Last chemo. : Hi warriors. Had my last chemo... - My Ovacome

My Ovacome

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Last chemo.

Suzanne333 profile image
51 Replies

Hi warriors. Had my last chemo yesterday. Been having it (with half way debulking) since July last year. It's finally done. Feels a bit strange. Like that's that. I still go back for avastin, still have blood tests and I've a scan in early Feb. Bit of scanxiety.

I feel happy but worried. Guess that's normal. Just so scared of a recurrence.

Heard a positive story yesterday of a woman at stage 4 who has been cancer free for 10 years and is going strong. Got to keep positive.

Hugs to you all. Xxx

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Suzanne333 profile image
Suzanne333
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triplets profile image
triplets

Good morning Suzanne I too had my last chemo yesterday, we were diagnosed the same time! Yes it feels strange and scary , on your own now.........I think my family and friends were expecting me to celebrate..............will when I get the scan result! Good luck and may it never recur.....go treat yourself to something nice! xx

HogwartsDK profile image
HogwartsDK in reply to triplets

Congrats triplets!

Mind yourself and take it easy for a while!

Onwards and Upwards!

Dx

Suzanne333 profile image
Suzanne333 in reply to HogwartsDK

Hi.

Thank you. It feels strange. I'm going to try and keep positive.

I'm planning to go back to work late February on phased return. That will feel really strange as I've been off work eight months. It'll be a good thing though as I'll soon settle in and get back to normality.

I hope everything is ok with you. Xxx

Suzanne333 profile image
Suzanne333 in reply to triplets

Hi triplets. Yes it does seem strange now that it's done. All my family and friends are saying I must celebrate or have a party. I thought I'd feel like that but for some reason I don't.

I've a scan too on 7th Feb so it's a bit of a worry. I know I'm in complete remission but I just feel more anxious than I thought I would.

I guess we are all in the same boat with feelings and fears etc.

It's good that we are all here for each other.

You take care and keep in touch. Xxxx

Mbaldwin3 profile image
Mbaldwin3 in reply to Suzanne333

I completed my last chemo Jan. 18th. Will have a ct scan Feb. 2nd. I to am glad to know I'm not the only one with fear, but we must turn fear into faith!

Praying for clear cancer free results!

Suzanne333 profile image
Suzanne333 in reply to Mbaldwin3

Hi. My scan is 7th so very near to yours. You're right we must turn the fear and anxiety into faith and hope.

Must be positive.

Hope your scan goes ok. 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻Xxxx

Luchie profile image
Luchie in reply to Suzanne333

Hi Suzanne,

I'm so pleased to hear you are now in remission. And just go back for the maintenance Avastin. Be positive all the time, although sometimes it difficult not to worry. I too is very new to this forum and I find it so helpful and inspiring to hear everyone's journey about horrid illness! But we have to fight!!! I was diagnosed last day in Aug last year. I was admitted via A&E because my stomach was so bloated I can't hardly walk. Although I went for my ultrasound 3 days before I was admitted, my GP sent me there to rule out problems in the spleen and gallstone. But my ultrasound was clear, although he did say he can see tiny amount of fluid in my stomach but only a Ct scan can see the full extent of the fluid. So when I was admitted, they send me straight to have my CT scan and that's when they can see properly that I have ascite, they put me on antibiotic drips and then I was seen by a consultant radiologist and took some samples fluid to be analized and at the same time I was drained and they took out 4 litres of fluid. I felt tremendous comfort once that was done , in the meantime, the result of the fluid came back positive with cancer cells and my ca 125 was 341 so they start me on chemo on the 3rd week of September , I'm on Carboplatin & taxol for 6 cycles. And it's every 3 weeks, but I have total hysterectomy and omentectomy after my 4 sessions of chemo and this was done last Dec. 21 and was out of hospital a day before Christmas . So after 5 weeks post op, I resumed my 5th session yesterday. With the additional of Avastin for 18 cycles. Btw, my chemo markers after my 3rd sessions was down to 6 and last week when I went for my blood test in preparation for my chemo was 11 but that was because I was admitted into hospital because of infection and they say your markers can go up when you have infections.

