Struggling

Hello Turaabi

Welcome to the Ovarian group and the online community.

I am sorry to hear that you have had a diagnosis of ovarian cancer. I remember when I had my own diagnosis (mine was womb) that the first couple of weeks did feel very overwhelming and I did find that my emotions were all over the place. 

I found that although, in some ways I was relieved that I actually had a diagnosis, everything still felt very much in the air as I did not know yet, what this would mean for me and what treatment I could be offered. Once I had a firm diagnosis and treatment plan, then things did feel a bit more in control. 

It is not surprising that you feel you are struggling, any one would in these circumstances. I would recommend giving the Support Line a a call and talking through how you are feeling. The details are below.

When you have the initial diagnosis, it is normal to be offered follow up scans and tests and what they are doing is checking you thoroughly to pin point exactly where any cancer is so that they can offer you the best possible treatment. Once the tests have been completed I would expect them to call you in very quickly to talk through what happens next. At my hospital once all the tests were done, the results were put to the Multi Disciplinary Team meeting (that happens once a week- in my hospital) - I was then contacted and given an appointment to come in to see the consultant. I saw him first on the Friday and had surgery on the Monday. 

Its such a shame when you have holidays booked to feel that you need to cancel them but I can understand that you need to focus on your health for the time being. Maybe a holiday in the future could be part of your plans and give you something to look forward to.

I am sure you will have lots of questions (I know I did) so I will pop a link below that may give you some answers and could maybe help prepare for when you see your consultant next.

Cancer of the ovary, fallopian tube, or peritoneum booklet | Macmillan Cancer Support

Hope this helps a bit

Jane

Hi Turabbi, I am so sorry about your diagnosis. It is so overwhelming and feeling terrified is something I felt for sure when I was told I had stage 3 ovarian cancer in January 24. It’s such an emotional rollercoaster. I would suggest if you do find yourself googling please don’t pay attention to survival stats, they are very much out of date and don’t take in account all the positive new treatments for ovarian cancer. It’s such a tough time having test and waiting for results. I found that the hardest. Once I knew what the treatment plan was I started to feel less anxious. I have found online chats very supportive and Ovacome and Target Ovarian Cancer has lots of information and online chats too. While going through tests and waiting for results try to find ways to stay in the present , I found mindfulness helps , although not for everyone. Be kind to yourself and it’s ok to feel whatever you’re feeling, there is so much to take in and adjust too. Take care and good luck with the biopsy on Tuesday. Xx

Diagnosis is both shocking and terrifying. Also you will be in the midst of tests and appointments, and lots of agonising waiting.  The focus now is treatment starting and you probably won't start feeling "better" till that happens, in the sense that once it starts something is being done, you will start to feel differently.