Recurrent Ovarian Cancer

Hi Bunny2

I'm sorry to read that your ovarian cancer has recurred and it's natural that you want to reach out to others in a similar situation to see what they have done when given the options you have.

I'm not a member of this group but I'm currently on paclitaxel for breast cancer. I know that everyone's experiences are different but, having had 7 of the 12 weekly infusions, I've found that apart from feeling really tired on the evening of the day I have it, I've not suffered from any of the side effects I was warned about. I guess what I'm trying to say is that you might not have "a miserable 6 months or more on chemo" and the dose can be tweaked if you find that you struggle.

I can see that you were due to start your treatment yesterday. What did you decide to do and, whatever it was, I wish you all the best.

x

Hi latchbrook,

Thanks for taking the time out to reply.  Sounds like you've had a rough few years too.  It's always helpful to find out how the various treatments affect others.  Reading about the side effects in the literature is quite mind blowing, but actual feedback from others is much more pertinent.

When I finally got to talk to my oncologist I asked her for the benefits of one treatment over the other.  In short, she said the Tamoxifen might reduce the tumours by 10% and hopefully stabilise things.  On the other hand the Taxel could shrink them by 30%.  Given the numbers I chose the latter and she said that it would be better to start it now whilst I am relatively fit.  Therefore I started the chemo on Tuesday. 

So far, touch wood, I feel fine.  Having the cold cap for 3.5 hours wasn't much fun, but I'll give it a go.  I find the anti nausea steroids give me a boost immediately afterwards and as well as going for a 2.5 mile walk in the glorious sunshine yesterday, I finally cleared out my scarf collection and got rid of about two thirds of them.  Shameful how many I had!

I hope your treatment continues to go well - only five more to go - yay!

xxx

Hi Bunny2

I'm glad you got the chance to talk to your oncologist before you had to make a choice as it's so important that you can make an informed choice.

That's good that you're feeling fine so far and, from my experience, I'd say that if you're feeling fine now you'll probably stay that way. 

I decided not to have the cold cap so have lost my hair, although I lost it on the previous chemo I had before I started on paclitaxel. I'm not sure if it's wishful thinking, but over the last few days I think my hair might be starting to grow back 

Wishing you all the best

x

There's nothing like the feel of that first downy growth on your head as your body fights back.  I'm keeping everything crossed for you.  xx