Does OC always come back?: I finished chemo... - My Ovacome

My Ovacome

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Does OC always come back?

Mitch11 profile image
22 Replies

I finished chemo 4 mths ago and so far everything is ok.. Apart from horrid joint pain.. But as each check up approaches I can't help but think is it only a matter of time before its back?

I know it's normal anxieties but wondered what other people thought or know!?

Thanks.. M

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Mitch11 profile image
Mitch11
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22 Replies
Katmal-UK profile image
Katmal-UK

Hi Mitch. Having Oc myself I think your worries are what we all have. What I can tell you is that my mum had 3c and I was diagnosed stage 3. my mum had 1cycle of chemo after her hysterectomy. She went 18 years after surgery and chemo before getting what they classed as bowel cancer which they said was not in any way OC. Ion the other hand have had OC 3 times since October 2007. Still here, on a another tiral drug, still working full time, currently 13 months in remission again. As you can see we are all different, even mother/daughter with the same disease. All I would say is that you take life, live it to the full. I just tell people that I could get hit by a bus tomorrow and that there is no point worrying (easier said than done!) because worrying wont change anything. i wish you well xx

Mitch11 profile image
Mitch11 in reply to Katmal-UK

Thank you for your reply and encouraging words and outlook!! I wish u all the best. M

Mitch11 profile image
Mitch11 in reply to Katmal-UK

Thank you for your reply and encouraging words and outlook!! I wish u all the best. M

thesilent1 profile image
thesilent1 in reply to Katmal-UK

Thank you. You have given me hope. As nn

Hi Mitch 11, I am glad you are over your treatment now and the side effects do take a while to go. For Ovarian Cancer everyone is different, some go into remission, others get recurrences which are manageable. There are new drugs coming on line which look promising so there is always hope. I dont say this lightly. I have had OC since 2006 finished third chemo regime earlier this year to remain on Avastin. I think we all worry especially coming up to check up time, at least I know I do but its normal. Try not to worry, live in the moment, take time out and give yourself little treats.

Hi Mitch11. Just to say I agree with the other replies. I had OC diagnosed in 2001 when I was 43 with a hysterectomy followed by chemotherapy of a taxel and carboplatin. I've been fine since despite one or two incidences with my CA125 rising more than I would like - but nothing to worry about in the end. I have a yearly CA125 test via my GP and I still get worked up a bit about the results!

One thing I would encourage you to do is to exercise gradually and gently and get back to a good level of fitness as this will stand you in good stead in the years to come and take a thought for the long term side effects of having a surgical menopause. Ask your GP for some advice.

Di16 profile image
Di16

Yes, we all worry about OC returning, & it does too often. I was first diagnosed at the beginning of 2008, & am on my 4th recurrence. But I know a lady who told me she was diagnosed with OC 25 years ago, had surgery & chemo at the time, & has had no recurrences at all.

Di

wendydee profile image
wendydee

It's so normal to worry, I still do if I feel something 'not quite right', but I've been OK for nearly 12 years now. Fingers crossed. Everyone's different and the treatments and cures are always improving. Just go with the flow, I like the phrase 'Right here, right now, I'm OK' enjoy all the 'right nows'. We all worry, but enjoy things in between. Good luck with your check up

Love Wendy xx

Laurie277 profile image
Laurie277

Yes- its normal to think its always coming back. I finished chemo last June, and am constantly worrying about it. I didn't really have any symptoms to start with, so find the advice to 'listen' to my body and that I will 'know' that it's back very confusing and unsettling- I didn't think it was OC to start with. I am now hyper-sensitive to every bloating, change in bowel habit etc. I have been told it will get easier with time.. I do hope so! Good luck to you :D

thesilent1 profile image
thesilent1

Thank you for your post Mitch. Some very interesting replies. Amazed to learn that Katmal's mum survived 18 years with a diagnosis of 3c. I was diagnosed with 3b and the statistics are not good but I keep telling myself I am not a statistic! Katmal has given me some much needed hope. T hamksd again and thank you Katmal.

Katmal-UK profile image
Katmal-UK in reply to thesilent1

Hi Silent. Glad to see I have given you hope. My mum had a higher grade and was told she'd be luckt to survive 5 years, I was told id be lucky to see 2. but as u can see im still here, 7 years on, working full time , no evidence of disease, tho I have a scan next week so crossing everything again! i read all the statistics but my consultant told me 'you're not a statistic, you're you'. So unless that bus comes out of nowhere to run me down then looks like i have a while yet lol! i wish you well xx

thesilent1 profile image
thesilent1 in reply to Katmal-UK

Thanks. I go for results of scasn on Tues following rise in CA125. Thanks agasin. Ann xo

Katmal-UK profile image
Katmal-UK in reply to thesilent1

Fingers crossed for Tuesday x

TornacLiz profile image
TornacLiz

I think many of us are in this boat. Trying to enjoy life whilst also being aware that it's the great unknown. The one thing I'd add to all the great comments above is - remember people who post on sites are often those who have more problems and recurrences as they are the ones most needing support. There are many others silently out there who are WELL! So if you read bad stories on this site, do remember that balance. Good luck!

Katmal-UK profile image
Katmal-UK in reply to TornacLiz

Well said Tornacliz x

Mitch11 profile image
Mitch11

Many thanks to you for taking the time to reply. It has been really helpful and encouraging. I guess one thing I know is that everyday is different and with that comes both ups and downs. But I will try and live life and find a balance that feels realistic. All the best to everyone. M

rosebud12 profile image
rosebud12

the first few appointments of mine AFTER chemo i had high anxiety, now I tryto put my faith in G0d, after four years I have been on chemo, last months blood was 100 getting there again, many friends I did chemo with 4 years ago never had a recurrance so happy for them and I pray for the same for all of us. Prayer faith and awsome attitude I live by although I have had my moments. Good LUCK! Rose

Mitch11 profile image
Mitch11

Thank you Rose. I wish u all the best. M

Tricia12 profile image
Tricia12

So glad to hear that there is a chance of living a 'normal' life for several years after diagnosis. As you say we are all different I'm hoping that the 'Caelyx' will give me some time.

Pat

Tricia12 profile image
Tricia12

So glad to hear that there is a chance of living a 'normal' life for several years after diagnosis. As you say we are all different I'm hoping that the 'Caelyx' will give me some time.

Pat

cath_ki profile image
cath_ki

It is difficult but it does get easier to live with. I found the anxiety worse around every follow up appointment so eventually asked to be discharged after 5 years and the relief was immense. I had surgery (partial hysterectomy that they call 'sub-optimal' treatment) and chemo with carboplatin 6 years ago and I gave birth to a healthy and beautiful little baby boy three weeks ago, something that I never ever thought would be possible when I received my diagnosis. I was extremely lucky with my treatment and although I still have some health issues (from the chemo) I have tried hard not to let the anxiety about the cancer returning overshadow the many good days - cancer takes enough from you and I felt the main fight was (and still is) not to let it take up space in my life that it didn't need or deserve and to just get on with living. Catherine

in reply to cath_ki

Congratulations! What great news. He'll certainly take your mind of things and keep you busy! Enjoy it, every minute... they become lanky youths very quickly! xxx

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