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[guerrera247]

I have been looking at the site for a few weeks now, since my mom was diagnosed with stage 2b ovarian cancer, grade 3. I have spent hours and a lot of sleepless nights scouring the internet for assurance, information - any knowledge to help us get through this. I've realised that actually connecting with others going through the same or at least similar experiences could be key in being able to cope. So, that's us. My mom has had a full hysterectomy and is about to start on her chemo this week and I feel nervous and scared, for her and for us. We love her so much, I don't want to see her suffer. Thanks for reading. G

[Jintyp]

Hi I was diagnosed same stage two years ago. Had surgery then 6 carbo/ taxol- was NED until a few months ago when it recurred. Had further surgery and now having carbo only for six sessions. Feel great and oncologist is very optimistic that they've got it all and no reason I should't be NED again. Hope your mum is just as lucky x

[guerrera247 in reply to Jintyp]

Hi Jinty, I thought I had already responded to your message! Thanks for replying. I am pleased to hear that you are doing well despite recurring. Take care G X

[Jintyp in reply to guerrera247]

Had appt with onc yesterday. My scan showed ned again and second chemo has gone well so I cant ask better than that. I hope all is well with your Mum and you all have a very happy Christmas xx

[rosann1]

Dear Guerrera, I too was diagnosed with Stage 2B grade 3, I have had surgery and now completed my chemotherapy. It wasn't easy for me, but I got through it!! and just had my 3 month check up and all is ok. Your mum is lucky, she has you by her side, so you stay strong and look after yourself too.

Rx

[guerrera247 in reply to rosann1]

Thanks for taking the time to reply Rosann, and glad to hear that you are okay after your check-up. How long does it take til you feel like yourself again - or do you still not? I imagine every woman is different but just to get an idea. Yes I aim to support her as much as she needs. X

[rosann1]

You are right, everyone is different, I am not yet my old self, and i still have lots of side effects, however, I am back to work part time (which I thought would never happen) and i have booked a holiday with my family for next year. I have learned to live each day as it comes and savour the happy moments that I have with family and friends. I am hopeful that I live long enough to see some grandchildren!!😊 Rxx

[guerrera247]

Maybe the old self never comes back? For any of us affected by this disease, whether directly or mother, sister, daughter, aunt, granny...it has the potential to deprive us of living the life we want to and that is hard to ever come to terms with I think, but as you say to savour those moments that make us happy is the most important thing we can do. I am trying to do as you say - live each day as it comes. I am hopeful that you see your grandchildren too

[joanne1338 in reply to guerrera247]

Hi my mum was diagnosed nearly 5 years ago and whilst you may feel like things and people may not return to how they were you will learn how strong you all are. Mum's had some form of treatment for most of the 5 years and we've had some rough times but they are far outweighed by happy times. Sometimes days/weeks go by and you forget about it completely. That problem seems hard to believe at the moment.

J

[guerrera247 in reply to joanne1338]

Hi Joanne, thanks for sharing your experience with me. Yes, I'm obsessing over it at that moment, trying to work out it's space in my life - I think once my mom starts her treatment (tomorrow) we can start to work out how it is going to be for us. How is your mom doing at the moment? Take care G

[joanne1338 in reply to guerrera247]

Hi, she is not too bad at the moment. She is having chemo 3 weeks out of every 4 and is coping well with the side effects. She is doing this for 6 months and we are coming to the end of month 5. I'm worried about what happens at the end of month 6 but it's too early for the Dr's to advise. I hope your mums treatment has gone ok today.

[guerrera247 in reply to joanne1338]

Strong stuff these moms - glad to hear that she is coping and I hope you are too, I haven't heard from my mom yet, but I have been a bag of nerves all day and can hardly concentrate on anything. X

[Hidden]

Hi there and welcome to the site. I am sorry your Mum has OC but treatment is doable. I expect she will have it every few weeks. There may be side effects so perhaps get in ginger nut biscuits, sprite or seven up and prunes in juice for any constipation, Your Mums team will prescribe anti sick but these can be changed if your Mum doesnt find them enough, I would go with your Mum to the first treatment and the Nurse will go through everthing including possible side effects and ways of coping. Drinking plenty of water and keeping warm before your Mum goes in so that her veins dont go hiding, So make sure your Mum has warm clothing maybe layers she can discard and also gloves to keep the hands warm.

[guerrera247 in reply to Hidden]

Thanks for your reply and all your useful advice for the actual treatment. She starts tomorrow and I'm feeling nervous and anxious but as you say it is doable - and she's doing it. Take care G

[Katmal-UK]

Hi G I could tell you my story here but if you look at my profile that pretty much sums up my journey so far. There is always hope. Try not to read too many statistics as they can't tell you what twill happen to your mum. If you have any questions please fee free to ask. I wish your mum well, sending you both a big hug. Kathy xx

[guerrera247 in reply to Katmal-UK]

Thanks Katmal, I have read your profile and what a journey - you are very inspiring and strong - I hope I can find even a little bit of your strength in me to help my mom on her OC journey. I am calmer since I have found this site and stopped just googling randomly and getting myself into a pyschological mess. Thank you and a big hug back for you and your family. GX

[Biscuitqueen]

Hello! My Mum has OC too and I was in your position not too long ago; it feels as if you will never stop thinking about it. It's the first thing that wakes you up in the morning and the thoughts of it spin round your mind as you fall asleep at night. However the day came when it wasn't the only thing on my mind. I'm not at that stage where I can go by days not thinking about it but reading other's accounts, I'm sure we will!

Starting chemo is scary but you and your lovely Mum will get through this!

[guerrera247]

Hi Biscuitqueen, thanks for your reply. Yes I am exactly there, it is a constant thought in my mind. Hoping that once we get into the routine with the chemo we will get a new rhythm. How is your mom doing? G x

[LesleyGreengran]

Hi. I was diagnosed stage 3/4 nearly 6 years ago (on Christmas Eve!). I hope your mum's treatment is effective and not too debilitating. this forum is brilliant for tips on how to cope with side effects and for support when the going gets tough.