So on the 15th of Feb will be my last treatment of chemo and will just go back for the avastin. Sorry I my reply is so long. But I just want to share my experience for everyone in this forum.. Take care and enjoy your remission .. 😘😘😘

Suzanne333 profile image
Suzanne333 in reply to Luchie

Hi.

Your story is very similar to mine. I was admitted via A&E. It was the day after the ultrasound. They said they could see nothing just a lot of fluid in my tummy. I had 9 litres drained when I was admitted. I could hardly breathe. Then a CT scan showed no mass but a thickening The thickening was where the omentum had folded over.

This site is great as we can all share our stories and support and advice with each other.

I

Thank you for your message and keep in touch. Xxxxx

Luchie profile image
Luchie in reply to Suzanne333

Hi thanks for your reply, I don't know if I told you but i had my biopsy and staging after my operation , I was stage3c and high grade serous carcinoma,although they removed the cancer from the op. I had Onother ct scan 2 weeks ago and it showed 2 small nodules in my peritoneal wall, that's why I had avastin with my carbo/ taxol chemo yesterday , and also on the 15th of Feb for my last chemo. Then just the avastin for maintenance , I will have my scan again after my last chemo to see how I'm progressing, although my ct saan from after my 3rd session shows the thickening of my omentum was almost gone and What they saw from my operation was the one they tested. And my ca125 was down to6. So fingers crossed it will still be the case when I finish my last chemo. Take care and keep intouch.. Xxxx

Katmal-UK profile image
Katmal-UK

Congrats on your last chemo! i have to say what a beautiful photo! its all onwards and upwards now. Put those fears behind you and take each day as a gift, leave the worrying to someone else! Kathy xx

Suzanne333 profile image
Suzanne333 in reply to Katmal-UK

Hi Kathy. Aww thank you for the kind words.

Yes I must try and be positive. After chemo I always get very tired which pulls my mood down so I must keep positive.

I hope you are doing ok. Xxxx

Katmal-UK profile image
Katmal-UK in reply to Suzanne333

Hi Suzanne, once your are over the worst of the chemo you will find your mood lifts as your strength returns and you are able to do more and positivity returns :) Stay strong. Kathy xxx

Suzanne333 profile image
Suzanne333 in reply to Katmal-UK

Thank you Kathy. I think returning to work will be good for me too. I plan to go back after half term.

Many thanks for your messages. Xxxx

Well done So pleased for you,I am going for my first chemo today hope I will be where you are verysoon. big hug xxx

Suzanne333 profile image
Suzanne333 in reply to

Hi Jenny.

Good luck with your chemo. I panicked st the first one but sounds strange, I actually quite enjoyed going to my chemos. I fell asleep yesterday for an hour on my chemo chair.

I luckily had no side effects atall Just very tired for a good week after.

Good luck. You'll be fine. Xxx

MH500 profile image
MH500

Lovely photo Suzanne, and hurray for last chemo 😀. Try to relax and enjoy the freedom. May it never recur

Big hug, Marian x

Suzanne333 profile image
Suzanne333 in reply to MH500

Hi Marian.

Aww thank you. I am relieved but worried it might come back. I hold onto my oncologists words where he said we treat it like a chronic illness and it's highly treatable.

I always think of what he said.

I hope all is good with you. Xxxxx

Bearup profile image
Bearup

You look so well. Great you've gotten through chemo . Sending you very best wishes. Sarah 🌷

Suzanne333 profile image
Suzanne333 in reply to Bearup

Hi Sarah. Aww thank you. My friends say I've looked healthier than before I had the cancer. Lol.

Maybe I was ill long before I was diagnosed.

I feel good though. I've been lucky that the chemo has just made me tired and nothing else. No nausea no neuropathy no ulcers. I have been lucky.

I hope everything is ok with you. Xxx

HogwartsDK profile image
HogwartsDK

Woohoo Suzanne!

