friend, Olga...

Last year I wrote about Olga and her battle with ovarian cancer. Since early last year she has endured 3 different courses of chemo treatments and surgery, always maintaining such a positive attitude. Last year I wrote a post about Olga and how I had knitted her a lightweight throw out of soft mohair, which was my way of saying, 'my thoughts and prayers are with you as you travel on this journey'.



When Olga was well enough, she organised a 'photo shoot' to show her with the throw. (near Devonport)



The treatments appeared to work and later in the year, Olga travelled from her home in Tasmania to Queensland to stay with family for a short holiday and to catch up with old friends.  DH and I met her at her brother's house at Maroochydore and took her to lunch. DH had never met her before and he was very impressed with her calm dignity and positiveness as we discussed her illness and her plans for the future. It was a wonderful few hours that we spent with her.

With the beautiful Maroochydore Beach in the background; Olga is wearing her chemo beanie  which had been an essential wardrobe item last winter in Tassie.

I treasure these photos

Olga maintains a Facebook Page to keep friends and family informed of her progress, treatments and thoughts and dreams and I was saddened to read this post last week.. I've used the colour teal for the font. This is the 'colour that has been allocated' to Ovarian cancer.

'This is probably the hardest post I have had to write so far, but I have come this far, and I need to see this through to the end. I saw the oncologist today and the news was bad. This chemo is not working. There is no new cancer, but what was there is growing and I have been taken off the chemo. I have no options left in Tasmania and Victoria. The oncologist has hooked me up with an oncologist in Queensland and they are looking into a clinical trial for me. I need to get up there as soon as possible because they wont look at me if I start to get too sick. We hope to leave Tasmania Easter Monday or as soon as possible after that. The oncologist has no idea how long I have left, but I am still going to fight this, and hope to be around for a long time. I know some of you wont have words for this, and I totally understand. Sometimes I think I have the easy job. I get to say what is happening. I doubt I would know what to say if it was happening to someone else. I bought a bottle of champagne today, and we are going to sit back and drink that tonight, and talk. Will keep you all posted. Have a great night everyone. Take care. Xx'

We don't know yet whether Olga will be accepted into the program here in Queensland, we can but hope. I have a request...please keep Olga in your thoughts and prayers.  

7 comments:

Sue Grier said...

Maria,
My heart breaks for Olga and Terry but I know she will not give up and continue to fight with all she has. Who would of thought that young girl I went to school with and beautiful woman I met up with early last year would be going through this. If only the love of her friends and family could cure her. Each day I think of her and Terry. She certainly has shown us all what an amazing woman she is.

Unknown said...

Sorry to read of your Friend Olga we can Only Pray for Her.

Becky said...

I'm so sorry!

Justjen said...

Sending positive thoughts to Olga, while fighting this horrid disease xxoo

Naturally Carol said...

She is in my prayers!

Paul Forster said...

Sad to hear about Olga's struggles!

Unknown said...

Maria, hope you had a lovely Easter. I'm sorry I haven't been around very much but I'm sure you understand. If you don't mind, I have a short message for your friend, Olga. Dear Olga, I have read about the clinicals trials with Dr A.in QLD. This is a part of the treatment Petal is going through at the moment in Sydney. I sincerely hope this works for and you will be in my prayers.
Many hugs on your journey. Sue xox