Diagnosed with ovarian/peritoneal cancer 6 days ago

Hi Tabita and a very warm welcome to the online community which I hope you'll find is both an informative and supportive place to be.

I'm sorry to read that you've recently been diagnosed with cancer and I know what a difficult time this can be. Although I'm not a member of this group I noticed that your post hadn't had any replies yet. Responding to you will 'bump' it back to the top of the discussion list where it'll be easier to spot.

I hope everything went well when you had your biopsy and that you don't have too long to wait for your results.

While you're waiting for replies, it would be great if you could pop something about your diagnosis and treatment so far into your profile as it really helps others when replying to you and also when looking for someone on a similar pathway. It also means that you don't have to keep repeating yourself. To do this click on your username and then select 'Profile'. You can amend it at any time and if you're not sure what to write you can take a look at mine by clicking on my username.

x

Thank you latchbrook, you mean writing z summary in the biography box? I'm new to this so not sure how to navigate it yet.

The biography went fine. Now waiting for follow up oncology appointment next wednesday. Trying to stay calm but fearing the worst. I'vd taken time off work but finding that i just end up curling up in bed feeling very low.

T 

Hi Tabita 

I found that keeping busy was the best way to keep my mind from wandering to the 'what ifs'. I'd already retired when I was going through tests, etc so spent my time doing things I enjoyed. Do you have any hobbies or interests you could do?

If you click here it will take you through how to add details to your profile.

Sending (((hugs)))

Thank you. I'll take a look at the instructions and write a biography. 

Yes, keeping busy and talking to family helps. 

My situation is more complicated because I run a small lltd. company. So, I don't  know yet how I'll deal with the whole thing. I need to wait to see what the doctors say.

Tanks so much for hugs.

T

Hi Tabita, yep, whirlwind and rollercoaster are two words to try and describe the whole thing but you do cope, you do get through it. The inner strength we have is something else but we can also be our own worst enemy blaming ourselves, looking for explanations,  picturing the worst scenario. It is hard also  if you have a family and a job to hold down but you'll be amazed how people rally round. Tackle it head on and control as much of it yourself as you can because you're right, when you get this, you're totally in the hands of others.  Keep talking, love yourself scars and all and laugh whenever you can. Also set yourself goals to give you something to aim for. I will never be able to put it into words, this whole journey but hope I've helped a little. It was only last week that I was crying, feeling nervous, whilst putting my first post on here reaching out. At the same time I also replied to someone to try and help them :-)  This week I feel on top of the World. All part and parcel of it xx take care

Thank you for the encouragement and advice Kat! Yes, it all feels a little raw at the moment but now I know I'm OC stage 3c and I have a treatment plan, although it all depends on how I react to chemo. With everything that life had thrown at me this feels like the hardest thing to get through but hearing that other women have coped helps. I'm glad you reached out.! All the best Txx

Hi Tabita.  I was diagnosed stage 3c last year at 51.  It's so rubbish as we still have so much havoc to wreak :-) Anyway, when you're through your treatment,  there's no reason why you shouldn't be able to do lots of the things you did before albeit more tentatively. Onwards and upwards! Take care xx

Hi Tabita

so sorry to read your diagnosis, I was diagnosed with the same, I had had discomfort for a while, thought it was gallbladder, had ultrasound scan, gallbladder fine, referred on 2 week pathway to the hospital, heptobilary dept, had blood tests, CT scan and was told suspicious nodules in the peritoneum, sent for another scan of the pelvic area, referred to Gynaecology, walked into the room and the Consultant said, bad news it’s cancer.I then had a biopsy to confirm where is started, proved to be inconclusive, the Macmillan nurses were lovely. I have been referred to The Christie hospital in Manchester, I am awaiting an appointment to begin chemo.

The thing I am finding hardest is the waiting time between appointments, I realise there are lots in the same position, but I am getting increasingly stressed at having to wait, I have been told that I have to keep phoning and asking by my friends and family.

I have been plagued by bank holiday etc, now the Dr’s are going on strike, meanwhile I am getting nowhere.

Stay strong and positive. xxxxx

Thanks Lotus, Yes, the waiting between all the different steps is stressful but your friends and family are right. Keep calling the doctor's secretaries and nurses, etc. to say your symptoms are worsening (name them) and can they speed up the next step. I've been doing that all along but still it took over 3 months to get to the stage where I'm starting chemo tomorrow.  When I saw my oncologist team 2 weeks ago they said I had to wait 3 to 4 weeks for the chemo to start. I called the nurse the next day to say I would be available to travel anywhere to start the chemo earlier and named my worsening symptoms. I received a call form the hospital the day after with the booking for tomorrow.

Keep in touch!

T

Thank you Kat, you are also very young! It seems like unfortunately OC is normally caught late. I'll try to focus on getting through the treatment but with the hope of a bright tomorrow. 

All good wishes,

T