You look great that lovely big smile keep that up! (Easier said than done sometimes I know)!!!

Onwards and Upwards from here!

Dx

Suzanne333 profile image
Suzanne333 in reply to HogwartsDK

Hi Hogwarts.

I think I already replied to you but under someone else's name. It gets a bit confusing on here. Lol.

Thank you for your kind words. I have smiled and laughed a lot through this insidious disease. I tried to laugh it out of me. It's kept me positive. Most of the time. I've had a few melt downs which is normal. Would be strange to be laughing all the time.

Yes onwards and upwards.

I hope everything is ok with you. Xxx

Shellygirl profile image
Shellygirl in reply to Suzanne333

I've so tried to do the same laughter is the best medicine 😊😂😊😂

Suzanne333 profile image
Suzanne333 in reply to Shellygirl

It definitely is. I try and laugh it out of me. I say cancer hates happiness. So far it's worked. 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻😂😂😂xxx

Lynne65 profile image
Lynne65

Hi Suzanne

I too have just had my last chemo (last week- carbo only). Scan in 6 weeks and then results in mid March. No bloods for me as mine were always normal so will be regular 3 monthly symptom checks with scans as and when necessary.

I agree it does feel weird not having any more treatment planned after being punctured, cut and prodded since July last year. I have decided this is the strength building phase, time to clear my head, try mindfulness and improve my saggy muscles 💪🏼.

Wishing you well in your recovery and keep us posted.

Big hugs 🤗

Lynne 💞

Suzanne333 profile image
Suzanne333 in reply to Lynne65

Hi Lynne. July last year was when I started all my treatments. Drains, scans, chemos and surgery. I still have to have a blood test every three weeks as I'm on avastin intravenously till October. But I won't have any side effects and I'm just pleased my hair will grow back now. 👍🏻👍🏻

I've just got to keep positive as I'm so scared of recurrence. I'm stage 3 high grade.

I'm going to google holidays now as had to cancel our holiday last year just a week before we were due to go.

Wishing you well. 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻Xxxx

Mrs_Atko profile image
Mrs_Atko

Ah congratulations hunny! Onwards and upwards 💪🏻 Jemima xx

Suzanne333 profile image
Suzanne333 in reply to Mrs_Atko

Hi jemima.

Thank you. Yes onwards and upwards. 👍🏻👍🏻💪🏻💪🏻💪🏻

I hope everything is ok with you. Xxxx

January-2016-UK profile image
January-2016-UK

Great photo. Hope the scan results are good in February. It's natural to worry a little. Keep up the happiness.

Suzanne333 profile image
Suzanne333 in reply to January-2016-UK

Thank you.

Yes it's very natural to worry but got to keep upbeat and positive.

I hope all is ok with you. Xxx

Shellygirl profile image
Shellygirl

What a lovely pic yahay 🎉🎉🎉🎉

Suzanne333 profile image
Suzanne333 in reply to Shellygirl

Aww. Thank you. I fell asleep shortly after that photo was taken. Lol. 😂😂👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻

Hope all is good with you. Xxx

Shellygirl profile image
Shellygirl in reply to Suzanne333

Getting there I am also returing to work in Feb but daunting but I want my life back to be normal again I've never considered myself to be normal always a bit strange lol 😂 But in a nice way I hope oc takes away a lot and leaves us feeling anxious .... I'm not going to let it take my joy 🤗

Suzanne333 profile image
Suzanne333 in reply to Shellygirl

Brilliant attitude. Don't let it win. Stay healthy and happy.

Wishing you all the best. Xxxxx

caf132 profile image
caf132

Great photo Suzanne!! You look awesome. So glad you finished chemo, what a great feeling. I finished in October and was elated at first then kind of fell apart emotionally. this is normal from what I read. Had scan in November and NED. Felt better. Keep up with the positive thoughts that you have beaten this beast.

I was really excited when my eyelashes came back in!!! It sounds silly, the wig covers my head but my lashes made me really happy. Most of the body hair comes in gray but then somehow turned back to brown??

Keep up the good work and take care of yourself.

