Hi ya
I’m new to this forum as my mam has recently been diagnosed with stage 3 ovarian cancer. However the consultancy also called it peritoneal cancer but is under the umbrella of ovarian cancer. Because the cancer is in the fluid then surgery isn’t an option so next step is chemo . She is awaiting to see an oncologist and then a treatment plan will be discussed. She is nearer to 80 than 70 so I’m really concerned how she will react to the chemo and how I can best support both my mam and my dad. I like to know things in depth whereas my mam is more laid back - so I’m trying not to ask too many questions. I don’t even know if it’s primary peritoneal cancer although the consultant did say it hadn’t spread outside of the abdomen.I don’t really know why I’m posting this but find some comfort that there is a forum like this
Hi Joilly and welcome to the group.
I didn’t have the same type of cancer, although mine was gynaecological, but I didn’t want you to think that your post hadn’t been read.
This must be a difficult situation for you, especially if you feel you want to know more information than your mum might want to know.
There is a group for peritoneal cancer which you may want to take a look at in case there is anything helpful there for you. This is the link
You can also ring the support line-the number is in my signature-and talk to one of the nurses if you’d like to do that. If you mum gives her permission, you could talk directly with her nurse or consultant to learn more.
Once you find out the type of chemo she is having, hopefully some of the other ladies in the group will have experiences they can share with you. Everyone can react differently to treatment, so while your mum would be advised of all potential side effects, she may well not have all of them. It’s just a case of being advised in advance so she can make an informed decision to have the chemo.
It sounds like you’ll be doing all you can to help both your parents, so make sure you look after yourself too. It’s difficult being a family member of someone who has cancer, and comes with its own issues. We have a group in the community where you can also find support with this from others dealing with similar situations-
Please take care and keep in touch-there will always be someone to listen and offer support.
Sarah xx
