newly diagnosed with ovarian cancer

[Littlewhitehouse]

Hello. I’ve just had my second chemo and I’m finding it is taking me longer to bounce back compared to my first time. Just wondering have you experienced similar symptoms each time or do the symptoms accumulate with each chemo sessions? I know it’s very individual and experiences and symptoms vary. Also my fingers feel numb and my feet are very sore. I would appreciate any tips to manage these?

[Morini]

Hi, I found it harder to bounce back from each chemo too, I think it is accumulative. I found it quite hard to accept but just tried to be kind to myself and accept I needed to do less and still fit some pleasurable things in on the last week before I had my next one.

With regard to fingers and toes, I had the start of peripheral neuropathy. My Oncologist reduced my dose because it can become permanent. That stopped it getting worse and over time it did go away completely. Best wishes xx

[Littlewhitehouse in reply to Morini]

Thanks Morini for sharing your experience I really appreciate it. I started feeling better yesterday and it was lovely to leave the house and do the things I love. You reminded me about self kindness and self care and also of the importance of discussing these symptoms with my oncologist. I’ve been keeping a little data / diary sheet to record my general health and well being including mood, energy and symptoms. xx

[anasi]

hi Littlewhitehouse. It’s been 2yrs since my diagnosis of HGOC and I haven’t really used the forums but wanted to say hello to you.

I remember finding my second session of chemo more of a challenge than the first, trying to figure out which supportive meds would help with nausea and pain- I definately had sore feet and tingling in hands and feet too

You’re right that symptoms will differ and some months were easier than others. At my 2nd-3rd session, I went with my partner for a relaxing few days just to have a break and this I always get was good timing. It’s great the weather is picking up for you to sit outside when you can.

I’d say take your time, put your feet up as often as possible. Get some soothing cream ( I liked Jason vitamin E cream- I used it on my scalp too ) and perhaps add natural essential oil to rub into your hands and feet. If adding essential oils, avoid citrus due to their sensitivity to sunlight ( flower oils tend to be safe like rose and jasmine, depending what scent you like). I found the tingling eased between sessions but didn’t go till after my 6 sessions and I know this varies for ever one . You might also try warm foot soaks for your feet- you can use essential oils in these too! I tried acupuncture also for my symptoms and it really helped. I got free sessions from a cancer support group in Ireland, there might be similar near you.

I went for walks through my chemo when I had the energy- always bring water and dont push yourself too far , I would suggest. Eat as well as you can.

You will get through it🌷It will come and go💗

The treatments are progressive but for me, the 2nd and 3rd were toughest . Be prepared also to rest when you’ve finished the whole course also. Make time to recover.

Reach out as much as possible with any questions to the nurses, they can be a great support. It’s great to hear you have good friends and family for support too.

I hope this helps . Love, Elaine

[Littlewhitehouse in reply to anasi]

hello Elaine and thanks very much for your encouragement and reassurance. I appreciate you sharing the things that were helpful with your experience. I’m excited to try the vitamin e and rose essential oil and foot soaks and will look into acupuncture. You also have me thinking about having a mini break away when I get the chance and especially allowing time to recover after treatment. Slowing down and self care can sometimes be tricky for me but something I would like to prioritise . xx

[anasi in reply to Littlewhitehouse]

I’m glad you’re feeling a little more inspired for your self care, you deserve it and it can mean all the difference along the way. Rooting for you

[Tvam]

I'm sorry to hear that you're having a tough time of things, chemo is horrible. Yes I too found the cumulative effect and it was difficult, I had taxol and I had dreadful leg pains. Speak to your oncologist about the neuropathy, the chemo dose can be adjusted sometimes. When I started my chemo I gathered 6 pretty stones then after each session I threw one away, it was good to see the pile getting smaller and know that I was getting closer to the last chemo. Best of luck with everything

[Littlewhitehouse in reply to Tvam]

thanks Tvam for sharing your experience. Chemo is horrible and grateful any discomfort soon ends. I will definitely speak with my oncologist about the signs of neuropathy and hope the chemo dose can be adjusted. I just love your symbolic pretty stone pile! Xx

[Tvam in reply to Littlewhitehouse]

I should say that I was diagnosed in 2015 at age 48, I had a recurrence in 2017 had more surgery and chemo, it takes a while to recover, physically and mentally but things do improve, just need to be kind to yourself and patient 😊

[lesleysage]

Hi, I agree with everyone else about sharing the 'tingles' with yourmoncologist. My last lot of carbo + taxole was 10 years ago and, thinking I didn't stand a chance of surviving, I took 'full whack' hoping it would buy me a few more months. I now have permanently tingling fingers and feet which become numb with use and in cold weather, so please, please do work on reduced doses as others suggest. I enjoy weaving, sewing, spinning, gardening, swimmming, using my bike and cooking so there are occasions when my numb hands and feet make me feel quite miserable! Soon reduces and I am still alive which is brilliant...but that was the surgery, not the chemo doses. So, please do work with the oncologist. Warmest wishes. x

[Littlewhitehouse in reply to lesleysage]

hi Lesleysage. Thank you for reaching out and letting me know about your experience. What a wonderful range of interests you have. You sound so creative and energetic! There is much to appreciate about our beautiful bodies and our hands and feet are very much valued. It’s sad that your numb feet and hands sometimes make you feel very miserable. I love your vibrant energy and your appreciation for life . I will try to get my chemo adjusted. Xx

[21752]

it sounds like you have peripheral neuropathy in your hands and feet, you should bring this to the attention of your medics. I had my firs treatment 9 years ago and still suffer with my hands and feet.

I wish you the very best of luck for your treatment going forward and trust your outcome will be good.

[Littlewhitehouse in reply to 21752]

Hello and thank you for your kind wishes and for sharing your experience. I’m glad that I have this information before my next appointment with my medics. I hope something can be done about the peripheral neuropathy. All the best to you.