Can't sleep so thought I'd write my post now at 5am.
After having NED last December (exactly a year ago today) after 2nd line chemo, I have had some aches and pains so got checked out. After a CA125 test of 7 in September, in November it had gone up to 22. Onc said not to worry and have another one in 4 weeks time. Got my results yesterday and they are now 89! I am getting booked in for a CT scan but typically at the worst time of year. I am feeling bloated now so having had 2nd line last year I know it's back, my stomach doesn't feel right and I know my own body which is why I went back in the first place. Looks like 2017 will begin with starting chemo 'again'.
Last time there was a scattering in my abdomen so I'm really hoping that's all it is again, but I'm terrified of the outcome of the scan already and where it could be this time.
I was first diagnosed in 2012 (aged 40) stage 3b and after full hysterectomy and 6 chemos got the ned. Apart from these 2 episodes I have lived a normal happy life with my husband, friends and great social life, also my dogs who I adore and we love long walks. (Just to add insult to injury I lost one of my dogs, my beautiful spaniel last week in a freak accident, I came home from work and my hubby told me, I was devasted).
I wonder how many episodes can I have and can you continue to have chemo no matter how many times it returns? Like I said I'm generally fit and healthy and only 44 and I want to live for many more years
Have attached a pic, one of my hubby and I on holiday in the summer this year (good memories).
Sorry to blabber on but this site is so amazing and there are so many inspirational women on here.
Hope you all have a lovely Christmas
Jo 💜
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Jo2305
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What can I say? Except "hi" from an early riser and what a blow, two of them.
The really good thing is you're generally fit and healthy ( and look it!) and have the inner strength to enjoy life and have good support. And you know your own body.
These are all advantages in dealing with this horrible disease.
A friend of mine got diagnosed with cancer when he was 9 (not sure what type) and he had chemo after chemo for 20 years unfortunately it beat him last year but he gave it a good fight so I'm pretty sure you can have chemo for years on end but you're body will need a recovery time in between.
Keep us updated and try to enjoy the festive season without being too worried. Merry Christmas xxxxx
On the upbeat side , there are soooo many advances being made with the treatments for OC and related cancers , that I'm convinced it's just a matter of time by where this disease will be one of the many that have amazing outcomes !
It's strange isn't it but I look around at other mid fifties ladies , and wonder if they have ov too ? I used to imagine anyone with this disease to look like they are on deaths door! Clearly judging by all the beautiful pics on here and just how healthy everyone looks, that isn't the case !
Mind you , if you saw me this morning, you may have to disagree 😳💩!!
Good morning Jo and like the other ladies have said - what a beautiful pic! !
I messaged you yesterday my friend but just to add - my oncologist said to me once that his record for number of different chemo to one lady is 15! !
I think the general consensus of opinion is if our bodies can take the heat then let's pile into the kitchen 😃😃😃! I'm sure we'd all willingly wave that wand if we possibly could and take this heinous disease from each and every one of us but unfortunately we're not Harry Potter - all we can do is give it a sodding good run for its money.
Hopefully that CT appointment will come through quickly especially if you're symptomatic - I've always found like others have said once you know what's what you can start to process it and fight it! 💪💪🖕🖕✊!
Please keep me posted; love and strength to us all 💕💕💕💕
Have you been BRCA tested ? I only ask because Mum's oncologist says BRCA women do seem to have a better response to chemo (which seems to be the case for you), and also BRCA women have immunotherapy options.
What a wonderful pic so cheerful on a winters day ... I guess all we can do is fight you are so very young and full of life so that stands you in good stead... so sorry to hear about your fur baby it's so heartbreaking ... you seem so positive and that helps I wish you all the best with your future treatment 😍🤗
You look incredibly happy and healthy in that pic. It's a real pain this cancer lark, just as you start to relax and enjoy life it sneaks in. Fingers crossed that it's something tiny that can be taken out with surgery rather than the treadmill of chemo. Or better still nothing if any concern
So very sorry for the loss of your beloved dog, my heart goes out to you Wishing you the very best 2017 xx
Hi Jo. What a lovely picture. I too will be starting chemo in January again third line. I was lucky enough to have 5 1/2 years remission before it reared it's ugly head again in June this year but after another course of chemo I was told it hadn't worked very well and that I would have to go on another regime. My Oncologist has given me a break over Christmas and I do wonder at times if I should have started straightaway however after reading some comments on the site it seems a good thing to give our body a bit of a break in between . I have also been told that there are other chemos after this so all is not lost yet . I wish you as worry free a Christmas as you can have and wish you all the best for 2017 and have everything crossed that the chemo will work for you. 😘😘🌻🌻🌲🌲
Sorry to hear that but be positive and think that CT will be clear and enjoy the holidays.. I wish you all the best xo Suela
Hi Jo sorry to hear this thing is back again but hope once you have the scan and a plan of action if needed you will be more settled. I have had no three finished Oct twelve months ago with Avastin diagnosed 2013 with recurrence so look its not all bad. I am stable at the moment and my next check up is due in March, I am sorry about your dog, we had to send one of ours. a king charles spaniel to rainbow bridge about four weeks ago, She was 14 and a rescue but developed heart murmur etc and really she was a good age too, I suppose you will hardly have the scan before Xmas so for now try and have a good Xmas and think that in five months you will be done with this treatment if you need it,
Hi, when I asked this question to my oncologist he told me he had a lady that was on her tenth round of chemo. So that gives me hope. As long as we are prepared to put up with the side effects I think they will keep giving us the chemo, and I'm prepared to have anything to keep going. So try not to worry, which is easier said than done.
Hi there, I was also diagnosed in 2012 and had a reccurrence in 2015. I echo BRCA testing as I was also young it is an indicator and sure enough I am positive and it can make a difference to treatment options. My doggie is my best friend so I really understand how awful it is to lose them. There is so much out there still, you look so well and once you get your head around this it's like business as usual and we get on with it! Good luck,
A really lovely picture. I have not long been out of my first chemo and surgery but having been left with residual disease I've asked my oncologist the questions. She said that she has a lady on her fifth line and as long as I was fit and healthy she would continue to give it to patients. I'm hoping that as I'm having avastin I'll have a little respite. Good luck. Xx
Hi, I know your post was at Christmas and am wondering how you're doing now. I finished 2 nd line treatment in October 2015 and my CA125 level was 8, checked every 3 months until January 5 th, last week on test it has shot up to 45. I have been in shock since and am awaiting CT scan this coming Wednesday. I don't think I have any infections, that I know of, so I am thinking it is a second recurrence. This remission has only been just over a year. My first recurrence I was able to have chemo and surgery. Feeling quite sad
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CT scan today....results 4th April.....it's sunny so things should be good.....or is that just what the Easter April bunnies think?
My scan results
Good news - results after last chemo
It's back after 6 months Cancer Free - 2nd line treatment lined up next week....
