Hi My name is amanda I have ovarian cancer

[amandanewe2]

Hi my name is amanda I have been diagnosed with ovarian cancer at the age of 56. At the moment I am unsure after my next chemotherapy and Ct scan what the future plan of care is. I get quite lonely at times as i am used to working 5 days a week as a practice nurse so miss the banter and commardarie that it brings.

[Lyndy]

Hi Amanda and welcome!

Someone told me that my world would shrink as I went through treatment...she was right! However....here I am almost 3 years later...working, Chelsea FS with a friend last Friday and fit enough to walk and ride when I want. I won’t lie...Cancer has changed me, I will never be that pre-cancer person again but looking forward to my 59 birthday in July and my daughters graduation-which I didn’t think I would see. xx Lyndall

[amandanewe2 in reply to Lyndy]

thank you so much that has really helpped ive read your post about 5 x it has inspired me thank you again

[Hidden]

Welcome to the site. It is a lonely business, especially at the start. I hope you find it a source of experience and friendship, as many of us have.

[Barbara123]

Hi Amanda and welcome

You will find this site a wonderful resource, so many amazing women, who will cheer you when you down and offer their experienced advice to help you on your journey, good luck with your next step. Warm wishes B❤️

[Manchesterlady]

Hi Amanda , this is a wonderful site with lots of lovely ladies offering support and advise. I’m new to this horrible disease , but have learned so much . There is always someone to help , even in the darkest times . X

[Coldethyl]

Hi - sorry you’ve had to join the site but welcome - I’ve found like many things in life , your experience of cancer is what you make it - i won’t say be positive or that you’re a brave warrior as I hate all that language but if you can find happiness and joy in the little everyday things , it does make what is a shit situation a bit easier - so could you meet one of your colleagues for a coffee or ask a friend to accompany you to chemo etc ? Or hook up on twitter or Instagram with the wider cancer community - although I’ve ovarian c , I’ve found so much in common with men and women going through treatment who have shared their stories on there - I can’t recommend the podcasts youmeandthebigc on bbc radio highly enough - cancer is scary ( and if I’m honest ovarian c is bloody scary ) but there’s support out there and here xxx

[Seasun36-uk]

Hi Amanda, welcome to this supportive, informative site. I am a nurse & I also worked in a GP surgery - and miss it! But my colleagues were great, two visited me regularly even at my most poorly times. The others kept in touch via texts, cards etc. I decided - after much much consideration - to apply for medical retirement, which is now going through. Retirement is a whole new world! Thankfully I am well at present, although always achey! Take each step as it comes & concentrate on keeping as well as you can through treatment &/or surgery. This site answers so many questions & gives so much support. Linda 🌸🌺

[BeeWild]

Hi Amanda and welcome to the site none of us wanted to be joining but that said I have found the support, advice and feelings of warmth and genuine concerns the best way to get through this awful diagnosis and treatment !

The girls on here have a knowledge and experience base second to none x

Don’t be afraid to ask anything we talk bowels, burps and all manner of lovely topics and there is always someone making you giggle with their wit and banter x

Once again welcome xx

Bev

[BellmoreBelle]

I am back to working my 5 day week and at a bigger and better College than before my diagnosis. I'm through the other side and my lasting legacy is the almighty scar which divides me neatly in two and a thick crop of curls which replaced the slight wave I had. Each day as it comes, I'm doing all the things I used to AND picking up on things I dropped along the way. My band is about to go back into the recording studio with a song I wrote about my experience... life is what you make of it, the future is uncertain, I live for the now.

[Cropcrop]

Welcome to our lovely gang Amanda, it can be a lonely time during diagnosis and treatment even with a huge support system in place, it’s a whole new experience that not too many people, even your nearest and dearest, can share with you but we can. We’re all fully paid up members and we know just how you feel, there’s no question or observation that somebody here can’t empathise with and have just the right reply for you.

Once you finish treatment and have all your results in your care team will advise you about the next steps going forward.

I’m now 4 years on from diagnosis and living my life to the fullest I possibly can. You become a new person post cancer and never quite go back to being the person you once were but there are lots of us living our new ‘normal’ and I hope you do too and are able to share your experiences and also help other ladies on here.

I hope your CT scan has good results for you, keep in touch and let us know how you are getting on. Keep as well as you can be lovely ❤️Xx Jane

[Maxjor]

Just wanted to welcome you Amanda and to let you know this group consists of amazing ladies (and some partners, children of patients) who know how you feel in all different stages of your path. I thought no one could possibly understand what I was going through but found my closest friends and relatives learned what to do, or say, or not say, and you adjust to how you feel about the rest. Then I found this site and no explanations or learning curve required! It's also a great place to ask questions or even give advice yourself from what you are going through.

Sorry you have to be here, but glad you are on this site. oxox

[ZenaJ]

Hi Amanda, I'm here after being diagnosed in 2013 with Stage 3C. I was told my hair would definitely fall out, I used the cold cap and it didn't. I was given a long list of possible side effects with chemo and luckily didn't get many of those. We're all different and don't know the future with or without cancer. A positive attitude helps.

If you need any help or advice there's plenty out there. This site is great for advise or where you can get it.

Your world hasn't ended you've just taken a different path.

