I have had such a shock and I hope you don’t mind me talking to you about it. Four weeks ago I went to my doctors as I was in such severe pain on the left lower part of my tummy. They sent me straight to the hospital with a letter to see a surgeon as they thought I had Diverticulitis.
After a very long wait in A&E I was seen by a doctor who ordered an x-ray and I was admitted. The following day, I was told that they could see that I had a mass but they need a CT to confirm what it was. Thankfully I had the CT scan later on that night. I saw the doctor again the following morning and he said that the scan showed that I have a 16.5cm growth on my left ovary and it was most likely cancer.
As you can imagine I was and still am incredible shocked by this. I think though the hardest part was telling my husband. I had a biopsy done the following day to see what type it was.
When I woke up on the Friday morning the day after the biopsy I was right at all. I was incredibly swollen and breathing was harder than usual. I do have brittle asthma so sometimes it is a little harder than usual to breathe. It turns out that I had pneumonia, and my bowel had stopped working and I have cellulitis.
The biopsy confirmed that I have stage 3c ovarian cancer. I’m waiting to start chemo but need the cellulitis to clear first and then I will need a full hysterectomy and debulking what ever that is once it has shrank.
I am so scared and worried and at the same time trying to stay upbeat for my family. I’m normally a positive person but my head is so confused at the moment I feel completely overwhelmed by it all. Thanks for letting me talk about it and any advice would be gratefully received. xx
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Tay100
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You’ve found a place where we’ve all been there and bought the T-shirt.
It is a big shock and a lot to take in.
One thing you might find helpful is to break it all into manageable steps.
First, the cellulitis will clear with antibiotics.
Sometimes, women have the op first then chemo. Sometimes, they have 3 chemos, then the op, then 3 more chemos.
Debulking surgery usually aims to remove the uterus, ovaries and Fallopian tubes as well as the fatty layer at the front of the abdomen called the omentum.
You’ll find the women here have a wealth of information and are unfailingly supportive.
You will be able to cope once you’ve got your head around it.
Sending you a big hug Tay100 ....you are so right about the shock. But you will get to calmer waters and you will feel ok again but in the meantime treat yourself with care and do lean on the people who love you xx
Hi and welcome. I recall the shock you are feeling now and the feeling scared etc. It'll take you some time to get your head around the news and dealing with all the feelings etc. I think once chemo gets underway you will be able to 'manage' if that's the right word, better. Don't be afraid to ask for counselling if you feel that would help. I was where you are nearly 11 years ago, stage 3, still here, alive and kicking despite 2 recurrences. Working full time and living life. Amongst all the angst don't forget you are alive and there is living to be done. Ovarian Cancer is treated as a chronic disease. Oh, and stay off google you will literally just scare yourself witless, also advise your hubby to not google either. The statistics out there can be scary but you are not a statistic you are YOU and google can't tell you what will happen to you. Feel free to ask ANY questions, someone here will be bound to answer. Sending you a big hug. Kathy xx
Hi Tay. Yes it is a huge shock and so sorry to hear what is happening. Normal to feel confused and scared. So glad you found this site. It has helped me alot. Debulking mainly means that the surgeon takes everything out, like a major hysterectomy plus and takes out the cancer, anything to 1 cm. Then we have chemo after or before and after to try and hit the microscopic cancer cells that surgeon can't see and remove.
Please ask lots of questions of your surgeon and oncologist of anything you don't understand and write it all down. Or hopefully someone will be with you and they will write it down. We are here for you. Ovacome also have a great helpline you can phone. I rang them from Oz (am originally from UK) and they were great! Sending hugs from Australia.
Hi Tay, my additions to Katmal, Lyndy & Tina-B is feel able to use the Ovacome freephone helpline to talk to Anna, the Support manager; she has lots of experience and many find her knowledge and approach informative and reassuring. I certainly endorse what Katmal says about this being a chronic disease, Dr Google & stats .. remember stats are history - figures you may well be quoted by medics (as I was) are based on may 2000-2014(?)-ish(?) and we are making the stats that won't appear until, say, 2020 at the earliest. Many of us on here are beating the stats we were quoted at diagnosis.
