New diagnosis

Hi , Bonny im so sorry about your diagnosis. I imagine you’re in shock, overwhelmed and your mind racing with all sorts. Having tests and then waiting for results is such a difficult time. I was diagnosed in January, stage 3c HGSC and so far I’m learning that our journey and experiences are different. I found waiting for results and a treatment plan physiologically more difficult than starting treatment. I imagined all sorts about the effects of chemotherapy and for me 4 rounds in the side effects have been manageable and I do have quality time with my family and friends. A couple of days after chemo I do feel nauseous and tired but find taking the anti sickness medication soon sorts that out. The chemo has had good outcomes and I’m booked in for surgery in June. When I was first diagnosed I thought the worst and now can definitely see a future with quality of life. I miss my life pre diagnosis but I am adapting to living with cancer. My suggestions would be please don’t pay any attention to statistics about life expectancy, they are out of date and don’t take into account the many new treatment options for ovarian cancer . Googling and searching on the internet could well send you down unreliable and scary rabbit holes. I would suggest sticking to macmillian or sites that are dedicated to ovarian cancer, e.g , ovacome , target ovarian cancer. Try to stay in the present, be kind to yourself,  take  someone with you to your appointments for support if you can and make a list of questions. There is so much support for us and treatment is unique to each of us depending on the type and response to treatment. I have learnt from reading others stories it’s a tough journey but there is most definitely quality of life , going on holiday and living the best lives we can living with ovarian cancer. I hope your biopsy goes ok and you have a treatment plan soon. Xx

@Sem.24 thank you for your reply. I found the wait for my CR scan results far worse than waiting for the biopsy results and I already have a treatment plan in place- the results won’t change my treatment plan much unless they find a really random cancer they were not expecting. I’m cheered to hear that I should be able to carry on some day to day activity so thanks again. A few days ago I was planning my funeral but after speaking to the consultant I do feel that there is room for some hope xx

There is definitely room for hope, and able to plan around the good days on chemo. Eg last week I wasn’t so good, this weekend iv been out for breakfast with a friend and feel ok. I’m also planning to have a night away before my operation, making the most of the days when I feel well. Good luck with your treatment. Xx

Hi Bonny

the initial diagnosis is scary and I too whizzed through thoughts of funeral and not seeing my soon to be born grandchild growing up. However I am now one year on, have had major surgery and finished chemo. I am well and am currently driving down to Italy for a holiday, which includes cycle rides and walking in the Dolomites. 
Chemo does take it out of you. I found that Days 2 & 3 were great (I even went to the gym once! ) because of the steroids you are given, then days 3-9 I felt rough and took pain killers, rested more and was kind to myself. Days 10-21 I lived normally. Then the cycle started again. 
I am now on a programme of immunotherapy which lasts 18 months. I don’t know what the outcome will be but we are living life to the full because I do know that I have this day so I am going to enjoy it. 

Diring this period of waiting I highly recommend being as fit as you can within your timescales and eating healthily. I was told that the reason I recovered well from surgery and coped ok (ish) withhemo was because of my fitness. I am not an elite athlete  and am 67, I just walked or went to the gym on a regular basis. Also do things that give you pleasure as it reminds you that you aren’t just a cancer patient. 
Best wishes for treatment. 

Hi HackieL, thank you for sharing your story. You e given me some really useful info thank you. It’s amazing you are up and away walking, you really sound like you have recovered from surgery really well! Yes i’m young and fit and Eat healthily/ do t smoke so hoping this is all in my favour but I will take your advise and clean up my act further and get out for some fresh air. Have a wonderful trip x