[Narrator]

Ellen is now prepared to talk with her doctor to answer these questions and take Step 3 --creating her plan of action.

[Ellen]

The first part of my plan was to ask a friend to come with me to my doctor's appointment, to write down the doctor's answers to each of my questions. That way, I wouldn't have to try to remember everything, which I knew would be impossible. I also asked my friend to remind me if I was forgetting to ask any of my questions -- I wanted to make the most of this visit.

[Ellen]

The next part of the plan was to figure out who I should tell about my condition and when I should tell them. I really felt the need to tell my daughters and parents about my cancer as soon as I could, because I need to be honest with them and also because I was hopeful that treatment would help. But, I decided that I needed more time and information before talking to my closest friends at work and to my supervisor.

[Narrator]

What else do you think Ellen needs to know before she talks to people at work? Let's hear how Ellen takes Step 4 -- carrying out her plan.

[Ellen]

At the next meeting with my doctor, I told her what I was most worried about. I also asked her how other patients handle such a tough situation. I wanted to know if there was someone I could talk to who could help me figure out how much to say to my family, friends, and people at work. My doctor introduced me to a nurse and a social worker who are part of my cancer care team. They told me that they are both there to help with any concerns that I might have. They also told me about a support group for women with ovarian cancer. They said that many women find the group a good place to get not just information, but also support from people who have gone through what I was about to begin. At first, I didn't like the idea of the support group, of talking about my problems with a group of women I didn't even know. The social worker was a big help in learning how to help my daughters.

[Ellen]

Well, on the first day of chemotherapy, I met another woman who was being treated for ovarian cancer. I guess we had so much in common, that I found it very easy to talk with her. She told me that she attends a support group and finds it really quite helpful. So, I thought I would give it a try. This was an important step for me. I was so used to trying to handle everything myself. But, getting more information was a big part of my plan, so I would do what I had to do to make my plan work.

[Narrator]

By breaking her problem down into smaller parts, Ellen feels that she can handle it. As she works through her plan, Ellen is taking Step 5, which is checking the plan as you go along and adjusting it when needed.

[Ellen]

I found it helpful to make a list of what might or might not work for me as I faced each new challenge. I used the meetings with my social worker and my support group as safe places to talk about my concerns, and also to test out my problem-solving skills. I learned a lot about what works and what doesn't work from other women who were in my situation.

[Narrator]

In light of Ellen's experience, think about the following questions. Does Ellen now feel more comfortable asking for help when she needs it? Do you think Ellen feels more comfortable now talking to her children, friends, and co-workers? Do you think these people feel they can talk to Ellen about their hopes and concerns? How will what Ellen learns help her with future issues?

[Ellen]

It certainly has become easier to talk to my girls and to ask for help when I'm not feeling well. As I have gotten further into treatment, other issues have come up. I know that I may have to rethink parts of my plan. That's OK -- I feel like I'm better able to handle whatever might come my way now.

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