XX Carol

Suzanne333 profile image
Suzanne333 in reply to caf132

Hi Carol and thank you for your message.

I'm looking forward to my hair growing back. When it does I don't think I will ever moan about it again. Before cancer I had long thick blonde (dyed) hair. Hated even having it trimmed. Had it cut into a bob just before I lost it. Loved the Bob. It started growing back after my surgery. It got to about an inch and was grey but thick. Then chemo started again and I shaved it again. I lost my lashes but very briefly and they grew back again quickly so I was lucky there.

Onwards and upwards now. I know I'm going to get days when I feel low. I'm a bit nervous of the up coming CT scan in early Feb but everything's gone so well for me really so I'm going to try hard and not get anxious.

I hope you are ok. Xxxxx

rppizio profile image
rppizio

Good morning and yes all of your feelings are normal.. I often compare it to the holidays or the empty nest syndrome , we can't help but to get so consumed with Dr's appoints, blood work chemo, more shots, more blood work.. it is a full time job and then Last chemo is kind of like Christmas Morning... hours/days preparing and then poof it's over and then it's like " now what- Wait " not sure exactly how we get back to our old normal due to lower energy levels and the " what if's keep creeping back into our thoughts"... it is a lot to go through. We just keep moving forward... and from what I understand from others... it does get easier as time goes by and we still will go through many periods of anxiousness and scananxity but this is what makes have a support group like this so wonderful. WE can face our fears together and understand how real they are to us.

Suzanne333 profile image
Suzanne333 in reply to rppizio

You are so right. We are all in this together. For the good and the bad. So many if my friends and family say yes you did it you're cured and they won't have it when I say there's a high chance of recurrence. They go into denial and as much as I'm going to be positive and get on with life the best I can, this insidious disease does sit in our shoulders. We all know exactly how we all feel. This site is my favourite place for support and help and honesty.

Onwards and upwards. I'm

Still expecting anxiety etc but going to be as positive as possible.

Hope you are ok. Take care. Xxxx

Shire62 profile image
Shire62

Hi Suzanne,

Well done you !!! I've got my last one tomorrow, and we have shared the same path in the sense of diagnosis and surgery!! I'm also stage 3c..

I'm optimistically going to work next week, the first of Feb, carrying out 24 hrs over a 3 day period..

I'm so desperate to gain some normality to my life! I also share your approach to this bloody disease 😡.. we will beat the bastard into submission!!!

My end of treatment scan is booked for the 14th of Feb so I'm hopeful that it will be NED, this was indicated after my debulking.. I'm not on Avastin though, will apparently be on watch and wait!! More anxiety but I'm not going to overthink that right now ..

Lots of love ❤️

Jackie xxx

Luchie profile image
Luchie in reply to Shire62

Hi Jackie, so pleased to hear your good news as well.. Like Suzanne, it seems we have the same diagnosis. I got my stage 3c after my total hysterectomy and omentectomy , and high grade, I think that's when they give you avastin when it's high grade. Mine was staged 3c high grade serous cell. I it's the most aggressive type.. But hey ho, I'm determined to beat this beast.. With all of us we should kick this hideous disease.. Thumbs up for all of us in this forum.. Take care and hope to hear from you and Suzanne most as we seem to have the same stages with this disease but reading everyone experienced regardless of what stages they are are so inspiring and uplifting .. Huggs xxxx

Shire62 profile image
Shire62 in reply to Luchie

Hi Luchie,

Seems like lots of us on here are stage 3c high grade, it appear that this is when it's most likely to be discovered!

Mine was mistaken for diverticulitis for about a year, and only when my bowel was totally blocked, was I rushed in to hospital, given a scan and the cancer was then discovered 😡😳...

well , here we are going through this weird journey that none of us want to really take .. however, this forum is the absolute backbone of strength for me and I do think without it my life would certainly be more stressful and bleak.

I really look forward to reading all of the stories and comments..

Thank you so much my fellow warriors!!

Just back from chemo ( last one 🎉🍾) feel like crap 💩 but kind of happy also 😁..

