Hi - I am 63 years old and diagnosed with Ovarian Cancer at beginning of August. Had full hysterectomy/omentum/ lymph nodes almost immediately and apart from problem with the morphine everything went well.
I have been told that I have Borderline Ovarian Cancer which spread into one falopian tube and the omentum but has left a few cells. I started a 6 cycle course of Taxol/Carbo yesterday.
Tried the cold cap - keeping fingers crossed.
I'd be really interested in how you get on with the cold cap. I'm such a wimp these days, so I like the idea of it, losing my hair really scares me, and I know it is a small price to pay, but it is a tough call.
Sending lots of positive vibes for many years disease free
LA xx
Hi Lily-Anne
The cold cap was on for 4 1/2 hours on Wednesday and discomfort and headachy for first 20 mins or so and the machine periodically warms up and when freezes again a little discomfort but I am going to persevere and will keep you informed.
Hi Bev155,
I am on the same treatment - just had no. 3 today and have had the cold cap. You are right that you just have to get past that first 20 mins then it's fine. I have lost about half my hair but I have a fringe and most of it on the crown and then a lot at the back. It started coming out just before the 2nd chemo. So, it's thin on top but I have some lovely rectangular silk scarves which I tie at the side behind one ear and I've had some lovely compliments. I also sent away for a wide headband from Sweaty Betty - as well as using for yoga/pilates etc., I wear it in the day to go shopping etc. (also had another compliment yesterday).
You may not lose as much as me, but I thought I'd just let you know how I'm coping. I do like to look my best and feel stylish!
Good luck with the rest of your treatment and keep in touch.
Sarah x
Hi Sarah - I was a little worried about the cap not fitting properly - it appeared to fit snugger on the sides than on the top think I will try to get a bigger one next time. Very funny noise when you push it down on your head like walking on crushed ice. My daughter took a very attractive photo of me whilst I wasn't looking.
How are your eyebrows and eyelashes?
Bev x
The nurses put 2 different sizes of the under and over cap on me. I've lost a few eyelashes and have all my eyebrows at the moment but no plucking of stray hairs needed. Also no need to shave my legs or underarms in the shower.
I have a few problems with neuropathy (tingling and a bit of numbness in feet and calves) but have got used to it now that I know that it's a known side effect.
I'm just trying to keep active (swimming, walking, yoga/pilates) and then balance it with putting my feet up. If I sit for a long time (long lunch/dinner) I notice a bit of swelling in my feet despite not being overweight, but it goes down when I put my feet up.
Good luck.
Sarah x
Gosh you have been through so much in such a short period of time. I have my fingers crossed that the chemo isn't too hard on you and it kicks the cancer out once and for all.
Hi Jo-Bo
Yes it was a whistle blowing August BUT apart from post op discomfort I haven't been ill at all, just hoping that going into the chemo regime well that I should be able to tolerate it. I would also like to say that the service and treatment from St. Thomas' and Guys has been excellent so far just hope that it continues.
Good luck with your treatment - it's tough but we ladies with OC tend to be a tough and resilient bunch! I didn't find it half as bad as I imagined. Just the odd day of why me and oh lordy where did that steamroller come from?
Take care
Sandra x
Hi Bev,you've been through the mill for sure.It seems they have a good plan arranged for you,and your a strong person,to go through that major op and face into chemo now also.Just be prepared for the side effect of chemo.I know it affects women in different ways.Constipation can be severe,I found Movicol the best treatment for that,bone pain can be a problem,i was given Ponstan painkillers,anti nausea etc.Im back on carbo again now and this time they gave a warning not to drink green tea or wheatgrass while on chemo as they are too high in antioxidants and might clear our system out of the chemo drugs too quick. Xx
Hi Bev - do hope your chemo goes well and the cold cap works.
Just a query. You say you were diagnosed with Borderline ovarian cancer that had spread. Had it mutated into something else, e.g. Low-grade Serous?
I'm asking because last summer I had a v large Mucinous Borderline tumour removed - coincidentally, also at St Thomas'. My surgeon told me it was 'cured by surgery' and that although the cells weren't normal, they weren't invasive or aggressive, like cancer. I just have to be monitored for a few years in case another tumour starts growing. If it does, it will most likely be another Borderline tumour. Still no chemo, as Borderline cells aren't greedy enough to respond.
So it's a bit of a puzzle as to why you're being treated so differently in the same hospital. But I do agree with you about St Thomas' - absolutely first class in every way, especially the nursing which was above and beyond. And the view!!
Sue
Hi Sue - I can only assume that it is because it had spread from the ovary. She has advised that the chemo may not be effective and that I may have to live with these random cells. She also advised that they may just sit there and do nothing. But you can only follow their advice and hope for the best.
Bev
wishing you the best of luck with drug regime, I had a similar regime, and while some side effects - there are plenty of drugs that can be prescribed to help.
For the dreaded constipation - include kiwis and pears, as both help movement.
Can only say you are fantastic to try the cold-cap - I am a wimp and gave it up.
Daisies xxx
Just Got My MSW!... Oh Yeah, and 2 Different Cancers
Ovarian cancer spreading to the breast
PPC or omentum? No surgery yet as tumour not shrunk enough but ca125 dramatically reducing.
Uncertainty about ovarian cancer
