HI, my first post on here so I will try to be as factually correct as I can.
Was diagnosed with cancer whilst on holiday in Spain last October 2023 and air ambulances back to the UK, it was a horrific experience there and I honestly believed I would not survive the week. The Drs and staff in the hospital had written me off and I was in a dark and desperate place before returning to the UK.
Once back in the UK they confirmed stage 4 advanced serous Ovarian cancer, sadly before getting unwell in spain with breathing difficulties, pleural effusion, I had no pain or symptoms. It was difficult to process and still is if I am honest. I underwent 6 rounds of weekly chemo, 2 drugs one week and single ones the other two. Even after the first chemo I felt better. I was lucky enough to get little side effects for which I am truly grateful.
My oncologist consultant has been amazing and has been trying to push for surgery but the cancer is in part of my stomach. I have today been to Portsmouth and seen a Surgeon to discuss what they can do for me apart from maintenance drugs going forward. I have been advised they will use a camera to ensure they can capture all the cancer in my stomach and if they feel they can get it all will continue straight onto the de bulking surgery along with whatever needs to be done to give me a better chance of life, this may include a stoma which could be temporary or permanent. I wonder if anyone else has had this and could offer me any words of wisdom? My heart is saying go with the chance of surgery as if the camera shows they can get it all then I will have a better chance of life (they have warned it will probably come back at some point somewhere else so this isn’t a cure) but it will be more me living with cancer. It would be a lateral surgery. I am not sure if this is the right decision or whether maintenance drugs is the way forward.
I am a fit and healthy 68yr old (just) who has managed to swim every day throughout my chemo, am hoping this will help me.
I thank my lucky stars I get to wake up each morning, just would like to hear from anyone who has been in a similar position. Thank you
Hi, Don’t loose faith, I was told probably no surgery now I’ve got an op planned 10/5. I’m having camera first to ensure they can get it all and if they can they will go straight in!!
I have it in my stomach link h and on outside of liver which they believe they can just remove, lungs was metastatic but they haven’t even mentioned that so thought chemo did its job there.
i was in the same place as you and know how incredibly difficult it is to manage emotions with so much going on in your head!!
im really happy to chat to you off line and share my journey so far if it helps you, no pressure if not of course, we are all here to help.
Stay strong and positive, it helps 
Stay strong, my mum had stage 4 clear cell ovarian cancer. She is now 10 years all clear. Keep positive 
️ Hope this positive story helps you in some way 
Hi, amazing news, so good to hear do much positivity, thank you 
Fantastic, I had pleural effusion and one round of chemo worked
