Overwhelming panic at advanced ovarian cancer diagnosis

Felt like I'd been hit by a truck when I was told 10 months ago that I had stage 4b ovarian cancer. I had five chemo sessions before full hysterectomy, removal of omentum and peritoneal lining. Also, had pleural ifusion which meant 5 days in hospital to drain the lung. However, it has turned out ok so in in that although my cander is incurable it is manageable, i.e. daily Naraparib tablets and regular blood tests.     I would say do not Google things! It'll make you feel worse and often the information isn't in understanable format, if that makes sens. Also, stick to Macmillan for information  and call the number on offer for a chat . My Macmillan nurse at the hospal are always there as well as the dedicated 24 hour chemo hotline, for when treatment starts and no doubt before. all very well for me to sit here and say try not to panic as I'm over the worst and to be honest, it's amazing how your "coping head" kicks in. I losy my hair but got some groovy headgear, bright lippy and funky earrings to see me through it. Grows back quite quickly. Ask lots of questions, avoid Google, keep in touch any time, x

Thank you so much for replying. Hit by a truck totally sums it up and such a long wait for treatment to actually start is really not helping. It’s good to hear from someone on the other side as you‘re right, Dr Google is just instant death and doom and gloom. Any tips to get them to hurry up with chemo and how to make it better? The idea is terrifying but just want to get on with it? I haven’t heard much from the Macmillan team but maybe that’s because I was on the surgery first path. A buddy who’s been through it at the same level sounds good xx

Any time.,

Hi , the waiting for treatment is horrible, I found it the hardest. I used mindfulness apps which helped me to stay focused on the present and breathing exercises. There is so much to process going through the diagnosis and treatment planning stages. If searching on the internet try to stick to specialist charities like Ovacome or target ovarian cancer. Be kind to yourself and take care. I’m living a good life with ovarian cancer diagnosis’s Jan 24 stage 3c . 

Thank you for replying. I’m glad you are through it and have a good life. I think what is finishing me off is that it has been three months with no treatment and the surgery/chemo plan has changed 3 times and each u-turn floors me. Did you have chemo and surgery? 

My story is Dec 23 raised CA125 , followed by CT scan which indicated ovarian cancer at least 3b or c. January 24 I had a guided biopsy which didn’t work out so had a laparoscopy late January, took a while for results to come back and confirmed stage 3c  high grade. There were MDT meetings and I started chemotherapy in late March 24 . I had 4 cycles of carboplatin, then surgery, then 2 more cycles of chemotherapy and then maintenance treatment. Currently no evidence of disease. It can take time to get the treatment plan underway, it’s a horrible wait I remember well. 

So glad you are doing well - you have given me some hope

Any tips for chemo? Did you fast at all? 

There is definitely hope, I know it’s not easy but hang in there. I found the treatment chemo and surgery tough but doable. My experience of chemo was for a few days after each cycle I was tired and felt rough, a bit like flu without the temperature. Most of the time I carried on with my life, it was the emotional and psychological impact that was hard. We are all different and respond differently. You will be given medication to help with the side effects. I didn’t fast but did eat a healthy diet and definitely lots of water.