Recently diagnosed ovarian/peritoneal

Hi SuffolkSisie,

I’ve just had my second chemo Friday and am a little foggy today but wanted to reassure you.

I had bloating, needing to pee frequently, CA125 at 349. I’ve had a full hysterectomy where they removed a 10lb (18cm) cyst from my right ovary and 5cm from my left. They found cells in the omentum and 1 lymph node.

I now have 6 rounds of chemo (2 down, 4 to go).

Its not fun but it hasn’t been that bad either, I’m very positive. I think you have to say “well this is happening, let’s get on with it”

I’d advise getting peppermint casuals and tea for the wind if you have a hysterectomy, and strepsils for your throat after the anaesthetic.

For chemo, ask questions, talk to others whilst there. Any problems or symptoms mention them straight away as they may be able to help. 

If you want to ask any questions feel free, nothing is TMI when you want to know what to expect.

One final piece of advice, don’t go looking all over the internet, stick to this site, target, cancer research... places you know information will be sensible.

Wishing you lots of luck TT xxx

Hi

Sorry to hear about your diagnosis ,it comes as such a shock and the waiting between appointments and investigations seems forever.

I was diagnosed with Ovarian cancer last September, and had hysterectomy, both ovaries and omentum removed in October.

It takes a while to recover from surgery but just listen to your body and get help if needed.Believe the advise about not doing heavy jobs in the house!

I started chemotherapy in December,every 3 weeks for 6 cycles.Its a bit of a rollercoaster, I found I struggled for 8 to 10 days each cycle then felt fine.

Again accept help if needed! I also found it was best to keep walking! However bad i felt i never felt any worse going out for a walk so did at least 2 miles a day from week 4 after surgery with the dog, either alone or with friends.

Im sure that helped not just my physical but also my mental health.

I returned to work 2 months after my last chemotherapy but still on phased return as tiredness in the afternoons a real problem,walking a long distant footpath ( a few days at a time) ,running a bit,swimming and praying its all behind me.

It seems like forever at the time but take 1 day at a time,talk to people,ask questions and you'll get there!

I'll be thinking of you and everyone else starting this journey!

Hi Cymru 76

Thanks for this - especially about the walking.  I have been as concerned for my dog as for myself really and it will be good to be able to get back to walking her asap.

At the moment, for some reason, I am being told to expect Chemo before surgery, and then likely after as well  I'm unclear why I need it before , as most seem to get surgery first and then go for Chemo.  One of the things I need to ask as this afternoon's appointment, I suppose.

One question if I may.. how long after you were given the chemo did it take before you started to feel rough?  Are we talking hours or days?

Thanks again, and the best of luck for your continued progress.

Hi Tania-Teapot

It's good to hear that the chemo hasn't been that bad - even if not fun.  Your outlook is pretty much the same as mine - get on with it.  I hope I can continue to stay as positive as I've started.

What sort of side effects have you experienced from the chemo?  And how long after treatment did they kick in?

Best of luck to you X

Hi

I would have chemo on the monday,a bit tired that evening  but ok

You take a lot of antisickness drugs and steroids for 2 to 3 days so tend to feel a bit spaced out but i was never sickor felt sick

Worst time for me would be Thursday to Saturday  (days 3 to5) after chemo.

Severe fatigue would hit then really hard to describe,bit like being drunk/hungover and exhausted all at the same time!

Gradual improvement after that and we used to try and have a weekend away just before next cycle.

Brain fog also used to bother me in first week,I didn't drive in that 1st week as i didnt trust my reactions.

Good luck this afternoon

Hi, I have ovarian and peritoneal cancer. I have had 3 rounds of chemo, just been given a date for my op and then told it will be 3 more afterwards.  I’m embarrassed to say I didn’t think to ask why it was this way around. So if you remember to ask, let me know :)  Best if luck with it,  

Hi

I did ask why.. apparently the spread of my disease around the peritoneum is significant and particularly where it adheres to the bowel.

The surgeons are not willing to operate as things stand.

I am to have 4 rounds of chemo, in the hope that the cancer will shrink back sufficiently for the surgeons to be willing to go in.  I'll be rescanned after 3 rounds to see what progress is being made.  Everything seems to depend on how sensitive my cancer cells are to the chemo.

It sounds as though you have been making good progress if you now have your op booked.  Best of luck going forward.

Hi SuffolkSissie,

Not actually sure what I wanted to post here, (first post).

Diagnosis of Ovarian cancer on 1st August confirmed after Laparoscopic surgery for biopsies.

I am also not really sure what to expect at my next appt, I am told mine will be operation then chemotherapy but this hasn't been confirmed yet.

Wishing you all the luck.

Hi! My experience is rather like Cymru 76's.   I have had two cycles of chemo and found that the days after followed the same pattern: day 2 was OK but I got increasingly poorly from day 3 and needed to go to bed for much of day 5. But then I began to improve and day 7 was very much better.  I have now arranged my diary to take this into account as I imagine the pattern will continue. Apparently  everyone reacts differently,  but do be kind to yourself and if you are tired have a rest ... and tell people that you are not available! The later two weeks are much better I have found.

Good luck with your treatment.

Louisa 85