Following on from my call from my Oncologist last week, I saw her this afternoon. I took a list of questions the length of my arm with me and methodically went through each one (which I didn't do last time!). Anyway, she re-confirmed that everything had come back clear. I asked her how the tumour was initially removed by my first gynae surgeon (because for that op back in June, we didn't know what we were dealing with as it was merely a suspected large ovarian cyst). I asked, because had it been ruptured 'in situ' before being removed, that could have proved problematic. But, apparently, my first gynae had the nowse to pop it in a surgical bag before rupturing/removing it...had he not have done this, I would be looking at a minimum stage 1c (and thus, needing chemo).
Now...I don't know if this is all standard practice, but I almost feel like writing to my first gynae to thank him explicitly for being so cautious! Had he not have been, I may have been looking at a VERY different outcome altogether.
Anyway - she settled all of my worries about just 'being discharged' after 6 months and sent on my merry way. She very much gave me the confidence that I will never just be left dangling and that i have a direct route straight back to her at any time i want/need. Same goes for future scans...she would firstly be reviewing them herself as well as a properly trained radiographer (who knew what they were looking for based on my set of circumstances). Yes, we don't quite know if/when this might return, but I at least feel like i have been given all the relevant info to arm myself, should it rear its ugly head.
So, i'm booked in to see her in 6 months time, and until then, it's GO GO GO to South Africa this time next week! WOOHOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!
To celebrate (again) i've celebrated with sausage, egg and chips for tea! Sometimes, it really is the simple things in life
Thank you again ladies for all your help and support over these last few months...I'll be sure to post some safari pictures with a big two fingers stuck up to the big 'C'!!
Jemima xx
p.s. had my hair done yesterday...first time since after my first op....gosh it felt good! Hadn't appreciated how all the anaesthetics/drugs had made me look (and feel) so drab!!
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Mrs_Atko
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What a fantastic post and one we all aspire to. I am so happy for you. You look fabulous and as you say . SA here you come ! It's obvious you had a brilliant team looking after you. Hope we hear from you now and then with a description of your latest adventure , Take care and safe journey
Do double check as you may find that any recent medical stuff needs to be declared.... insurance companies can be sneaky buggers!! This is such fabulous news and you look great!! Keep on celebrating lovely! xxxx
Excellent- lots of us find post diagnosis travel insurance a bit of a tricky thing so am delighted you're all over it!!!!! (& obviously not all who work in insurance are sneaky buggers... ) xxx
Looking good girl! Glad for all your good news,I've heard South Africa is amazing,so have a fab time and forget all that has happened,you have a bright future
V glad that you're recovering so well and that your results have been confirmed as a Mucinous Borderline Tumour.
Just to reassure others with the same diagnosis... I had a 22cm MBOT removed 2 years ago. Also 1c. My surgeon told me I was 'cured by surgery'. He doesn't consider Borderline tumours as cancer. The cells are abnormal but different from ovarian cancer. Mine was 1c because part of the tumour did rupture - it was huge with a sister cyst the size of a grapefruit, floating somewhere up by my midriff. Impossible to remove without leakage.
But even so, there was no question of chemo. It doesn't work very well because Borderline cells grow so slowly and you'd need high doses which would kill off normal cells. I just have phased out monitoring, u/s and a Ca 125. Now down to annual check-ups.
I'm post-menopausal, so they would probably monitor a younger woman who's had conservative surgery more closely. And still very scary, but not as bad as it might have been.
Just in case anyone is worrying because their tumour wasn't removed intact...
Thanks for your response Decca...I'm sorry to hear you've been through something similar. Your story (& treatment) were interesting to read. I hope you remain clear βΊοΈ Xx
Jemima you look amazing. Wow what good news.wish my surgeon had put mine in a bag and then I would not be sat here having chemo lol. I'm 1c after saying that I guess my cyst was too big weighed 6lb eeeek at least it's out now. Sooooo pleased for you enjoy your hols you deserve it ππππ»ππ»
That's funny Shelly! I was stage 1 too but I never asked whether it was a or c! I had a laparoscopic procedure and had read that it was standard that they would put the cyst in a bag when removing it, mine was big too it was 16cm so I just assumed that it was put in the bag and didn't ask. The reason my consultant advised me to have chemo was that the cells they found in the cyst were grade 3/high grade and that was the reason why chemo was recommended! Anyway when people ask I say I was stage 1 and don't add an a or a c!!!
D, I just assumed my first gynae just poked it 'in situ' & sucked out the contents (spilling some in the process) before retrieving the 'casing' as that was what I'd read how they do it. That's what my onco thought initially too but when she spoke to first gynae, he confirmed he'd put it in a bag...otherwise it would be 1c not 1a...
Thank D... I'm doing ok although found out today I have low magnesium π.. I was advised to have chemo because it was clear cell carcinoma which I've been told has high rate of recurrence ... Think having chemo gives us the best possible chance of beating this little sucker!! π
Yes good thanks. Back at work and feeling good, although occasionally sore if I push myself. First appointment at the fertility clinic next week, fingers crossed! Enjoy SA, we are off there in Feb B-) x
You are so beautiful! Enjoy every moment of your holiday and hopefully, when you get back, you will forget all the difficulties you have been through and will leave behind your worries and anxieties. Best wishes.
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