Stage 3 ovarian cancer

Hi  and a very warm welcome to the online community

I'm sorry to hear that you have recently been diagnosed with ovarian cancer. It's good to hear that your hospital team are encouraging you to go on holiday but not so good to hear that you're having trouble with your travel insurance company.

Could I suggest that you join us over in the travel insurance group so that you can see which companies other people who have, or have had, cancer recommend. To join just click on the link I've created and then choose 'join this group' on the page that opens.

Once you have joined look for the thread called 'Recommended Travel Insurance' as it's where we try to keep all the recommendations in one place.

After looking through the thread it is best to phone the travel companies rather than try and do online quotes. Make sure you have all the information to hand about your diagnosis and treatment before contacting the insurers. This is a list of common questions that insurers might ask when you're applying for insurance.

Some insurers will ask for a letter from your doctor to prove that they have given you permission to travel. 

Can I just add that I'm afraid I don't know anything about the possibility of a potential bowel blockage and hopefully someone else will be able to help you with that part of your post.

I do hope that you can get reasonably priced travel insurance and have a great holiday.

x

Thank you for the speedy reply. Good to know other options if my travel company continue to be difficult. 

Hello , nice to meet you, I have just recently joined this forum. I was diagnosed at stage 4, high grade serous and think I have been through a similar experience to you re the bowel. I was prepped and expecting an 8 hour operation to de-bulk everything. I had a hysterectomy many years ago. However I was out of the operation very quickly and it turned out that they had not operated as the tumour was attached to my bowel and bladder. Instead I went through several sessions of chemo to try and shrink the tumour. It did shrink the tumour but sadly not enough. At my last case meeting a choice was discussed, have the operation which would mean a lengthy recovery period n hospital and having a permanent stoma on one side, a  bag (cant remember the name) on the other side for my bladder. The results would last about 3 years then the cancer might return. I was advised that the quality of life might not be good. The other option was to try the "wait and see" approach where I would be monitored closely and regularly and given treatment when necessary eg chemo. Talk about being between a rock and a hard place! Anyway I have currently gone for the wait and see approach. I have had another cat scan and the results will be discussed at a case meeting in a couple of weeks. That is the background to my current situation but the real reason I am posting is to stress the importance of avoiding constipation at all costs! I know everyone is different but this seems to be a common problem and a very painful one. Even when I am not constipated I use a stool softener  as well as other medicine eg laxido. . I would stress that if you become constipated to get it treated immediately rather than putting it off. am sorry to sound so gloomy but  I found that our condition is manageable if we can control this. It is a good idea to have a holiday and I hope you have a restful and happy time, enjoy life and keep posting. I hope all goes well for you in the future.

big hugs

Pat xx

Hello Pat

Sorry for delay in replying. Think I’m in s state of shock. I still don’t really believe I’ve got cancer. I had stomach pains which my GP said were anxiety. After 3 weeks they were quite bad and another GP sent me to hospital with suspected appendicitis. I was put on two antibiotics and soon the pain had gone however the CT scan had shown a suspicious lump. I was discharged and later had a laparoscopy. The surgeon said it was good news as she was sure it was inflammation and not malignancy but would have to wait for biopsy results. I felt fine and still do now but was called back to the hospital two weeks ago to be told I have stage 3 ovarian cancer which my bowel is twisted round and has spread to my liver. I had more scans on Thursday and am seeing an oncologist this week to discuss chemotherapy. It has been so quick and I don’t feel ill or in pain. Asking myself why have chemotherapy which will not be pleasant when I have no symptoms and feel ok???? Did you have any symptoms??? I’m really confused and worried. 

