Member Since:
24 September 2009
Posts: 2

I'm a new recruit to this game having just become six weeks post operative from ovarian cancer surgery and now about to undergo my second session of chemo therapy. I notice the chat room forum has not been added to all of 2009....and just wonder if there is anybody still out there popping in from time to time. It is a lonely journey when you don't know anybody else who is going through what you are going through and although there are supportive friends and family to help and encourage I would like to chat to someone else who has been diagnosed with ovarian cancer. I have read some of the stories and been encouraged by the attitudes displayed and the support offered. Well done you girls who have set this site up. I'll keep an eye on "my" topic and see if I get any responses.

Kindest regards to all

Ann

Member Since:
20 November 2007
Posts: 6

Hi Ann, Like you I had not been near the chat forum for quite a while and have posted very little.  If you go to the topic "Raised Ca 125 levels" you will see a posting from me wondering the same as you and Jools answered my post.  Hopefully she is well rested from her last overseas trip.  I got home a week ago and have to say I am feeling very well.  I just recently have undergone my second course of chemotherapy and live by the 3 monthly Ca 125 levels.  I think more people just read the previous postings and get some comfort from them but now and again it is nice to chat to someone who is undergoing the same trials and tribulations as you are.  All I can say is be positive and have some sort of carrot on a stick for you to enjoy when you finish your chemotherapy.  It is nice to think about when you have the not so good days.  Good luck with your chemo and I am happy to chat again.

Nolls

Member Since:
24 September 2009
Posts: 2

Hello Noll

I had not checked up on the chat forum till today and see you have posted me a reply. Thanks so much. I am due for my 3rd chemo this coming Wednesday and after I have recovered from it I will be half way. I don't have a particular carrot for the end of chemo. I guess just getting my hair back and getting back to work and a normal life will be reward enough for me. Like you I am feeling really well despite undergoing chemotherapy. It is certainly a "different" place to be isn't it? In terms of no longer taking health or life for granted. I am trying to live "one day at a time" which is quite hard for me as my life has changed a lot since the diagnosis and surgery and I've always liked to plan ahead and have things scheduled for way in the future. Very unrealistic I see now! Well take care of you Nolls and stay in touch. I won't be expecting an answer in the next five minutes as you will no doubt have given up on me.

Luv Ann

Member Since:
5 October 2007
Posts: 35

Member Since:
27 November 2009
Posts: 3

Hi Ann

I am 6 weeks post op surgery, so more or less in same boat.

July 2009, noticed I was putting on weight mostly upper abdomen and felt a little bloated with some slight tightening of the lower abdomen. Went to GP who more or less said "Yes that will be right" (I knew exactly what he was getting at - yes your fat blah blah blah, but in such a nice way though - he is an awesome GP and I would not trade him for any other). So I left thinking, oh well, here I go again, watch what I eat etc etc. 2 weeks later no change, so went back to GP who then decided to give me D-Gas tablets (well I'll be!!!). When I went home my husband and myself both went into fits of laughter as he said "you dont need those, you have no problem D-Gasing".   Beginning of August went back to GP as I had noticed my upper abdomen had not only gotten bigger but there there was a lump now really noticeable. GP felt around abdomen who also agreed that there was a lump (he said probably cyst, dermoid in origin). This is when it all started. He sent me for an ultrasound which showed a 22/16cm ovarian cyst (about the size of a Rugby Ball). Referral was then sent for CT scan, Gynae appt, blood test (CA-125). CT confirmed what U/S revealed with a few extras. CA-125 was raised at 3000.   Gynaecologist planned for a T.A.H, in which ended up a subtotal hysterectomy, he said it was too technical for him to do then, so cervix was left in. October 17 had operation which confirmed, ovarian cancer with bladder, blowel, appendix involvement, omentum removed. He was very sympathetic but very professional when telling me about the operation and what had been found. Had first chemo treatment 16 November taxol/carboplatin. Unfortunately had really bad allergic reaction to the Taxol so just on Carboplatin for now. Also have an appt with a Wgtn Oncologist/Gynaecologist re: further surgery??

Member Since:
20 November 2007
Posts: 6

Hi, Haven't been to this site for a while.  Sorry about that Jools.  Had a great holiday and like you live in 3 month cycles.  Am free until Jan next year so going up to Auckland for Christmas to be with family.  Have a new grandchild due in April so that will be my next goal.  My last chemo finished in July with Carboplatin and Gemcetibine.  CCH I too had a reaction to my first course of Taxol and they stopped it immediately, I was checked over by the physicians and had an ECG.  They then gave me a lot of drugs that made me feel real good and started again slowly.  I was able to tolerate the 6 courses of Taxol and Carboplatin and worked about 2 weeks of every 3.  With this last lot of chemo I chose to finish work and give all my focus to the chemo.  I am glad I did but am bored now.  I have put my name down on the casual list and have managed to get a little work.   You are right about being positive.  There is nothing you can do to change what has happened and I appreciate every day, even down here in Invercargill where the weather has been quite rotten lately with extremely high winds that go on for days and drive people mad.  Lovely day today though and spent some time in my garden.  I do not have the stamina I had before but have learned to conserve energy.  Good luck with your further courses of chemo and I hope you sail through with no more problems.

Nolls

Member Since:
5 October 2007
Posts: 35