Tell me about Ovarian Cancer Stage 1A

[RachelFaye]

Would someone with Ovarian Cancer Stage 1A post to me.

No written histology report yet so I don’t know of type, grade of cell or if there was a rupture in the encapsulating membrane.

I am terrified.

RachelFaye

[MarieRB]

Hello Rachel, just read your two posts. I was diagnosed with Ovarian Cancer Stage 4 back in 2010; surgery, chemo, and then remission until last year, when it re-occurred, and have just had exactly the same course of chemo again!. I'm near Limerick, like you, and under the care of the most excellent Professor Gubta, who will tell you exactly how it is. If you're now going to be cared for by his team then you will be allocated a specialist oncology nurse, and they are just wonderful!! I suggest you write all your questions down in a notebook, so you don't forget any when you meet him. But it's more about dealing with the fear that I think is really important for you at this time. All I can do is share how I handled (and still handle) it. Every day, when I wake up I say, yes, cancer may well be the cause of my death, But Not Today! So today is a gift to be enjoyed - ie, you 'park' the fear onto a back burner. I think it's all a question of learning to manage fear and not let it take over your life. In my line of work (I'm a priest) the technical term is living in the sacrament of the present moment. Today is all we have, so don't permit the fear to drag you down. A potentially life-threatening diagnosis of any medical condition causes us all to face the reality of living, and ask all the 'usual' questions - who am I, what am I, where am I, Why am I? And these all come tumbling in, and mixed up with fear can really impact on you mentally and spiritually. Always remember, you have a choice in how you handle all this, and journey through your treatment. There will be new skills to be acquired, and you can do all this. Keep in touch on this chatline and let us all know how you're getting on. Many many blessings. Marie

[RachelFaye in reply to MarieRB]

Marie RB I sincerely thank you for your comforting and helpful post.

I know I shall return to your post for many re reads to absorb its sanity. I shall post you how I go and I pray you too shall have the blessing of further life here on this beautiful earth.

RachelFaye

[dustyindublin]

Hi RachelFaye, my heart goes out to you. I can relate to the fear that you feel. I was diagnosed with stage 1C ovarian cancer and 1A uterine cancer last December. Is there an oncology nurse on Prof Gupta’s team that you can phone to voice your concerns? I live in Dublin and ARC was and still is an excellent source of support. I accessed free counselling sessions through them and acupuncture. Perhaps you could phone or stop by on Monday to see what services are available to you in the Limerick area? I also phoned the Irish Cancer Society nurseline at one stage and was pointed in the direction of a service that I was unaware of during chemotherapy: Freefone 1 800 200 700, Mon-Fri 9-5. I feel tremendously lucky that my cancers were detected at an early stage. I felt like I was badgering the gyne. oncology nurses for my results weekly. I felt more in control of my situation (that I have no control of) by taking action. Everyone is different though. I hope that you get some clarity soon on your diagnosis. You’re not alone!

[Hidden]

Hi Rachel, welcome to the site, I for one never asked about stages, didn't want to know and still don't want to know. However, I am here in Cork not too far from Limerick and being treated here for the most. This summer they sent me on an excursion to Dublin for special radiotherapy, don't know if I will ever be right again. Now to yourself, I suppose the weekend was beckoning and reports were not written up. I would certainly be making a lot of noise by now. Arc is a Cancer Support, we have one up here in Donovans Road and they are so nice and gentle. The Circle of Friends in Tipperary might also be of interest to you. You should be assigned a gynae liason nurse in the hospital, if not find out the name of the Oncologists nurse and do go and speak to her. At the beginning of this there is so much uncertainty and we are afraid to speak out but you have to do what is best for you and gleam as much information as you can. Ovacare do hold coffee mornings around the country and also Patient information days, if you have registered with them, they will notify you as events arise, Its the waiting at the moment and wondering what the plan is next is getting to you, so stay strong, things will settle down, Do be worrying about the what ifs and why might happen, take it slowly day by day and be kind to yourself. All the best and keep in touch

[Melody6]

Hi RachelFaye, welcome to Ovacome - it’s a fantastic source of support and information. Stage 1a normally has a very good prognosis as the tumour is encapsulated. I think it’s normal to worry even with such a good prognosis as it’s still cancer, at the end of the day. In stage 1a surgery should have removed the cancer once and for all, however, as my tumour was graded 2-3 chemotherapy was offered. Please let us know how you are doing, take care Mel xx

[RachelFaye in reply to Melody6]

Thanks for post and I wish you very best.

Stage 1A

Grade 1 (low grade)

Encapsulated

No visible rupture

NO REPORT ON WASHINGS If any done

No consultation with medical oncologist or chemo offered

You received both! ?

Awaiting a 2nd opinion with a gyneoncologist for reassurance

I am most grateful for early finding & diagnosis

I just want to do all or nothing to prevent reoccurrence

RachelFaye

[Melody6]

My tumour was graded 2-3 - for grade 3 tumours chemotherapy is normally recommended. From what I’ve read grade 1 tumours do not normally require chemotherapy as they are very slow growing. I love Jane Mclelland’s book, “How to Starve Cancer”. I wish you the best of luck, health, no recurrences and peace of mind - let us know how you get on. All good wishes, Mel xx