Best wishes, Zena xx

[amandanewe2 in reply to ZenaJ]

thank you i have stage 3c too i am also lucky not tio have many side effects except fatigue but only for a week post chemo then i'm ok.i have just started to access support groups and just reading peoples comments to my message has helped so much

thanks again

xxx

[ZenaJ in reply to amandanewe2]

Keep us up with your news and don't forget we're all here for you. xx

[Neona]

Hi Amanda, Welcome to this forum where you will find lots of new friends and plenty of advice and help. My world has certainly shrunk after not being able to continue to work but my friends and family have been very supportive . I find this forum is a lifeline and read it every day and try to contribute whenever I feel well enough.

[gmangen]

Hi Amanda and welcome.....you have received a ton of good support on this site already and it will only continue thru each step! My only input...don't let cancer define each day. It is part of our day, for sure. But we have to have more. I for one am looking for the young buck that will shake up the cancer world. My cancer, carcinasarcoma, is quite rare and not a lot of approved treatments. But I am confident there is a young buck out there that wants to shake up the cancer world! After all, what do we have to loose?

It is sunny in New Orleans today, about 90 degrees , and I plan to run errands, do some gardening, make a Costco run and have dinner with a friend. A pretty regular day. Definitely not a cancer day! You will have them too!

Hugs to you. It gets better.

[amandanewe2 in reply to gmangen]

thank you. my life is full with 3 wonderful dogs and a supporting family including an amazing fiance its now after 3 months since diagnosis and i am now strong enough to accept help that's out there im just a bit nervous about the ct scan in 2 weeks and what that says but ill cope and i love this site it has helped me so much

you are so lucky to be in the sun xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

[babyboy1 in reply to amandanewe2]

Hi Amanda, welcome to the site! I've just joined too! I understand where you're coming from re waiting for scan as I've got one coming up in 3 weeks but as I'm feeling so well I'm going to go with that - letting my body tell me how I am! Meanwhile I just went on a weekend women's retreat with all my friends, went away in May to our son in the Sunshine Coast and planning to go again in August and to Uluru (Ayers Rock resort) camping in October! Enough from me, but happy to chat any time! Take care, xxxDawn!🌺🌺🐞🐞

[Madmarilyn]

Hi, sorry you've had to come on here, but you'll find much support, realism, jollity and practicality too, and you will get through this and learn to live with it!

You'll feel at first as though the rug's been pulled, but you'll then find out who your friends really are, discover those who really step up, and will find them in unusual places.

As one in two of us will have cancer, you'll be amazed at how many of your social circle are affected when you mention your situation - but beware the cancer horror stories some insensitive souls will want to regale you with, and stick to supportive and informative forums like this rather than searching outdated stats on DrGoogle! I've realised that cancer affects each person in an individual way, and your cancer is unlike anyone else's, so take heart in new developments, recent publicity from the likes of Tessa Jowell demanding better funding etc., & inform yourself so you can challenge your doctor (politely!) and have an input into their treatment plans for you. I'm 54 & was diagnosed last year with granulosa cell tumour, a rare form they said was slow growing & rarely recurred. Mine wasn't and has, but I've just come back from two weeks in Florida, & am feeling physically fine with no real side effects from the drugs I'm on. I know I'm lucky, and I have learnt to appreciate the little things.

Take heart, there are many if us out there rooting for you and doing OK! I loved a thread on stupid/insensitive things people say about cancer and have revisited often - you'll get a twisted sense of humour having joined this club, but we can still laugh a lot!!

[juliamillen]

Welcome to this site, Amanda. After 7 months of treatment which I tolerated well, (like you) and the big scar running all the way down my midriff I am now able to do some gentle exercise. After nearly 5 weeks in bed post op I never could imagine regaining my strength .Friends have pulled out the stops and do shopping or bring food. Time can weigh heavily on my hands but it is good to read about other people’s experience. I hope you find this site uplifting

[amandanewe2 in reply to juliamillen]

i really do its been inspirational thank you xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

[Debonair1]

Hi Amanda,

Can only sgtee with what all the other ladies say.

Welcome to the site. Another useful one on Facebook is ovarian cancer U.K..

Wishing you all the best with the rest of your treatment.

Xxx

[Orsolini]

Hello Amanda - i have returned to work part time and live life pretty normally despite the many, many medical appointments. The uncertainty is so hard but life becomes very precious. Good luck, this site is a wonderful source of help - Nicola

[amandanewe2 in reply to Orsolini]

thank you ive printed off the replies ive had and it has helped my family as well as me. Do you go to a group session anywhere I'm off to one on monday so ill see if it helps

thank you again xx

[coksd]

Welcome Amanda it is awful at the start but it becomes the new normal in a weird sort of way, Be kind to yourself, your world has been turned upside down, I don't know if you would find holistic therapies good but I found mindfulness and reflexology great and connecting with the other lovely ladies on here and with friends on social media as I had my treatment during the winter I had to avoid a lot of people during flu season. Eat well when you can, exercise - a short walk when you can enjoy been outdoors and spending time with family and friends I have done the first cycle of chemo for stage 4 ppc cancer I was fit to literally die last November when diagnosed I thought that was it for me but today i just got back from a week in spain hang in there I had lots of good days this year my kids birthday and one communion I missed work too now I am used to it. there is always support here if you need to talk

[amandanewe2 in reply to coksd]

thank you hugs xxx i am having a course of reiki and going on a mindfulness course plus volunteered at a local dogs shelter where i feel total peace cuddling the dogs i do love my family and have become closer to them but my pets of whom i have 3 dogs a cat and 20 koi carp do help thank you again xxxxx

[Alifit]

Hi Amanda.

I have read all the replies to your post and can only agree with all the sentiments expressed. No one wants to be here, but finding this site certainly helps me through difficult times. I hope all is well with your results, best wishes, Ali x