Nearly finished first round of chemo

Hi,

I'm just about to do a zoom lesson but I didn't want you to think no-one is listening! I'll be back on to reply this evening xx

Hi,

So sorry you find yourself here - Can’t imagine how it must have felt to go from thinking you had just a cyst to hearing it was cancer. Most of us I think found out one way or the other post-surgery or biopsy , so it must have been a terrible shock for you finding out that way - especially at 25.

I’m currently on my 3rd cycle of chemo and, like you, finding it rather punishing. I was diagnosed at stage 2b and, with you being diagnosed as early as stage 1 (which is rare)  I believe it’s really important to try to think positively about getting through the chemo and back to living a normal life.

I also had a low white blood cell count during my 2nd cycle, and was given injections to fix it. My doctor assured me this was common and, apart from needing to be extra careful about picking up any infections, it didn’t really cause me any problem - so hopefully you will find the same.

As you say, 25 is young to be dealing with all this (I’m 59 and finding it hard enough). But, I believe that by trying to be the most positive and active versions of ourselves  we can be, we somehow find strength we never knew we had. I recommend doing things that make you feel good, and not being hard on yourself when you’re having a bad day.

Love

Bx

Hi again,

So sorry you had the horrible shock of being told it's cancer after being told initially there were no cancer markers. You are very young and I'm sure it would help to talk to other younger women going through the same germ cell cancer- I think there may be a separate group on here but you can always talk to one of the nurses and I'm sure they will answer any questions about the chemo and low white blood count-  you need to keep away from anyone with a cold but we're all keeping distanced from everyone anyway so that should help. Your thoughts are completely normal- I was 40 when I was diagnosed with Stage 3c in 2012 and I'm cancer free since finishing treatment in 2013, so there is hope and also the treatments are improving all the time. But when I was diagnosed, I thought I wouldn't see my kids grow up and I really feared the worst- they were 10 and 12 at the time. I know I've been very lucky. All I can say is that it takes a long time to adjust mentally and that the chemo does wipe you out physically. You will have bad days and nights, but as B. positive says, it really helps to try and keep positive if you can. Think of this as a blip in your life and you will get through it. It changes you and makes you appreciate all the small things you took for granted. I really valued the Macmillan support that was available- I had a session of reiki after all my chemo and surgery at the Macmillan centre next to the hospital, and it really helped me to process what I'd been through. Keep crossing off all the chemo sessions and plan something nice for the end of treatment- it helps to have something to look forward to. Good luck with the rest of your journey and keep strong- you can do this and be a survivor! 

Natalie xx

I know it won’t seem it at all, and apologies that this is probably a crass thing to say, but you’re astonishingly lucky! Not for being told you have cancer - of course not that! - but it’s so rare for Ovarian Cancer to be picked up at auch an early stage. That gives you a good chance of really effective treatment and recovery. Chemo isn’t pleasant - you may well lose your hair after round 2, and you’ll be very tired - but it’s there to try and make sure the cancer is completely eradicated. 

My heart goes out to you though. This absolutely sucks, and it’s understandable if you’re shellshocked, scared, and uncertain. Do talk to your care coordinator or Macmillan nurse, ask your questions, and don’t be afraid to let them know what you’re worried about. 

And keep posting here too - we all have different stories, but there are so many similarities too. Take care x