42 and just been diagnosed with high grade stage 3c.

Hi, I’m so sorry you’ve just received this bombshell. I was in a very similar position to you in November 2012 when I was diagnosed with stage 3c age 40 with 2 kids aged 10 and 12. I had a tumour on each ovary with spread to my omentum (stomach lining) It’s such a huge shock and almost impossible to believe. Try not to Google as you’ll just terrify yourself even more. There are definitely improvements in treatment and options now, but the best piece of advice is to take one day at a time and not look too far ahead. You do feel a bit better once you have a plan in place- I also had 3 lots of chemo first then surgery then 3 more lots of chemo. It is tough but definitely manageable- I had a couple of bad ‘zombie’ days after chemo each time but then it does improve so you can go for walks and try to eat little and often. The surgery causes early menopause, which was tough for a few weeks but then the symptoms settles down. You’ll have a cancer nurse specialist who can answer questions and you’ll be given info about chemo and the treatment plan. I hope it gives you some hope and comfort to know that there are survivors and it helps to try and stay positive if you can. Sending you a big hug- it’s a tough journey but you can do it xx

I too have been told that I have S3 Ovarian cancer in both ovariers. It's such a mind dump to think that I thought that I had a hardcore UTI one day, then the next day to be told this news, when I was by myself at the hospital and not expecting it. It's been 2 days now and I'm just trying to get my head around it all, as well as keep it a secret from my child who's at Uni, because I know that they would drop out and come home, and that would break my heart. The only silver lining that I have is that the specialist that I saw today said he has cured women with the same condition as me, so I'm holding on to that small hope. It's so hard living in a body that you know has cancer in it. Hopefully we can all support each other and get through our tough times <3

Sorry to jump on this thread but your story gives me hope. I have just finished chemo and waiting scan results so my anxiety is at an all time high. Hearing stories like yours does help. 

The best thing to do is to try relax and try not to add more stress to your mind. I don't want to be dismissive with toxic positivity, but sometimes remaining strong and visualizing yourself being better and cancer free is something to aim for. I'm picturing myself sitting around the christmas dinner table with my family cancer free this year, and I'm picturing that imaging every day to see me through. There's only so much in these terrible situations that we can control and our thoughts are one of those things. I am hoping and praying for you that you get amazing results. But regardless of results there are always more options that you have to battle though and try other treatments. I'm trying not to cry everyday because I'm trying to relax my mind and body. Sending you virtual hugs and love <3

Thanks so much. Have you recently been diagnosed or have you had treatment already. I have calmed down a little now and feeling more positive. At the beginning I was so emotional now I am not so bad and shift my emotions to happy things x

I learned on Saturday that they think that I have S3 ovarian cancer. I will know on Wednesday after all the doctors meet, and a specialist reads the scan results because I have a huge 14 cm mass what my next step will be. Today has been the first day that I have smiled and laughed with my family and friends. I'm trying to keep my mind positive. My mum promised me a new pair of boobs when I beat this thing (I lost a ton a weight some years ago and my boobs are a mess!). So I have a goal to get my new perky tits! Haha <3

I'm glad that you're feeling a bit better today x

Hi kasher

im now under the cancer 2ww pathway having being rushed for an abdomen & pelvic mri today… results get looked at sent to my gynae consultant straight away- he must be suspicious of the weight loss early menopause & other various symptoms that have been ignored until now (except a colonoscopy to rule out bowel cancer!) 

How are you getting along now a week on?

by all means pm me

love C xx

Hi Stitch lover and Kasher,

Just wondering how you are getting on and whether you have started treatment.

I was diagnosed as 3c at the end of October and started chemo in December. I had surgery late March and have two more cycles of chemo left to complete. 

The chemo and surgery have been successful and there is no longer any evidence of disease. I will be moving on to maintenance chemo in July.

I just wanted to share my experience as I know how scary the first few months are. I'm happy to provide any further information, although everyone's experience will be slightly different. 

I'm 46 (45 at diagnosis) and mum to an 8 year old. I considered myself healthy before this although.

All the best to you both x 

Hi I started chemo yesterday. I was actually ok and so relaxing. Last night my stomach played up but it was also like it in the morning to before chemo so probably anxiety. I did ring the emergency line because my stomach was so loose for a while then I was sick but they said it could be a number of things. I am used to have a dodgy stomach anyway but this was different and set my anxiety off. But today it's ok touch wood except the usual. My asistes seem to have started to go down already to. It's just a very scary journey we are on and having kids makes it even harder. But I am feeling positive and we have to live for today because tomorrow isn't guaranteed not just for us but everyone. How are you feeling x

Hey Hopeful,

I'm delighted to hear your story and the excellent outcome that you've gotten, it makes me feel less scared about my own situation. I have a US Pelvic Transvaginal in a couple of weeks (a camera up my snatch basically!). I assume it's to help the surgeon plot his strategy in the best way to deal with my case? I'm guessing my surgery date will come soon after, I know I also have a pre surgery date where I have to take meds to clear my bowels out in case they have to work on them too, I'm not looking forward to that!. I've been investigating all the different types of chemo, but I have no idea what course I'll be given. I'm just trying to keep the faith that all will be well, there's not much more that I can do aside from try to prep my body a bit before I have to go through all of this.

I hope that you stay happy, well and blessed. Thank you for reaching out and sharing your story, it means a lot <3