Just got diagnosis

Hi Nephi , so sorry to hear about your diagnosis . I had a guided biopsy with inconclusive results in January there was too much fluid to give a clear diagnosis of type of ovarian cancer. I then had a laparoscopy a couple of weeks later which did inform type and stage of cancer. The wait I remember was so stressful, I imagined all sorts, but the cancer didn’t multiply . It’s  so difficult going through tests and waiting for results i found it overwhelming. once treatment started I began to get my head around it all. It’s such a shock I know. I would say don’t google too much, although I did and it really scared me more. I have learnt in the past months that the statistics are very much out of date. There are so many new treatments now with good outcomes for advanced OC. I have advanced cancer, have had 4 cycles of chemo which has been more tolerable than I imagined, the tumours have shrunk and I’m having surgery next week. Once recovered I’ll have 2 more cycles of chemo. I’m hoping to reach a time of no evidence of disease and will go on holiday again, something which I now know is possible to do with cancer. If you are searching on the internet I would suggest sticking to this site , ovacome and target ovarian cancer. These sites have lots of up to date information and online communities too. Take care and be kind to yourself. Xx

Hi,

Gosh your letter was just what I needed.

Someone further along the 'journey' than me. Thanks, it was so encouraging to know that others have had to struggle through the anxious waits and the whole surreal life change. I tell my husband it brings back memories of lick down at the beginning of covid when the whole world was anxious.

I also appreciate your website recommendations and the advice to stay away from the doom and gloom of Google.

I am in a very strange way just looking g forward to the beginning of chemo. I just think something is being done to help.

Once again thanks. Best wishes for your continued recovery and planning a holiday.

Xxxxx

Hi , thanks , all any of us have for sure is the present and today (with or without a cancer diagnosis). When I was first diagnosed I found the shock and uncertainty about everything the toughest. Chemotherapy although not pleasant for anyone to go through does feel like something positive is happening. If you are searching online communities remember to search for positive stories. For good reason many of us are at our most vulnerable when posting, there are lots of positive stories too. best wishes xx

Hi Nephi 

I was diagnosed with Stage 4 ovarian cancer at the beginning of February this year so I completely understand the anxiety and worry you are going through.

They did manage to take a biopsy as it was at the front of my cervix. I would imagine they will perform a hysteroscopy to take your biopsy and in my experience they do not hang around.

If it’s any comfort for you at this time I was originally booked for eight chemo sessions out of the eight I’ve missed three due to low immunity; low potassium and magnesium and on the third occasion, low blood platelets. But I had CT scan done two weeks ago and the results that was given to me this week was amazing my cancer markers have gone down from 2986 to 63.  So now I’ve got two more sessions to go and during these next three weeks my debulking surgery  date will be organised and I’m expecting that to be sometime during August.

As you can see, it’s not straight forward journey. There’s always going to be  twists and turns so try not to be too disappointed if it happens and this doesn’t happen to everyone some people sail through chemo without any problems at all and hopefully you will be one of those. 

Try not to do too do to much googling I know it’s tempting but you can’t rely on all the information, I use McMillan  or Cancer Research  I think the data is much more accurate and relevant.

I hope this information helps and puts your mind at ease somewhat good luck with the rest of your journey. 

Charbecca x 

• Hi Charbecca
• Thanks for your letter. It was reassuring and encouraging to here of other people's journeys. 
• I got good news yesterday that there are no metastasis in my liver where a scan had shown a shadow. Weird to celebrate news like that.
• Just waiting on some biopsy genetic result and seeing oncologist in a week for treatment plan. These waits are the worst. My abdomen seems to get more swollen and I have images of cancer cells growing in me. I am reassured by nurse it is just fluid.
• Good luck with your continuing treatment 
• Best wishes
• Nephi

Hi Nephi

I echo what the others have said on waiting being hard and be careful on Google.

Definitely celebrate every little positive otherwise we can dwell on what may or may not be. Woohoo for your liver!

May I suggest you visualise the cancer cells staying as they are rather than multiplying. It can help to keep you feeling a bit calmer. I’m using visualisation with my treatment to see everything disappearing. Just a thought to help and I’m sending you a hug. 

Had a laparoscopy a few days ago to get a good biopsy and also the surgeon said to look around and see if surgery first was possible. Not so, cancer too diffuse so need chemo first. At least got diagnosis of Stage 3a ovarian cancer and no metastasis in liver or other organs. Yippee 

Now struggling with post laparoscopy swelling all over lower abdomen and between legs. is this normal??

Cut my hair which was really long to get used to short before loss!! Using a cold cap when first round chemo starts 22nd July. Gosh, this is a roller coaster journey. 

Loving all your support.  I keep rereading them.

Nephixx 

Hi Nephi

I can’t comment on the laparoscopy but I empathise with the hair! My hair was half way down my bum and I cut it to a chin length bob for chemo. I’ve used the cold cap on my 2 chemo sessions (still got 4 to go). I don’t mind the cold but it isn’t the most comfortable of things. But I’d rather try it and keep some hair if possible.

Hi , I remember being uncomfortable after laparoscopy, and experienced trapped wind causing some swelling (not in my legs) . I drank peppermint tea which helped. Best wishes for your ongoing treatment. Xx

Thanks for replying.  I hope you keep some of your hair. These things that maybe you have some control of like using a cold cap are so important.  Everything else seems out of our control on this awful roller  coaster cancer journey.

Take care,

Xxxxxx