Serous borderline tumor

[kristinaapril]

Hi ladies,

Where to start? I had surgery on September 16th - initially started as laparoscopic removal of fallopian tubes and left ovary (with a 5cm cyst). Surgeon thought everything looked good and while he was stitching me up - pathology in OR indicated a borderline tumor. Ended up having a radical hysterectomy (at age 29), omentectomy, multiple lymph nodes removed for staging, and peritoneal biopsies for staging. Surgeon is on vacation until next week (I am so appreciative that he got me in for consult and surgery in under a month) so I was planned to find out final results, staging, and treatment plan on October 4th.

Fast forward to today - I logged onto my patient portal through my local hospital due to being told there was outstanding balance (I'm from the US - $7000 in medical debt from the last month) and it took me to the "new results" portion of the website. I went to close out but not before seeing "serous borderline tumor". I didn't scroll through the pages to find final staging as I wished to find this information from my oncologist next Tuesday.

I know I'm quite lucky for having a borderline tumor as many ladies don't. However, there is something quite scary with having a serous tumor as my mom passed away from high grade serous OC three in a half years ago. It's rather hard to process all this and the one person in my life who would understand what I'm going through isn't here because of this damn disease. I know I'll end up getting on with it and doing what is necessary but doesn't life suck sometimes.

Kris x.

[Lyndy2]

Hello, I just wanted to commiserate with you, this really sucks. The tumour, the debt and the fact that your Mom isn’t around for you to talk to…. it’s a lot to deal with when you should be enjoying your young life. But years from now, when you are a long term survivor, you will look back and understand that it was all worth it.. that’s what I wish and hope for you. They found it and took it out. That’s the positive news. Take care xx

[Trickysite]

very loving thoughts to you and a great big hug.

[Tulips66]

Hi kris, I am very sorry you are going through this without your mum by your side. My mother passed away from heart problems when I was 30yrs & I have gone through so much without her & still miss her 26yrs on so I know how you are feeling even though I was 52yrs diagnosed. If you contact Ovacome there is a young persons group as well which might help you better, to chat to women around your own age. I was thinking when you said your mum had Ovarian cancer too, have you been offered genetic testing, if not it's something you should ask your oncologist about because its possible your cancer is hereditary. If you did have the Brca gene this would determine your treatment options. I had this test but luckily I dont have the Brca gene as I have two daughters in their early 20's. They are now at no higher a risk of getting Ovarian or breast cancer than anyone else so I was relieved about this. I just wish you all the best going forward & if you ever want to hear some motherly advice or want support in any way dont hesitate to ask me. You will never be alone when you are on Ovacome as all the ladies on here give great support & advice to each other especially when we are finding things tough. Hugs Xx🌼

[kristinaapril in reply to Tulips66]

Hi Tulips,

Thank you for your kind words. My mom did have genetic testing back in 2017 and she came back negative for any mutations. My maternal aunt also had a wider panel of genetic testing done last year (She was menopausal and due to her sister having OC, it was covered) - and it all came back negative. I'll probably be able to have genetic testing done now (I was denied previously) but Oncologist things that I'll probably come back negative as well. I don't want to scary you but I also was told that I had no increased odds to develop OC when my mom came back negative - but here I go now. I hope you can encourage your daughters to get yearly check ups (ultrasounds or ca125) as this is how my tumor was found.

Kris x

[Tulips66 in reply to kristinaapril]

My paternal aunt & her daughter both had breast cancer but there is no cancer on my mum's side at all so I just have to hope that my girls will be okay. Hopefully you will be tested now & at least then you will know whether or not you have the gene. All the best

[delia2]

Hi Kris, I am so sorry you’re facing this at such a young age but you should be a very long term survivor. The others have given you good advice. I’m sending hugs. I don’t know a lot about medical bills like yours but in the US an organization called Cancer Care has social workers who can advise you. Xx

[kristinaapril in reply to delia2]

I unfortunately don't qualify for medical assistance because hubby and I somehow make to much money. Apparently, they use a 'generous' poverty limit of 200% which is $38k - but I'm not sure how anyone can afford to live on just that in my area. I'm pretty content of just paying $50 a month for however long to pay it off.