Hi. I've just found this group and am glad to have done so. In short, my journey so far has been a bit like having boarded an express train, for which I hadn't bought a ticket and which doesn't stop at any stations to let me get off!! Firstly let me say the NHS has really come into it's own for me. The specialist nursing team, the radiographers, the gynae oncologist, all been absolutely brilliant.
I had gone to the GP re something entirely unconnected to this. During investigations for my initial issue, the mass on my left ovary was discovered. From there it seemed every other week I was at the hospital for one test or another until in just a short time, my results were in and a bilateral salpingo oophorectomy was scheduled for a fortnight later. All went well with that surgery. Unfortunately, histology then indicated I needed further surgery. So, six weeks to the day from op one, I'm going back on the table on Monday to have womb, cervix, omentum, some lymph nodes and, for good measure, appendix for obvious reasons removed. Thinking you might have cancer was a challenge. Discovering that you do, quite another. Ive got a CT on Sunday ahead of the surgery and then I'm back to a waiting game. Fingers crossed for a successful surgery. I don't mind admitting that I'm terrified!
There's been a few challenging family situations this past four or five months going on too. I'm trying to balance all that with my health and recovery. I've sent out many positive intentions and am catching every good vibe I can.
Thanks for reading. Looking forward to sharing and caring with those sisters facing this issue too. Lots of good vibes to all on this journey. We've got this ladies.
Hello Helena
I can identify with so much of what you say, & honestly you are taking it in your stride & being strong, because we all have to right? Firstly, aren't the NHS just amazing?! The team around me I cannot fault. It makes it all that much easier, although I had to chase a bit at times.
Secondly, I thought I had stage 4 cancer, but getting a diagnosis broke me...on the day. Nothing prepares you for it does it.
Thirdly, I have found difficult family relationships have improved since my journey started back in October, but in some ways it's overwhelming. Dealing with family issues is exhausting, let alone at a time when we are dealing with a cancer diagnosis. I too am so proud and emotional at the amazing resilience you & others are showing in the face of adversity.
2 operations in a row is alot to deal with, do you mind me asking what stage it us at? I have a rare clear cell ovarian carcinoma, quite resistant to chemo. But I have to shrink my tumour before operating, then have further chemo and radiotherapy. I have no idea what my prognosis is, although the stats. suggest poor survival rates. But I only take each day as it comes & live my life the best I can. I don't think ahead too much.
I pray your next op is successful. Always happy to chat if you'd like to.
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Hi Helena27
The thought of surgery is very scary and I can completely understand that-I went through 2 surgeries in 9 weeks and it was a lot to cope with. My second surgery was massive-I had cervical cancer-and if you click on my name you could read my story and what I had removed in my op.
I was scared about it, but tried to focus on a potential end result of having my cancer removed rather than the process to get there. I did find a strength I didn’t know I had, and I know I wanted the surgery to give me the best possible chance of survival. Yes, recovery for me was long and difficult, but that was almost 4 years ago, and although my life is very different, I am here to enjoy it and have needed no further treatment.
It’s true that you need to focus on yourself-it’s like when you’re on a plane and they tell you to put your own mask on before helping others. You need to be well to manage everything else in your life and look after others, so your priority needs to be taking care of yourself and going through what needs to be done to get yourself well again.
I just wanted to reassure you. if I can, that it is possible to get through something like this and come out the other side. I know I have never once regretted it.
Sarah xx
