My Mum is, or rather was until recently, a spritely 77 year old lady. She was diagnosed with stage 3 Ovarian Cancer, last Friday 4 October. We're told it's too extensive, throughout her pelvic region though not impacting on any other organs, for surgery. However, they can offer chemo. If it shrinks enough, surgery may be a later option. Well, in short she's comtemplating refusing the treatment. Says she's had a good life & she'd rather end it on a good note, than end up suffering further pain, side efffects & ... Well this one of the problems, we don't know what to expect! We're a small family (Im an only child, with an only child) & have been lucky enough to not have any experience of cancer to now. Second problem is that, despite over 50 years of strong & loving marraige, my Mum doesn't know how to tell my Dad whats on her mind. He's always been the one to make all the decisions & she knows he'll expect her to fight it all the way ... regardless of what this entails. I'm the only one who knows what Mums thinking. She's relying on me, not just for support but for advice too & I haven't a clue where to start. Any advice would be so greatly appreciated ... as would links to support.
Many thanks
Amanda
I’m sorry to read this Clotted cream So the gynaecologist could provide no explanation for the Fallopian tube and fluid? I wouldn’t be happy not to have this issue explained to me in your position.
I can understand that are guidelines to be followed when requesting scans, especially due to us not being exposed to too much radiation from having too many of them, but you have symptoms which have so far not been explained. I would want to take this further, initially via the gp practice if you still remain unhappy. I’m sorry you weren’t even able to get an appointment with a specialist.
Sarah xx
I can see how frightened you are, and you feel you are no further forward.
If you can face it, the best place to start would be contacting the practice manager at the surgery, in writing, to outline your concerns, and asking for an explanation of why you cannot be referred to a gynaecologist. Ask for an explanation for the issue with your Fallopian tube and what it might mean for you.
The only other option I can think of to be seen if you have already seen a number of doctors in the practice without success, is to consider going privately to a gynaecologist. It must be a very difficult situation for you to be in, and you have mentioned the effect your anxiety is having on your family and the fact that you are spending a lot of time in bed.
Would you consider phoning the Macmillan support line for a chat? The number is in my signature and you don’t have to have a cancer diagnosis to call them. You could chat things through with a nurse too on this number. Maybe they could reassure you, given your clear test results so far?
Sarah xx
Oh Clotted cream I’m so pleased to read your post! This is very positive progress for you and I’m really pleased you phoned Macmillan and were able to get helpful advice.
I hope you are feeling a bit better about things now, and can try and have a nice weekend.
Sarah xx
Oh my goodness. I’m so sorry you still having pain and have a gp that has basically fobbed you off. Are you going to consider going private to get some reassurance?
Sarah xx
