Jo's diagnosis

So sorry to hear this Jo. My husband was recently diagnosed with stage 4 prostate cancer, aged 44. Older than you, but still awfully young. Please do reach out if you’d like to get in touch. It’s a different cancer and everyone’s journey is different, but I know what it’s like to have your world turned upside down in an instance. My husband is on round 3 of chemo, and we’re finding that it is does get easier to get into the groove when you know a little more what to expect. Sending love and strength xxx

Hi Anna, many thanks for your kind message. I'm so sorry to hear about your husband. You're absolutely right that is still really young, and somehow that makes it even more unfair. Yes I've been told the same that as you undergo treatment you know more what to expect and how to prevent things, alter medication if needed, etc. I do wish both you and your husband all the strength and sending a big virtual hug we will get through this xx 

Hello,

I'm about a year on from you so can understand and sympathise.  My only symptoms were fatigue and bloating that gave me a prolapse, and my first CA125 came back at 615.  Just before the first chemo it was 1771.  A year on, after the big surgery and 6 lots of chemo it is 8, or it was in January.  The surgery miraculously cured the prolapse.  The chemo is horrible and that feeling of poison circulating in your body is hard to deal with but it does get better in time, mainly because you know more what to expect so arrange your life accordingly.  Don't push yourself, rest lots but get fresh air.  I found a new friend in the neighbourhood who was going through the same thing as me, same consultant and same surgeon, and we would flip questions and comments back to and fro in a way I couldn't with anyone else (except perhaps this forum).  I am now in remission with my main remaining side-effect massive fatigue.  I try to pace myself and feel very lucky and glad to be alive.  You are in the middle of it but you will get through and remember you aren't alone and you will get better!

Thanks so much for sharing this, it really does give me hope. I assume your chemotherapy was made up of Taxol and Carboplatin as well? I thought chemo 1 side effects were bad, but after second one when they introduced Taxol I got really acute abdominal pain and it's been horrendous. I know everyone's side effects are different but wondered if you had similar. It does really feel like your body is being poisoned, the sensation is unlike anything else I had before. 

Dear Jo,  I went through pretty much the same thing , starting Jan 2024, when my bloating and fatigue was diagnosed as ovarian cancer following a CA125 of 615.  By the time I had my first chemo it was 1665.  I had 4 lots of chemo, a big op to remove all the cancer, and then 2 more chemo.  I finished treatment in late September and am now in remission.  My last CA125 was 8.  So what I want to say is that it is a vile process, the chemo.  I too felt poisoned and was never sure what my body would feel like day to day with weird aches, tiredness and sickness.  But once you know what's coming with the chemo you grit your teeth and just get through it.  Support and optimism from my partner was key for me.  You will get through it, consultants and surgeons are brilliant.  Good luck and a hug from the online community!

Hi Spooks, thanks so much for sharing this. You're so right about it being a vile process- I had my second chemo last week, I thought the first one was bad but the second gave me new side effects that still haven't gone away... it takes such a toll on your body doesn't it, and you're put through feelings that are so alien and scary, it really tests you and your limits. But all negatives aside- your story gives me so much hope. And high five for us having supportive partners helping us through it all! Sending a lot of love xxx

Hi my wife was diagnosed with stage 4 ovarian cancer with extensive spread throughout the abdomen but after 10 chemotherapy treatments and a full hysterectomy she has been told there had been a complete response and is cancer free her treatment was second to none, there is hope x