Caring for a loved one with ovarian cancer is an act of love. It can also be overwhelming, especially when the journey unfolds over months or even years. In this episode of Teal Talk – An Ovarian Cancer Podcast, we hear from Adam, Amanda, and Evan — three siblings who have been navigating caregiving for their mother, Serena, for eight years.
Their story illustrates the courage, connection, and compassion that so many caregivers live out every day. As they share their journey, we learn not only how they support their mom, but also how they support each other and themselves.
We explore key moments and lessons from their conversation and offer guidance and hope for anyone walking through ovarian cancer caregiving.
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Meet Serena: A firecracker with a zest for life
When asked about their mom, the siblings light up.
“She’s a firecracker. She has a zest for life that I’ve never met anyone else with before,” Adam shared. “She loves to dance. She loves her family… she loves people and just giving her energy out to people and receiving and yeah, she’s the best person I know.”
Her daughter Amanda echoed that sentiment: “She’s motivated all of us to do what we do today. She’s a teacher, she’s a dancer, she’s a superstar. She’s a motivator. She’s everything you’d want in a mom and a person in your life.”
Their love shines through, reminding us how deeply a caregiver’s devotion is rooted in respect and admiration.
Did you know?
Ovarian cancer is difficult to detect in early stages because symptoms often don’t appear until the disease has progressed.
Not sure how to support a loved one after an ovarian cancer diagnosis?
Explore these first steps for ovarian cancer caregivers.
Navigating the diagnosis: “It was life-changing and really scary.”
Amanda remembers the moment her life changed:
“It was the last thing any of us expected… she sat us down and she told us she was diagnosed with cancer and we didn’t know what was next and it was life changing and it was really scary.”
For this family, caregiving began with uncertainty — but also with closeness. They learned together. They adjusted. They made space for hard days and healing moments.
Adam shared that the journey has lasted “eight years now… her first diagnosis was in 2017… last year she had her second recurrence.”
This kind of timeline is not uncommon. Recurrence is part of the ovarian cancer landscape, and caregivers often experience emotional ups and downs throughout the cycle of diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up care.
Did you know?
The chance of ovarian cancer coming back depends on the stage at diagnosis:
- Stage I: 10% chance of recurrence
- Stage II: 30% chance of recurrence
- Stage III: 70% to 90% chance of recurrence
- Stage IV: 90% to 95% chance of recurrence
Feeling overwhelmed by the recurrence of a loved one’s ovarian cancer?
Join our caregiver peer support group to connect with others who understand.
Supporting one another as siblings: “We give each other grace and love.”
Caregiving doesn’t happen in isolation — especially when multiple family members are involved.
“We have a group chat just always checking in, making sure we’re good. We all have our good days, we all have our bad days, and just giving each other grace and love,” Adam shared.
Amanda, an oncology nurse, spoke about the importance of stepping into different roles: “I wanted to take care of my mom as much as she was able to take care of me as a child… we try to make sure she never has to go to treatment alone.”
Evan added how even simple routines can offer connection: “We always go to family dinner. We just do silly stuff together that like usually adult children don’t do with their parents still. And I think that’s fun.”
What caregiving teaches us about love, resilience, and hope
“Life is short. Just have fun. Be kind to yourself. Be kind to one another and just live in the moment. That’s what she teaches me every day,” Adam said.
Amanda added: “You can make the hardest days better through connection with another person through strength and love… that mindset of strength… can help through the worst days.”
Their story reminds us that caregiving isn’t just about appointments and medications. It’s also about presence, memory-making, laughter, and finding small moments of joy — even in a hospital room.
Feeling overwhelmed as a caregiver?
Explore NOCC’s mental health resource library for tools, tips, and support designed just for you.
Take this with you
Ovarian cancer caregiving is hard — and it’s also full of love, strength, and unexpected joys. Adam, Amanda, and Evan’s story shows that with connection, shared responsibility, and community support, caregivers can face even the darkest days with courage and hope.
No matter where you are on your journey, know this: You are not alone. You are seen. And there is a whole community ready to walk beside you.
What you can do right now
- Not sure where to start? Explore our resources for ovarian cancer caregivers.
- Want support navigating your caregiving role? Join our caregiver peer support group.
- Unsure how to talk with your loved one’s medical team? Explore our Questions to Ask Your Doctor resources.
- Looking for mental health support for yourself or a loved one? Visit our mental health resource library.
Frequently asked questions about ovarian cancer caregiving
What does ovarian cancer caregiving typically involve?
Caregiving can include emotional support, attending appointments, helping with medications, meal prep, transportation, and simply being present. Every caregiver’s role is different
How do I balance caregiving with my own life and responsibilities?
Setting healthy boundaries, sharing responsibilities with others, and asking for help are key. Connecting to a support group can make a big difference.
Where can caregivers find emotional support?
NOCC offers peer support groups, mental health resources, caregiver resources, and a compassionate community ready to support.
Is it normal to feel overwhelmed or guilty as a caregiver?
Yes. These feelings are common — and often relieved by talking openly with others who understand. Counseling and caregiver support programs can help process emotions.
How can I help my loved one feel less alone during treatment?
Small gestures — like sending texts, planning a movie night, or going for a walk — show that you’re there. If distance separates you, scheduling video calls or sending cards can still provide comfort.
