what happens when they find something behind the cyst.cancer has been mentioned,not for me for my sister,very scared.

[belgasim]

my sister has to have an m.r.i. scan,but they mentioned cancer and said what treatments she would have,They also mentioned a hystorectomy,just need some info or news from anyone who has had the same diagnosis.

[Whippit]

Dear Belgasim

I know just what a shock it is to have the prospect of a diagnosis of cancer - and in some ways it's worse for our loved ones as they feel so helpless.

Take heart. Cancer is not necessarily incurable and is mostly treatable so that people can continue to lead full and active lives. I had a diagnosis of ovarian cancer 2 1/2 years ago. I was 58 years old so a hysterectomy wasn't a big deal. It all sounds very frightening but believe me surgical techniques are amazing now and I was up within hours of the op and home again after 4 days.

For now you will not know the details of your sister's condition. It will be much easier once you get the results of the MRI scan and more information as to exactly what is going on and what treatment is needed for her condition. She's a very lucky lady to have such a loving sister who cares so much about her.

Let us know how you get on. xxx love Annie

[wendydee]

Dear Belgasim

I had investigations for various Gynae problems and it was ovarian cancer, but the operation and the recovery were nowhere near as frightening as I'd imagined. (You can read the story on my profile) Mine was a low grade, slow growing borderline tumour and if your sister is being investigated early, there is every possibility that she will be ok after her op, if that is what is decided. However, it is good that your sister's problem is being investigated, it's great that she has you to support her and it's not necessarily cancer.

As Annie says, it's worse for our friends and family. The waiting is always awful for everyone, the unknown is frightening. When does your sister have her first appointment? I am sure you will both feel more reassured when you know what is going to happen.

Do let us know how things go. It's not always the bad outlook we think it might be.

Love Wendy xx

[belgasim]

Thank you both so much for your kind words,like you say it is the fear of the unknown.Will certainly let you know how things go.I am the lucky one having her as my big sister..

[belgasim]

She has her appointment for her scan in a weeks time,but is so stubborn she won,t let either myself or our mum go with her.

[Hidden]

Hi, I have not long gone through this. I was also diagnosed with ovarian cancer but my tumour was also borderline and I haven't needed further treatment. I had a hysterectomy on 11th March this year and was home after 3 days. I agree that not knowing is the worst feeling, when the diagnosis came I felt relieved in a strange way - at least I knew what I was dealing with. Good luck to your sister

Jacqui xx

[Hidden]

Dear Belgasim

She is probably terrified herself if she is being stubborn. Through this investigation you need as quickly as poss to get her to accept your support. Scans sometimes do often involve revealer drugs, try to see if she will accept a taxi driver at least - as, in reality, you don't know how each person will react to those. Say you will butt out and eat pastries in the coffee shop or something. It's most important for there to be someone there for results though, as the person in the hot seat often thinks they are listening but really aren't taking it in. Their 'second' hears more clearly and often asks more cogent questions.

I hope it all turns out to be non sinister, but if the diagnosis of cancer does happen we are here - for you as her supporter as well as for your sister if she finds she needs extra shoulders.

Love

Sue xxx

[Hidden]

Responding again re the what to expect if...

Things would move quite fast. The usual approach is to schedule a course of chemo (lasting about 3 months, and usually but not always carboplatin & paclitaxel, shortened to carbo-taxol). taxol is the nasty one that causes hair loss but its less of a biggie than many people expect. These drugs do make you feel fairly crappy, but everyone is different (eg I had no nausea whatsoever).

After chemo shrinks things then a full hysterectomy and oophorectomy (ovaries out) and sometimes they whip out the omentum and cervix too, everyone is slightly different in terms of what must be cleared out. That's over and done in a few days, bit it is a big op and you have to plan for lots of help as you can't do or let ANYthing for ages after. Usually by this time people are feeling a million times better though.

Then they have a second course of chemo. To kind of clean up stray cells. Throughout, CA125 is monitored for most as it is a good marker of progress in knocking it all back. Not all though - so there are also periodic scans. Things get more personally tailored when they do the tests on what they take out - the histology reveals type and grade of cancer and that gives clues as to other possible treatments, what to expect in general.

Then into post-treatment monitoring which will likely involve physical checkup, CA125 tests and periodic scans. These regimes vary hugely, from what I have read!

Whatever you do, ignore statistics. They mean nothing in the context of one person.

Hope that helps

Love

Sue xxx

[belgasim]

Thank you all again,I will take your advice Sue and try to be their for her,if she will let me.I think I will tell her about this site,she may feel better talking to people who understand xxx

[charlie12]

Hi there

This is a very scary situation ..not knowing.....but please please realise that many many people have these scares and they turn out to be nothing at all. Even if it is cancer then lots and lots can be done. I had a very early but very big tumour and I just needed surgery , no chemo thankfully. Treatment has improved so much in recent years.

I know that it is daft to say don't worry as that is impossible , but realise that lots and lots can be done even if it is cancer....and fingers crossed it may not be.

Good luck to you both xxxxx