Thanks for your reply Pat xxxxx

Hello Karok, Have you met with the oncologist yet? I started with two types of chemo but could only get one as one of them was too strong and caused me to trip when walking and my hands to become stiff. After that the chemo was not too bad. You are monitored very closely and you will be sitting in a room with others going through similar treatment so it is not too scary. I am attached to the anchor unit in Aberdeen and the care has been fantastic (with cheerful and welcoming staff) My symptoms were repetitive sharp pains in my stomach. For that I am taking various medication including morphine daily. I was given a thermometer to check my temperature and was once taken into hospital as an emergency as I had an infection which made my temp. rise to over 40.This was dealt with very quickly and efficiently and I have not had any trouble since. My tumours shrunk further with the chemo but they still remain attached to bladder and bowel. I have now just finished chemo and chose to do watch and wait rather than have a massive operation. I feel fine at the moment and try and avoid constipation at all costs! I do suffer from extreme tiredness and forgetfulness and don't socialise as much as I feel overwhelmed by a lot of people and worry about picking up an infection. I get my next scan in November and see my oncologist in December to see how I am doing. Before I discovered this forum I was also on one called ovacom by health unlocked. This is only for women with ovarian cancer and I have found it full of very experienced friendly women who are going through similar things ( and many are living much longer than they were told they would!) so I would recommend this group to you. I intend to stay with both groups as both are helpful and there seems to be more people from scotland on this forum. I know it is easier said than done but please try not too worry It does not improve anything!! If you would like personal contact I am happy to respond from my own email which is namasta@gmx.co.uk

I am thinking of you and sending you big hugs and warm wishes. I haven't figured out how contact others yet on this forum but l will be trying!

Love Pat xxx

Hello Pat

Good to hear from you. The oncologist visit was ok but quite emotional. I’ve been very positive and calm but think the reality really hit home. My husband and daughter were there too and seeing the sadness in their faces really hurt. Huge relief when I was told the cancer hadn’t spread to my lungs- I’d had a thorax ct scan the week before. I was told it’s 3c , pressing on my bowel, my bowel has thickening which they are unsure about but treating as cancer. Also lesions in my liver. The oncologist was quite direct and said without treatment I’d be dead in 3 months which was hard to hear but made decisions easy. I’m starting chemotherapy in 2 weeks- carboplatin and Paclitaxel. The consultant told me I’d have to give up all the things I do for 9 months. When he’d gone the registrar was less extreme but warned there were things I’d no longer be able to do. Fortunately there is a lovely Maggie s next to the hospital. The nurse there was practical and said I could still take my grandchildren to school as long as I didn’t if they had colds and suggested I visited my friend with dementia every other day instead of daily but I’d probably have to give up my work at a homeless shelter. It’s all a bit overwhelming. For the first time I’ve had to fight tears. I’ve got some nice books to try to explain cancer to my grandchildren. Everyone says how I’m brave and strong but inside I’m really scared. 

I want to try the cold cap but was told it’s only 50% successsful. I suppose I just want people to see me as me and not someone who has cancer. 

This is indeed the club no one wants to be in but I’m so glad it’s here where we can be honest and don’t have to be brave all the time.

im determined to be positive- I still believe in following my dreams (I’m writing a novel!) and living with joy. I watched a beautiful sunset yesterday. 

Lots of love and hugs to you Pat. Xxxx

Caroline xxx

Hi Caroline

Hearing all those messages is shocking and sometimes I felt as though I wasn't really present if that makes any sense?

Regarding the being able to carry on as  normal or not, I was never given any must nots, just to go with how I was feeling so if I needed a nap, to take one or if I was feeling particularly energetic, to make the most of it but not overdo it.

We all react differently to treatment, my first line treatment was directly after debulking surgery and I really wasn't well so there were a lot of things I couldn't do.

Go with what your body is telling you and look after yourself.

Celia

x

Thanks Celia

Thats exactly what I intend to do! At the moment I’m just tired a lot but it hasn’t stoped me working- just need a lie down after. It may change when the chemotherapy starts but if I do nothing I don’t think it would do my mental health my ch good. 

X

Good for you. Sitting about doesn’t do anyone any good !  

Keep me posted 

Celia x