Ovarian cancer side effects of treatment

[Iodjam]

Anyone experience pain in lower back and pelvis after treatment I finished in Aug and have constant achey pain it’s making me every paranoid that my tumour is growing back. I try to tell myself it’s side effects from treatment don’t know if I can wait until March for my next scan

Imelda

[Hidden]

HI Imelda

I've had aches and pain since diagnoses in June 2015, but if you're worried, can you contact your oncologist and ask to see him sooner than March or even have a chat with him over the phone ? It's a long time to wait from November until March when you're anxious and worried.......

Best wishes

Juliet

[Iodjam in reply to Hidden]

It’s just hard to know what’s normal and what’s not I had lymphadema in my leg before treatment so I’m keeping an eye on that as well as a sign I’m back to prof in Dec so I’ll say it then to him

Thanks

[annieH1]

Hi Imelda,as Juliet said,contact your oncologist or onco nurse.its normal for some people to have pains and aches after treatment.The body goes through a lot during treatment.😀

[Iodjam in reply to annieH1]

It’s l the unknown I’m not in agony as I said just constant ache prof told me if I get severe pain or leg swelling come straight back to him but it’s not that bad this disease brings massive worry and paranoia

Thanks

[Hidden]

Hi Iodjam, would you think of making an apt with your gp and discuss your symptoms with him. He can check your tummy and perhaps put your mind at rest. You have an apt with oncologist in December which is not that far away. You could also ring your gynae liason nurse and she what she says. Are the aches getting better or worse?

[Iodjam in reply to Hidden]

I might go to gp because my gynae nurse is still on maternity leave and hasn’t been replaced since April it’s not getting worse just always there the last 3 weeks really but I am more active than I was during treatment too

Hope you are doing well

Imelda

[chrissapam]

Have you had a post treatment scan? I wasn't offered one and very much regret it....different centres do different things but you can always get a second opinion...NHS have to offer one and most onc's don't object. I wanted to know, good or bad...you may be the same! Best of luck......try talking it over with your nurse......Chris xx

[Iodjam in reply to chrissapam]

Yes I had a scan at the start of oct which showed my tumour significantly shrunk I’m paranoid that it’s growing back but I suppose that comes with the territory really the fear will never go away

Imelda

[chrissapam in reply to Iodjam]

I think that is the most difficult result...you are always thinking it's becoming active again....what did the 'team' advise? My guess is they said wait and see ....we will intervene if we need to....that is really difficult.....try to be honest with everyone and think what you would really like to know.....meanwhile consider those alternative additional treatments you like the sound of best. You never know they might work! Love and positive thoughts

Chris xxx

[Iodjam in reply to chrissapam]

The team said it was a great result and like you said wait and see the last year has been filled with hospital apps and then once finished your kinda left not knowing what to do with yourself trying to decide whether to go back to work as I don’t want to be out again as soon as I get back

Thanks

Imelda

[Hidden in reply to Iodjam]

Imelda you are so right the fear does stay with you. But perhaps now is the time also to find a support group where you meet people who have gone through treatment in your area. I am not sure where you are but in Ireland there is a support group Ovacare and they are having a patient day in Galway in the next few weeks on a Saturday. Other than that look to see if there is an Arc Cancer support house near you. If you are in the UK, then look for a Macmillan Centre your hospital should be able to direct you or your gp

[Iodjam in reply to Hidden]

I’m in Cork must definitely get onto a group because even chatting to ye on here is a great help

Thanks

Imelda

[Hidden in reply to Iodjam]

Ovacare should hopefully have a coffee morning in Cork before Xmas, they usually do. Watch out on the Ovacare website it maybe in the Imperial Hotel some Saturday morning, and I suggest you go to Cork Arc Cancer support House in Donovans rd near main entrance to UCC. They are really lovely there, they have trained listeners and counsellors and do light reflexology as well, Anything you say there is totally in confidence. It is a hard step to take but believe me its worth it, I hope you have a supportive gp and I guess from what you said your onc is the same as mine and he has kept me going for quite a number of years. I am sorry I didnt read your profile and didnt realise you were in Ireland. If your gynae liason nurse is out, there is another one available in CUMH. She works with the prof, if you want I can message you her contact number,

[Iodjam in reply to Hidden]

HI Suzuki

Just saw your message now don’t know how I missed it that would be great to get her number maybe she could advise me better

Thanks

Imelda

[Hidden in reply to Iodjam]

will message you with it

[chrissapam]

I know what you mean....I went on holiday....broke or cracked a rib in a sauna. Didn't seek medical advice as couldn't face explaining everything in Finland(!)

If you are seeing the prof relatively soon can you unburden yourself to him and ask if he recommends you going back to work? love C xxx

[Iodjam in reply to chrissapam]

Oh you poor thing that’s a nightmare alright and not being able to get cheap travel insurance is a nightmare as well I definitely will see about work I think I need to be kept occupied because the mind runs away with itself

Thanks

Imelda

[chrissapam in reply to Iodjam]

Yes it does(!). Hope the work discussion goes well Xx