Hi

Hi so sorry to hear this it really does come as a shock as I was diagnosed with ovarian cancer in February after a fall on my hip which led to a MRI showing large cysts on my ovaries after a full hyerectomy my results came back with cancer to which I had a second operation in the March for a full omentum and removal of lymph nodes and surrounding tissue, I can totally relate to feeling isolateand down even with family around me, for all that they are supporting me and listen to me no one really knows except the person this is happening to all these feelings you have, I've been angry, sadfearful, exhausted trying to look for the positives and I really hope you are just taking this one day at a time it's so hard I know I'm always 3 steps ahead worrying, I find a morning walk doing mifulness helps, sleeping whenever you can I do a journal trying to write a positive from each day. Hope you feel there are people out there for you.

So sorry to hear about what you're going through. The good news is that they found it and acted. 

It's never a good thing to feel alone and isolated. Worse when your body hormones are going through so many changes, and you're probably still coming to terms with your diagnosis

Something that I realised when I started my cancer journey is just how many other people are navigating the dreaded diagnosis, treatment plans, side effects, the inevitable changes in daily living ......everything

During chemo or any time I'm at the clinic I talk to somebody. We share concerns and offer support and advice. This helped me to realise that, although we all have our unique diagnosis and path, we also share symptoms, side effects and concerns. 

Have you been given a time frame for the biopsy results? Have you had scans? And do you have any pain relief? Are you alone all day? I found that all I could do was sleep. It really helped me to heal and my days passed fairly quickly.

I was diagnosed with stage 3c ovarian cancer after visiting my GP after noticing a change in my bowel habits. I had three colonoscopies (?spelling?) and was waiting for a fourth. In the meantime I found a lump in my abdomen. Of course, this was the first mention of cancer.

Several scans, a blood test and a failed biopsy later, I was on the operating table. I woke expecting a full hysterectomy - including full ovary removal - as I have two tumours - an lymph node removal, as well as drainage of fluid. Well, I thought to myself, I don't feel too bad. I'm so lucky. Everybody else seems to be in so much pain. Wow! I am Wonder Woman, after all.

But, no. I discovered that my cancer is inoperable. So chemotherapy it was. I've finished chemo now and am taking a course of PARP inhibitors.

 And that's the gist of my story.

I hope I've helped you to pass some time If you're responding like I have it's likely that you're finding it hard to concentrate.

Do you have a nurse specialist? Our team is great. Any concerns, they're on it. They know everything about local and  national services and they're good listeners. They've heard it all before, I would think. If possible ask for your nurse practitioner to be with you at diagnosis, as well as any friend/family member that can support you and take notes.

Good luck with your journey. You've passed a huge hurdle already. 

Hello tealpanda 

Welcome to the club nobody wants to be a member of ! The very beginning of your journey will difficult to deal with while you await test, results , scans appointments etc but please feel free to express yourself here where everyone is at a different stage of their journey and can be there to help you with any questions you have or fears you’ll feel. If your ever feeling overwhelmed please contact the macmillan team as it’s a tremendous help x here on this forum you’ll know everyone will know exactly how you feel :o) x 

Hi HarryH, thank you for your supportive message. That must have come as a big shock for you. Thank you for your honesty about your feelings - you described how I am feeling really well. Are you still having treatment or did the surgery get it all? Take care Xx

So sorry to hear your cancer is inoperable VanvanVan. You sound like you've had a really complex journey and I thank you for sharing your story. My Macmillan nurse has not been great so far and they keep not phoning when they say they will etc so I have to chase and fight for everything which is also exhausting. I am allergic to nearly all pain meds so that makes it difficult too! My husband has been WFH but he's been too busy to help really and my teenagers are out at school/college all day. I have been doing art to help but it's been a couple of months now of not knowing and I think it's taking its toll. Are the PARP inhibitors easier to cope with than chemo? Take care Xx

Hi Hnickkie - thank you for making me laugh with your first line! I appreciate you taking the time to message and share your support. Take care, Xx

Thanks for your message. It's good to have something to do and art must be so satisfying. I've been researching my family tree. I started years ago and had a break because of lack of time. It can be quite engrossing at times. 

I spoke to Macmillan but my nurse specialist worked for the hospital.

Have you been told about the services that Macmillan offer? There may be something that interests you there. 

The PARP inhibitors are pretty much the same as chemo, at the moment. It's still too soon to say whether they're a good fit for me. 

I do hope your results are positive, when you finally receive them. Do you have an appointment? 

So many questions!

I tried a castor oil wrap for abdomen pain, btw. After my scar had started to heal, of course. 

Take care

Hi your welcome, for me the surgery got it all, but I get checks every 3 months and my first is the end of this month, hard as it is to put it to the back of your mind it's always there and the worry. You take care to xx