ASCITES

[Stephgrey]

Hello everyone

My sister Ian currently having her 1st recurrence and is struggling with ascites. She is on letrozole but doesn’t look like it’s helping because over the weekend her tummy has blew up like a balloon.

We are hoping she can be drained this week and then have an appointment with her onc soon. He said there will be a plan.

I’m just wondering if anyone else had ascites with recurrence and if there is still hope for my sister? Should I be fearing the worst. I also feel very low and went to my gp for some help but she basically told me to stop waistline her time.

Sorry for moaning

Steph

[Purple-iris]

Hi Steph

Yes there are lots of ladies on here who have had multiple drains so do not give up hope . I can appreciate how worrying it is as had ascities which seemed to come from no where whilst on holiday when diagnosed and after just 3 days looked 7 months pregnant. It is so uncomfortable and I couldn't eat or sleep until they drained 5 litres of fluid ! They did build up again before my chemo started and had another 5 litres drained .

Just make sure your sister chases up an appointment for drain and oncology through CNS or team . It's always a difficult time waiting for a plan to be agreed as there are so many unknowns .

Am so cross to hear your gps attitude . As a carer to someone with cancer you are dealing with so much and you are entitled to counselling and support . Are you in the U.K. Can you contact Macmillan to ask for advise or be referred via your sisters hospital . I tried through gp and it took ages but my CNS referred me . I am at Guys London which has the dimbleby cancer support centre and I am having counselling myself but my daughter (20) has also just self referred herself. She had a melt down last week and has realised that she needs help to come to terms with my shock stage 4 diagnosis and the rollercoaster we have been on for the last year and a half . My counsellor describes it as having to confront and process your feelings otherwise it's like trying to stuff an oversized duvet into a small cupboard- without warning it suddenly springs out and hits you in the face .

The Ovacome support line may also be able to help.

Sending you and your sister love and best wishes and hope she gets relief from the ascities soon .

Love Kim x 💜

[lorraine71-Australia]

Hi Steph, Sorry to hear your sister is struggling with ascites I've been lucky once I started on chemo it cleared up the ascites, I've been on chemo most of the time so maybe this has help, so once your sister start her treatment it might help;

She does need to have it drained soon I know some of the ladies on the site have had ascites drained a few times.

As for your GP you need to change GP with someone who understands the stress and anxiety you are going through, if you could go find a support group for carers it could help.

When you go to the hospital you could see if they can give you some advice on a local support group,

Sending you and your sister my best wishes take care Lorraine xx

[Di16]

I was recently told I have a recurrence & a small amount of ascites. I'm currently taking Exemestane, & go back for scan & check up in the new year to see if it's having any effect. Di

[Hidden]

Hi Steph

I have had ascites drained on 2 occasions and I'm waiting to be called by the hospital to go in this week to have the procedure done again. Your sister will feel much more comfortable after it - I find the procedure quite uncomfortable as apparently I have a very tough peritoneum! But it's definitely worth it for the relief she will feel after it.

Your GP sounds unsympathetic - you might consider joining a support group? You will receive much more understanding ......... . if you are in the UK the ladies on the site here will be able to provide you with contact details of support groups. I'm in Ireland, and ARC is one of the foremost support groups, along with the Irish Cancer Society.

Best wishes

Juliet