Ovarian cancer. Operation not good

Dear, I’m sorry to hear your operation didn’t go as planned, are you at home recovering or still In hospital ? I don’t have ovarian cancer but have had many ups and owns over the last eighteen months with my blood cancer so understand the disappointment of things not going to plan and wanted to give you some moral support if nothing else. I’ve had extensive chemotherapy and it’s not as bad as you might be imagining, they have many drugs now to control sickness if it becomes a problem. It’s good to hear you’ve got a supportive family, and you will find a safe space here to discuss any problems you may not feel comfortable talking about with them. I understand your fears for the future but try to take things one week at at time and set realistic goals to keep yourself motivated. 

Hi Jane

Thank you for your support it is much appreciated.
I am recovering at home , I had my staples out yesterday. 
It is good to speak to someone outside the family. My nurse assigned to me is fantastic as well.

I start Chemo in about 3 weeks once I am recovered as long as I have no infections.

i hope you are coping okay with your blood Cancer, sending my best wishes.

Maria x

Hello Maria226,

sorry to hear about the op, that must have been devastating news but it sounds like there is a plan for the next stage at Charring Cross so I will be keeping it all crossed for you. This cancer thing is totally scary but you sound like you have a great attitude, fantastic family network and of course all of us on here to cheer you on. 

Like johnty said, the chemo is tolerable and is doing its bit to reduce the cancer. I'm on my second set of chemo treatment and it hasn't even affected my appetite, just made me tired. 

Wishing you all the best for the op.

x

Dear Maria

just thought I’d write a little something in response to your concerns as my experience seems to mirror what you are currently going through although the treatment is slightly different. I was diagnosed last May with Ovarian cancer and full hysterectomy operation arranged. When I was opened up, as with you, cancer cells had spread ... in my case to spleen, omentum, gall bladder, some small nodules on lung and bowel. As a result I was told major surgery was needed with likelihood of stoma. I had major surgery in July (8 hour op) and thankfully i didn’t need the stoma bag. I was in hospital less than a week as I was determined to get up and about as soon as possible. It has been a slow process of recovery and I’m getting there. The operation was followed by 6 sessions of chemotherapy which at the time was draining but now it’s finished I feel much more like myself again. I did get really down during chemo but I think that was frustration in not being able to do the things I had just taken for granted all my life.... So.... hopefully, you’ll not need the stoma bag, you’ll keep positive about your situation knowing that the professionals in your team do an amazing job and will look after you, and you’ll just stay strong and focussed. Good luck with everything.

Dear KatieS

it will be so good for Maria to read your post as you have direct experience of what she is going through and are further on in your journey and recovery, so thank you so much for taking the time to respond, I have blood cancer so could only offer some moral support. Ovarian cancer seems to have quite a low profile compared to say breast cancer and because the symptoms seem so easily attributable to other conditions it’s important we try to get the awareness of anything specific to look out for. I am glad to hear you feel you are turning a corner after all you have been through and that Maria will take some comfort and inspiration from your story so far.

Hello to all of you and I’m sorry you are all going through so much.

Im hoping you may have some advice.

i had hysterectomy 4yrs ago and prolapse surgery 3yrs ago I’m aged 43.

My gp sent me for ultrasound end of December after months of pain in right side and bloods being a bit strange.  On the scan it was said it was maybe a gynae problem and my go would be referring once she sends report within 24hrs.  The next day the surgery was open my dr called to say a 14cm mass had been seen on ovary and although it would hopefully be a cyst it was possibly cancer.  I was advised that gynae would be call Inf with urgent referral which they did the following day.  I then saw consultant who again said it was a tumour but doesn’t like that word so I asked is it sinister to which he replied we will discuss more next week as they would discuss in MDT meeting.  A letter arrived dated the day they had MDT saying I need ct thorax, abdominal and pelvis with contrast(am I being paranoid is this checking for spread?).

i was also told ultrasound showed enlarged spleen and liver.

I like to know as much as possible to prepare myself.  I looked after my dad who unfortunately passed away aged 51 so not new to cancer and treatments and think maybe that’s why I’m concerned about CT.

I have CT tomorrow but any input would be appreciated and again I’m sorry your here.

thanks emm

Dear Emm

Am sorry you are having a bit of a worrying time at the moment. I really do not feel qualified to answer your concerns on whether the CT scan is trying to identify whether the professionals are looking to see whether there is a spread of cells/ tumours/nodules whatever. I think the professionals will be investigating as much as possible prior to any surgery in order that they can plan better. But that is not to say they will find anything. It will probably be a belt and braces approach to ensure the best outcome for you. Try not to worry... easy to say, hard to do I know. It’s probably the waiting for results that is the hardest part. Just try to stay positive and keep busy. Good luck for tomorrow and for the outcomes. Take care. Susan

Thank you

Dear Katie

Thank you for your reply , it has made me feel a lot more hopeful . You sound a very strong person Katie. How are you now ? I hope you are well Katie.

Thank you for replying.

All the best

Maria

I’m so sorry your op didn’t go as planed keep your head up live life to the full as much as you can 

its good to know you have people around you who care and love you 

them are the people you can count on in every way I hope your op hoses well and take care