Mum in Law diagnosed with ovarian cancer

Hi MissAk,

I’m new here as well but it’s not my first time dealing with a situation like this. 

My mum has been through breast and ovarian so hoping I can help you a little.

Timelines with everything my mum has been through is always 2 weeks or less.

For her ovarian she was first referred to the Gynaecology department who ran the scan and took the blood tests. As this showed “spots” in the body scans and high level markers in the bloods she was referred back to her Oncologist.

Once back there, the next step was a biopsy so they could determine the type and stage. 

When those results were in it we we’re told the surgery plan and therapy schedule. 

This appointment was a little further out than 2 weeks if I remember right possibly 3 weeks but she went into surgery and it was around 3 weeks after she was out her Chemo started.

From everything from testing to surgery was Aug-Nov then her Chemo started Dec. (I have known they can move quicker, my mum just took a little longer to recover)

With everything removed they do re-test the type/stage as well.

She sees her Oncologist more often at the start of everything and just after, routinely again during Chemo as they can and do adjust that plan whilst your in it. 

She has routine blood tests for these appointments.

She also has a full body scan after surgery to check everything is removed and after chemo the check nothing is back. 

After everything she then sees her Oncologist every 2 months for routine check ups and it did move to 6 months with her breast but she’s been back at 2 months since the ovarian. 

I’ve always understood that once you are referred to the hospital your GP can’t do much for you in terms of that situation but if your mother in law has yet to be assigned to an Oncologist that leaves you a little in limbo. 

If she is in pain though I would personally encourage my mum to speak to her GP even if the result is only they chase up the hospital for confirmation of the appointment letter.

My mum has a contact nurse within the oncology department that she can call if she has any questions, pain or anything, so once assigned everything does become easier to ask/follow up.

I’m not sure of any community help but I know the department at the hospital have groups my mum has been to through both cancers which was nice for her.

With regards to only 1 attending the appointment, when the date letter is through, it’s worth following up and asking whether another member can attend. It’s very hard to take in all information like that on your own and in our experience they have been understanding for us and supported such a request.

I hope that helps you understand a little more of the journey in front of you and I wish your mother in law all the best for the fight ahead. 

Thank you so so much. This is very helpful. Just to understand timelines and such. 

We're off to hospital this Wednesday to see a Gynecologist so I hope I will have more information then.

Is there any particular question we would need to ask while at the Gynecologist? I am trying to make a list of thing to ask :) 

Thank you x