Newly Diagnosed

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

Thankyou!

Hi KazWaz,

I was told that I have clear cell ovarian cancer on 22 December. Apparently, I also have some growths on the blood supply to the bowel.

I’m quite bloated, nauseous, and generally lacking energy.

I’ve been scheduled for surgery in 4 weeks, which seems like a long time, but the nurse said things won’t progress in that time. I’m glad to have a date to look to, but also a bit scared as it’s the start of treatment. 

What treatment will you be getting?

Hello Lalune

Have they caught yours at an early stage? Treatment varies depending on the stage and size of the mass I have been told.

My plan is 3 sessions of chemo to shrink the mass and prevent further spreading, then surgery, then more chemo and radiotherapy. 

It sounds quite positive that they are operating first for you. Its hard waiting isn't it. 

I'm currently suffering the side effects of strong chemo, not nice atall, but try to look on it that its doing its job hopefully xx

I was never told if it was caught early and I didn’t ask at the time. I guess it’s a question that I should forward onto my nurse, but it won’t change much at this point.

I have a large growth on each ovary, so they will be removing everything, including the uterus. Everyone keeps reminding me that it will put me into menopause, which I do realise, but that adds to the unknowns that I have to deal with - I.e. is that going to change me rapidly? Nothing I can do about that I guess.

I’ll be having chemo after I’ve healed from the surgery, but the consultant couldn’t tell me any details about that. 

So many unknowns for the future, but I’ll take it as it comes. 

There are so many questions and your team will tell you all you want to know. If your cancer hasn't spread then you usually start with surgery, and that's a good thing, but I'm not the expert. Mine has spread to my lung and lymph nodes making my treatment plan different. I don't know what early menopause would entail, I've been in menopause 5 years now. As yoy say we xan only take it as it comes. Let me know how you get on & all best wishes for your surgery x

Hello Lalune, I have the Brca gene fault and will need my ovaries removing soon. I’m in my early 40’s and will go into early surgical menopause. I would ask your medical team what options you have for replacing the hormones you need.

Hugs,

Marie

Hi, at 57 years of age, I was formally diagnosed with stage 4 clear cell carcinoma ovarian cancer in April 2023, having been to my GP in early Jan 23 following a small bleed.   I underwent a  full hysterectomy and debulking surgery.   I then had chemo - my last session being at the end of September.  My surgery was 12th April and my first chemo was 7th June.  I had a follow up a month after the last chemo and have been told no new tumours and no increase in growth of what is left - unfortunately I know it will come back at some point.   I am now just on 3 monthly follow up calls to check in with the Oncologist.     Do have questions ready for your appointments - I can never think  of anything until I'm sat there afterwards wishing I had asked this or that, but its difficult to know what to ask, when you don't know what is going to be happening.  All I can say is stay positive - its the best medicine.  I think I have been lucky in that the chemo did not really give me any major side affects.   I lost all of my hair but got used to that very quickly and its now growing back.   I had no sickness whatsoever.  Remember to take time for you - do as much or as little as you want - everyone is different.