My GP's advice was that my job was to focus on growing healthy cells...that way I took the best body possible to the medics and a healthy body gives them more options. Of course this isn't always easy but I wrote it out and hung it up as my reminder...the more you practice the quicker you return to the purpose of your job!
Warm wishes for as good a day as you can muster today. Lesley
Thank you so much for your replies, they have helped a lot. I have stayed away from Google and won’t look on the net as scared enough already. It’s great to hear some positive advice and examples. I will see how I go and perhaps ask for some counselling. I think once I start the chemo I will feel more in control. Big hugs to all of you xx
Any one of those conditions on their own would have been awful, but all at once? Overwhelming.
One step at a time. Try not to project into the future. You've got problems, they'll get fixed.
It is difficult to be positive for the family. I hope you've got someone you can vent with. Cancer is a blow no matter how positive/optomistic we are.
Meditation really helps me get things in focus. There's a page on the Kaiser Permanente (sp?) -- that US insurance company -- that has amazing meditations for cancer. It's free and the woman's voice is amazing. I've even got my husband meditating. If you can't find the link, message me and I'll get it for you. It was a game changer for me, and I'm Miss Sunshine.
And lastly, take things one appointment at a time.
And oh, I wish I realized that the treatment would be over in six months (for me). It felt like forever, and then, it was over and the rebuild began.
Welcome. It's natural to be anxious and I feel for and with you.
I can't speak to chemo yet because I'm not due to start mine until next week, but I believe the surgery is a life saver and quite doable.
If you have a choice, you might want to try and see that you are having debulking surgery at a recognized/big gyn. cancer center, or if that is not an option, you could try to look for a surgeon with a good deal of experience with this type of surgery. That will give you peace of mind that you can expect the best possible outcome.
Where you have chemo, and where you have surgery, does not necessarily have to be the same place, so it's your choice.
Hi Tay so sorry you've had cause to join the forum, as you can see, I hope, there's a warm welcome and a great deal of experience, care and support here. It can feel very isolating on top of all the shock and trauma of diagnosis.
There are some great charities where you will find good and considered information. Ovacome has been mentioned and I would also suggest you look at Target Ovarian Cancer's website... their guide 'What Happens Next?' is an incredibly good and holistic resource for women newly diagnosed (and helpful for families and close friends too) targetovariancancer.org.uk/... as well as The Eve Appeal and Ovarian Cancer Action.
You're not alone, wishing you hope and strength, Sx
Just reiterating what all the ladies have said....you will be an ‘expert’ in a few month’s time 🙂 welcome to this very supportive forum ❣️Take it one step/appointment at a time. Linda xx
I’m so sorry that you find yourself here but you’ve come to a warm and welcoming place...I can completely sympathise as I’m also newly diagnosed stage 3 and had surgery two months ago, I started my chemo this week.
It is a terrible shock and it takes a while for it to sink in-for me I’m still getting there- but I can say it does get easier as you get through the surgery (I couldn’t wait as wanted it removed ASAP) then move on with the chemo, I’m feeling better as I know things are happening now to get me back to full health again. And you’ll get there too! Even though you don’t feel it now you will feel stronger eventually and have all the support of the lovely ladies on this site who understand exactly what you’re going through.
Take one day at a time and comfort from your family and friends, you can and will get through this and I’m sending tons of hugs your way Xxx 💕
So sorry you're here,yes it's very scary,I have a muchinous adenocarcinoma tumor, I went on Google, convinced myself that's it,I won't see Christmas,had radical hysterectomy, started on chemo last June, this site is amazing, don't feel like your on your own,as I don't like bringing it up much to family,I will have results from my last CT scan next week,what I'm trying to say is I thought I would never feel happy again,but hope has come back to me,and I feel so much better in my mind,and I never thought I would feel like that again,but I do and for now it's wonderful xxx
Thank you so much for sharing your experiences with me, you are all so positive and I am feeling such warmth and friendliness from you all it’s great to know that I’m not alone fighting this. I will read through the links and site suggestions you have given me. Take care everyone, big hugs to all xx
It’s scary monsters to have a cancer diagnosis especially one like ours because it’s often a while of tolerating discomfort and symptoms before we are taken seriously.
