Recurring ovarian cancer?

[Brunette82]

Hi I’m new on here. Has anyone had a unilateral salpingo-oopherectomy and had the cancer recur?

I was diagnosed with Stage 1a Adeno carcinoma at 26, in 2008. It took a while to be seen as I was so young and my main symptom was irregular bleeding until the cyst grew to 19 cm and 3 and a half pounds. Blood tests were all normal levels throughout.

As I had no children at this time, they took the affected ovary and Fallopian tube and went in to remove my appendix and gave me this diagnosis. I have had a small cyst on my other ovary since 2011, with some dispute whether it’s the same cyst at my regular scans, or a new one each time. It’s gradually grown and I’m pretty sure it’s the same cyst. We have been very fortunate to have two healthy boys, now almost 3 years and 8 months old.

Earlier this month I started bleeding irregularly so went back through my GP. We have moved areas so I was unsure of the procedure. An ultrasound shows a haemorragic cyst of 3.5 x 3.9 cm on my ovary.

I’m waiting to be discussed at the MDT meeting on Wed, and to be fair, I have not had to wait long to be seen.

I just have this gut feeling that this is a repeat of last time. Of course I want to marginalise and look on the bright side but when you’ve been there already that’s hard.

I just keep remembering my Consultant telling me the ovaries are identical twins and this is partly why they keep you under observation.

The potential consequences just feel so much more dire now we have our boys. I’m desperate to be round to raise them but I’m struck by the ache of having no control over what’s occurring in my body right now and how even a short wait could have an impact.

[ShropshireJo]

Hello and welcome to the place where we’d rather not be but where there is loving support and advice when we need it. I can understand how concerned you must be, we’ve all been there but it’s good to know you’re getting speedy attention. I’ve no direct experience as I had a full hysterectomy on diagnosis and chemo afterwards for 1c. I was fine for 8 years before it recurred so it does happen and you have been very sensible to get yourself checked out. I know it’s very hard but try not to worry too much until you know that there is something to worry about (almost impossible but worth trying!) There are more options available these days and there are many of us living well for much longer. All the very best. Jo 🌺🌼🌸🌻🌹

[Brunette82 in reply to ShropshireJo]

Thank you Shropshirejo, it means a lot to have found somewhere I can be understood. And being positive is very important

[delia2]

I know you have a lot more at stake now with children but that’s all the more reason to pursue this aggressively and make sure you get treatment if needed. Xoxo

[Brunette82 in reply to delia2]

Yes I think you’re right. It’s not my nature to put myself forward with things but I know I have to. Want to marginalise it in the hopeiys nothing but know I can’t afford to do that. Thank you x

[Yoshbosh]

It’s hard, Brunette82, but like Jo says, try not to worry too much at the moment. I hope the MDT meeting comes back to you quickly with feedback, but follow up if you don’t hear anything for a couple of days.

My kids are a little older than yours, at 10 and 6, but it scares me on a daily basis that I have cancer and they have to deal with it. They give me a good reason to put one foot in front of the other each day!

As my mother in law would say, “keep your pecker up” and know that we are all here to support you.

Vicki xxx

[Brunette82]

Thank you. It helps to know other real people are doing it and coping. Without the kids to keep me so busy I don’t know how I’d get to Wed as my mind is racing with it all. Take care x

[Hidden]

Hello there. I can't help you directly but I hope to help you feel more positive over possible outcomes that are worrying you.

First of all, a short wait does not have impact. When disease returns, the doctors often want to wait (watch & wait) before they begin treatment.

I was diagnosed with stage 3c ovarian cancer just over 7 years ago. Being 3c, the cancer had, of course, begun its journey. The hospital was quick to diagnose and quick to operate and I've had no problems with the care I've received following. It recurred after 18 months. Back on the chemo plus a trial drug. That trial drug is still keeping me healthy. I am well. I am able to do basically all I want to do.

So after 7 years, no one would know anything was wrong with me if they didn't already know. A lot has changed since 2008; there are many new drugs available and others in the pipe-line. Good luck for Wednesday. Best wishes. Pauline

[Brunette82]

Thank you Pauline, it’s helpfulto hear from a real person with their own experience of this. Take care