Although pre op and initially post op I was diagnosed with OC it appears that now the pathology is complete I have stage 4 Adenocarcinoma of Cervix which 'very unusually' moved up to my womb and ovaries. I had my first session of Carbo/Taxol on Thurs now with added Avastin. Not feeling too bad a few stomach pains which seem to be relieved by ginger tea and I have aches in my legs and back, hope this is nothing to worry about? I hope that I can continue to reach out to all on this forum even though technically it isn't OV, I seem to be going through the same treatments and share the same problems as a lot of you. Your advice and coping strategies have been invaluable.
Helen x
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HelenMA
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Just to give you a very warm welcome to our friendship circle.
Once the disease is in the abdomen, we are all in the same boat whether it started in the Fallopian tube, the ovaries, the uterus, the cervix or the peritoneum. The symptoms will be the same although not all women display or have them. The only thing I'd say is that your treatment in future may not be quite the same and so advice here may be slightly out of kilter with your treatment regimes. Also, there will be clinical trials designed specifically for cervical disease. I think it's worth speaking to Ovacome to ask about the differences.
I've had 'pelvic clearance' surgery already and I had a PET scan following that. There were a couple of suspicious areas that showed up in my pelvic area, but they weren't sure what they were, whether a result of the op or spread of the cancer!! They've told me that I'll have four sessions of chemo and then another scan, then maybe radiotherapy depending on what has happened to the suspicious areas! So just a wait and see situation at the moment.
Hi Helen .. So the suspicious areas could be benign markings. That's very good news but, as you say, it's wait and see. A friend of my aunt had radiotherapy for Ovarian in the 80s and is doing well although it's less common as a treatment nowadays. At least you have a plan and I do think having one can be a great help. Xxx
Hi Debs unless it's for a particular area, I understand it's not generally given. This woman went in a room and was irradiated. She's in her 80s now and has 6 monthly appointments with the same oncologist. Xxx
I use this site to support me. I do not have cancer. It is my Mom. She does not have ov. She has endometrial cancer but this group of wonderful ladies have supported and welcomed me with open arms. On that note, I will say, as I have heard many on this line say, we are sorry you have had to join this group but we welcome you and hope we can be of great support.
Hello Helen and welcome. I first arrived here with a pretty mixed up story of how my cancer had started (had initially been a womb cancer diagnosis) and I actually think it's not that unsual for straightforward diagnoses to be wrong... To my mind, that's not necessarily a bad thing. It means that the professionals are looking for treatments in a more open-minded way than just churning out the same advice to one and all. I'm going to say it before anyone else does: we're all different x
HI Helen of course you are welcome on the site, please ask us any questions or tell us any worries you may have and we will do our best to help you out, Yes the aches come with the territory but be kind to yourself and rest when you need to. The ginger tea is a good idea, I also had a supply of Carrs water biscuits and bovril and strong mints. I wish you well on your treatment and please ask anything you want.
A big warm welcome to you. You're in good company here. I'm afraid the aches and pains come as part of the package - don't be afraid of your painkillers. Take what you can to help you through. I had ginger tea for sickness and it really helped especially with a slice of lemon. Also sherbet lemons, fizzy cola bottles and chocolate limes came in handy. Rest as much as you can.
The nurse that I spoke to at the hospital advised me not to take painkillers, especially paracetamol or aspirin as she said they masked the symptoms of infection! I'll get in touch with them again to make sure I understood correctly. I could do with a good nights sleep!
I was told the same about paracetamol and aspirin! I was given a tip by fellow chemo ward occupant and in fact I was told it a couple of times, pirotan the antihistamine, makes me sleepy so I used it a few times to get some sleep!!!! Might help!!
Why not join both groups? I think radiation is less used nowadays for ovarian so if you end up needing you may get more advice from the cervical group. For now your treatment seems the same as most of us have anyway.
I was told the same about paracetamol, no more than four in a day and none at all if feeling as if a cold or a fever is coming on, because the paracetamol reduces your temperature as well as reducing pain. I must say I stuck religiously to it but only for the first four chemo until my operation, but thereafter took paracetamol on the days my my ankles were hurting from the chemo. Probably best to check with your team as I think they can give you different pain killing drugs that don't also reduce your temperature. I wish I had thought of that at the time.
Forgive me if I repeat anyone else but I wrote a reply earlier that got whisked away to cyberspace ! One of my longest memories from 5 years ago was being told never to take paracetemol while having chemo. It will take down a temperature but then you won't realise you have an infection which your body can't fight because of your weakened immune system. When your temperature goes above normal you are supposed to get to a hospital within an hour. As I am not a medical person you should check with your med team. I am just saying what I was told. I do wish you all the best.
Hi Helen. Welcome. I think MollyO gave good advice. My daughter will be starting chemo soon and she was told that the slightest cough, fever or sore throat is a warning to contact the hospital and to head for the ER. as soon as possible.
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