Lots of love ❤️ to you all xxx

Jackie

Suzanne333 profile image
Suzanne333

Hi jackie.

Thank you for your message. Yes we definitely have the same path with this vile disease. I hope your chemo goes ok. It did seem strange having the last one but I'm looking forward to getting back to some sort of normality.

I was NED after debulking and so the three chemos were mop up or insurance against the chances of it coming back.

I'm returning to work after half term. I work at a college so waiting till they go back after half term will be good. I will do phased return. I'm a bit anxious as I feel I've forgotten everything and there are new staff and students to get used to.

I'm having avastin but don't think I really need it. I guess because I'm on a trial I have to have all the planned treatment.

We do worry about scans and hope there's nothing crops up. I'm sure we will be ok.

Keep in touch and I wish you all the best. 💪🏻💪🏻💪🏻💪🏻Lots of love. Xxx

Suzanne.

Yoshbosh profile image
Yoshbosh

Yippee! Well done Suzanne! Hope you don't feel too grotty, but even if you do, it's only for a few more days...

Suzanne333 profile image
Suzanne333 in reply to Yoshbosh

Aww. Thank you. I feel ok. I'm lucky that I've not had any bad side effects. I get tired and it pulls me down but I know this will be the last time. Just looking forward to getting back to work , hair growing and booking a holiday.

I hope you are ok. Xxx

Well done Suzanne, it has been a long haul but you made it, So regain your strength and stamina very gently. You will need to rest every day but also small walking building up gradually, All the very best to you

Suzanne333 profile image
Suzanne333 in reply to

Hi Suzuki.

Thank you. Yes it's been a journey. I'm glad it's done. Feel scared of it coming back but going to remain positive.

I'm resting well. Gone off my food a bit. I think that's because it has no taste but that will soon return.

I hope everything is ok with you. Xxxx

in reply to Suzanne333

Yes your appetite will come back eat small meals more often and keep up the fluids. You will feel tired, you may also feel a little lost as hospital routine is no more. If you find this is getting to you, just contact your nearest support group for advice and support

Suzanne333 profile image
Suzanne333 in reply to

Hi Suzuki. I'm forcing myself to eat. This always happens after chemo.

I will b having avastin every three weeks till October so I'll still feel in the system. After that I think I'll feel a little lost and anxious so a support group is a great idea. Moment thanks and hope you are ok. Xxxxx

Hertsmum profile image
Hertsmum

Well done Suzanne! I remember well that strange mix of elation and anxiety. You will get your appetite back as the chemo works its way out of your system. Rest and do gentle exercise. I did yoga which was very helpful and mindful. It's so hard not to worry about the future but I read somewhere 'we can only live in days' and that's so true, all of us whatever our circumstances only really have now for sure. Having said that, having positive plans like holidays really helps too!! Good luck with the insurers it is not the favourite part of holiday plans!

Take care

Madeline. Xxx

Suzanne333 profile image
Suzanne333 in reply to Hertsmum

Hi Madeleine.

I was thinking about yoga. Maybe swimming too. I have a cross trainer in my garage and bench and weights but don't think I'm ready for them just yet. Lol.

I'm looking at a holiday in early July. I know insurance can be high but have read from ladies on here that there are some insurance companies who don't rip you off. Will see nearer the time.

I'm just trying to get myself out of bed at the moment but bed's winning.

Take care and many thanks for your message. Xxxxx

IrishMollyO profile image
IrishMollyO

So happy for you Suzanne

It's so good t have it over just in time to enjoy Spring and look forward to your summer holiday. We are all on the same journey but with different roads to travel. I just wish you health and happiness in the future .

XXX

Suzanne333 profile image
Suzanne333 in reply to IrishMollyO

Hi and thank you Molly.

Yes we are all on the same journey. Just a slightly different route. Im definitely looking forward to a holiday soon. Really will enjoy just relaxing on a hot beach.

I hope you too have good health in the future. We are all here for each other which is so lovely. Take care and keep in touch. Xxxx

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