It sounds as if you are getting good care and have a great plan for treatment. It can feel like a long road at first but you will be surprised at how quickly the time goes and before you know it back on your life path. There will be changes along the way I think most of us have a new normal, but it doesn’t have to be too scary
Everyone of us understands your pain right now and are ready with cyber tea, positivity and support
I agree with Tina B1, I know someone who recently had cellulitis, had antibiotics and it cleared in a week.
Once you start your plan, you will feel better, it is the shock and the waiting that does you in. There is a wealth of knowledge and lovely ladies on this site, we all support each other, you are in safe hands,
Fantastic advice and a really warm welcome from our community. We are always here to support you. However much love and support you have from family and friends, it makes a big difference to be able to communicate with others who are going through the same or similar situations and who can truly understand. All the very best Jo,🌼🌹🌻🌺🌸
Hi Tay100, I'm glad you have found this site you will correspond with some amazing ladies,
as usual the ladies have given you good advice, I only want to add remember you are unique and your journey will be yours. I was told when I was diagnosed 3 1/2 years ago that I would see the year out I'm still here and treatment is improving.
If I or the ladies can be of comfort at any time we are here ..Take care Lorraine xx
Sorry you jdvecgound your way into our kooky family but you are surrounded by people here who can help support you. When I was diagnosed I did not know about this forum, and only found it a year later. It’s a godsend.
You are absolutely in shock just now. It’s a huge thing to get your head around, and for your family too. Do not feel you need to be strong for anyone else. First sbd foremost you need to look after your own health. Surround yourself with people who can live you and care for you.
I would ring the Ovacome helpline to start with. They are really kind and knowledgable. Also, ring or speak to your CNS. They do this all the time, and they will be a superb influence on you. A counsellor could also REAALY help. My advice is that you find one that is specifically trained for this type of thing. A general one won’t ‘ get it’. Your GP can help or Macmillan advice lines are also amazing.
This shock will ebb away as you get started on treatment. Try to go forward a day at a time.
Complimentary therapies and meditation were the thing that helped me the most: hypnotherapy, reiki, yoga (recently), deep tissue massage..
Tsy--what everyone else has said here covers it--just another voice to say welcome and you found a great place to ask questions, voice concerns, and get amazing support, both factual and emotional. I was where you are almost two years ago and the day I found out, my husband and I cried together--I think he did more than I. Telling our [grown] kids and family was hard too but the love and support we all shared after the fact made each day of tests and/or treatment easier. Except for the debulking surgery I worked through it all, kept up my exercising and after getting into "the routine", socialized as much as I wanted to as well (knew when I could and when I couldn't). I started on google and quickly learned NOT to google. Most articles are completely outdated and so many new treatments are being discovered every year. One day at a time, reach out for support as often as you need, and make sure you focus on you right now. (And when friends or family want to help, let them! They feel better when they can do things for you and it certainly can help you and hubby too).
Hi there and welcome to the club even though you'd rather not have been a member.
Many of us have felt the same way you do. It's frightening and all sorts of things go through your mind. I just wanted to say I was diagnosed in 2013 with stage 3C had the op and chemo and am still here to tell the tale.
You'll have your ups and downs through treatment but you can get through it and come out the other side and back to normal. Also, it's okay to not be strong all the time.
I’m so sorry to hear that you’ve had to go through this. It does sound like things are moving relatively fast which is both scary and also good that things are happening. Stay positive, you did the right thing having your pain checked out and now you’re being taken care of. Here’s hoping for a great result from chemo. And an effective surgery/debulking. The ladies on this site are amazing!! And can be such a huge relief to hear their hopeful stories. Love and light to you xx
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