Hi there. A month ago I was diagnosed stage 3 ovarian cancer. I had no symptoms other than some pain in my left hip and no family history of cancer.. An mri last October showed abnormalities in my pelvis. It rook 6 months for my case ro be seen by a gyny consultant who orderd the CA125 blood test and CT Scan. He also performed a laparoscopy with D&C whixh resulted in a an incisional hernia through the port site. I still have a hard lump here. My debulking surgery was delayed choosing instead to put me on 3 rounds of chemo first. I've completed my first chemo and had additional biopsies. My life has literally turned upside down.Terrified about having this surgery. Looking foe ladies who have had it done. How long is the surgical recovery and what is it like?
Hi Lindy55
I had my debunking surgery 6 weeks ago and I will be totally honest I am just starting to feel better it has been a rough 6 weeks as I had an infection on the very bottom of my wound like yourself I was worried about the surgery but honestly it was okay I start my 6 rounds of chemotherapy on Tuesday and I not looking forward to that but it must be done the medical Teams I have been under have all been amazing true angels I wish you well as you move forward xxx
I was diagnosed with stage 4b ovarian cancer last Aug/Sept and had 5 chemo sessions before having debulking surgery on February of this year - it was dealyed from my original date 2 months earlier ( high dependancy bed shortage). it was followed by a final chemo session 5 weeks afterwards. my recovery from surgery was the same as Broadwood 63 so try not to worry....! I started daily Zejula tablets a couple of weeks ago and the fabulous oncology team at Poole Hospital are monitoring me closely. I was amazed at how quickly I recovered from surgery. xx
Hi Broadwood 63
Thank you for your honesty. A 6 week recovery sounds more realistic considering the magnitude of the surgery. Can I ask how long was your stay in hospital? And if there's anything I can do at home to prepare for recovery? I hope you're doing better now. xx
HI Lindy55
I was in hospital for 6 nights definitely nightdresses rather than pjs and big pants loose clothes for coming home once home I couldn't eat very much so small amounts I have a walk in shower so put a shower matt down as i was quite shaky for the first few times in the shower also I took some pillows for the journey home those potholes are not pleasant x
Thanks for the great advice. I've had one chemo so far and wore the cold cap. It's been over 2 weeks now and still no hair loss but I'm expecting some thinning. Days 1 + 2 after chemo I was still wired on steroids. Days 3 to 7 was totally floored. Only managed bed to bathroom and back. Week 2 and 3, was well enough to drive and do some light work.
Hi Linda 55 . I was pretty lucky with a speedy diagnosis. 10.5 ovarian mass, had grown into pelvis and left ovary ..had cells in gland at bottom of bowel. Had debulking op on 10h Dec 24. Was walking about by xmas even well enough to have family stay. When results of mass came bk ,my cancer went from grade 2 a, to grade 3c .so I've had 5 rounds of carboplaltin and taxipaxil, not sure I've spelt at right. And since cancer upgraded they added in targeted therapy. . Chemo isn't easy ,but I've one more to go. But have targeted therapy to continue for another few months . Yet. One cycle every 3weeks . . But to let u know I've been told my treatment is a matter of maintainance now ,but I can live a normal life. Last scan showed shrinkage of cells in pelvis both sides. Have another scan after last chemo . And hoping to see more shrinking then . So you can get through it all, even tho I agree it has turned my world upside down . I'm feeling more positive now . Hope this story has given u more positivity, as you continue on with your journey too . Wishing you all the very best and hope you get through it , as I have . All the very best. Xx
Awww lovely words , I'm at the moment day 2 after 5th round . Of my treatment . Feeling wiped out but coping very well. Yes staying positive definitely gets me through. Hope your journey goes well and fast for you. Sending positive vibes and lots of love and hugs xx
Hi, sorry you find yourself in this situation. I was diagnosed with stage 3c high grade serous OC in Jan 24. I had 4 chemo, debulking surgery followed by 2 more chemotherapy, and then maintenance. The operation is tough but doable. I was scared of pain which was very well managed and to be honest not nearly as bad as I thought it would be. Like others have mentioned nighties and loose clothing. Take iPad with long charging cable. I had small snacks bars and Cartons of juice which I found easier to eat . When you get home rest as much as you can, short walks, no lifting anything heavy. If you can prepare meals ahead to have in the freezer, eating small meals is easier than large portions. Keep hydrated, drink lots of water. I was amazed at how well I was looked after, sure you will be too. The first few weeks after the operation were the hardest then it got easier. My frontline treatment finished in September 24, and since then I’m feeling good, been on a few holidays and planning more. I had my operation June 24. Good luck.
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