Diagnosis at 80

[Emmasmi]

Hi All,

I'm on here to read positive stories and learn more about OC as my Nan has just been diagnosed . When I say diagnosed, we are still waiting for the actual formal diagnosis and staging which should be today after an MDT meeting.

Story so far.

Had been suffering with what she (and her doctor) thought was diverticulitis for months

Went to hospital 3ish weeks ago due to raised potassium levels after a blood test

This then progressed to 'kidney injury'.... then potential 'kidney failure'

Ascites found in abdomen and a mass they think was coming from ovary but more tests needed

Then developed Sepsis in hospital

Tests were on hold until kidney function improved, thankfully kidney function did improve so it wasn't failure as feared and potassium levels came down. Sepsis under control with antibiotics. Stomach drained so was finding it easier to eat , less sick and much more comfortable. Overall, hospital updates haven't been very good up until now and its a constant waiting game

She was transferred to St Marys Manchester for more tests and hopefully cancer treatment based on the outcome today but blood oxygen has been a little low and small amount of fluid now on lung.

She is 80 but previous to this hospital stint was super active with no real health concerns, went through 2x knee replacements in the last few years and recovered absolutely fine, never really seemed her age and v young at heart.

I guess I want to know if there are any positive stories for older women living a longer and enriched life after OC Diagnosis, I am hoping her health regarding the other conditions sorts 100% out so we can focus on cancer treatment but I still really worry that there has been decline in hospital that just wasn't apparent even 3/4 weeks ago. I can't help feel that the struggle she has faced recently isn't actually the cancer but all the other stuff thats gone on (kidney function, dehydration, infection, various medications) as I didn't think cancer would ever be that aggressive in a matter of weeks or am I wrong? I worry that doctors will view all her current issues as a factor against treatment.

Any advice or similar stories appreciated xx

[lesleysage]

Hello Emmasmi,

Oh dear, your Nan sounds to have been through the mill and for quite a while, poor lady. She must really appreciate your love and support. To help and guide you, talking with the Ovacome Support team (0800 008 7054) or have look at their information sheets (ovacome.org.uk/) may help you work out what to do for the best for her while you look after yourself?

Most of us find it very hard to look after ourselves but it is so important when you want to care for and support someone else. Take time to be kind to yourself as well as your Nan.

Warm wishes x

[Rankij11]

I think the sneaky thing with OC when you are older, is that it can progress extensively and you still feel relatively ok , putting the odd symptoms down to old age . . Obviously your Nan needs to know exactly where she is on this . To cheer you up you.can be old and have advanced OC and still do well .

Hope you get some good news soon

Jennifer

[Mund2121]

My mother in law was diagnosed with HGSOC stage 3C in December 2018. She was 78. She had and still has a host of other health issues unrelated to OC. When she was first diagnosed I didn’t think she would see Easter. She underwent 6 gruelling rounds of chemotherapy . They decided against debulking surgery due to her age etc. So far no recurrence and she remains well nearly 5 years post diagnosis.

Amanda

[Trickysite]

Hi, I was 74 at diagnosis with stage 4b Oc. I sailed through 6 rounds of. chemo and a 10 hour operation to become NED, no evident disease. Ok, it wasn’t a picnic but entirely do able. I have now been on Olaparib for 15 months. It took 6 months to get the dose down to manageable side effects but since when have been on 2 holidays abroad. I lead a normal life apart from needing a stick to walk as chemo side effect of neuropathy has affected my walking. I have never felt any age discrimination by doctors re: treatment. I walk for an hour every day. Take heart! The fact that your nan was so fit before will help. Anyone of any age who had been through you nan’s Recent rough time would look frail. With hope that things become a lot smoother for her. Emma x

[delia2]

Hi. I totally understand your concerns that the doctors might not go all out on cancer treatment if your nan seems too weak or sick. A lot of that is driven by the patient. If she has a strong will to do what’s available she should be able to. And her age will not stop her from recovering. My father had colon cancer at 82 and went on to lead a long and active life until age 97!

[AuntyOrange]

How lucky is she to have you on her team. I'm 71 & now on immunotherapy after diagnosis in 2015 + 2 recurrences. My mum was diagnosed with bowel cancer in 2015 with no recurrences since & she'll be 95 in July. A close friend of mine had breast cancer last year & a double mastectomy, I'm going to her 94th bday party next Sunday. We old broads are pretty tough & it sounds like your Nan is one of us too. Give Nan my love & keep some for yourself. XXX

[Emmasmi]

Thanks everyone for responding, your comments have helped me and family over the last few days. I'm happy to hear you are all doing well

They told us on Friday she has high grade Serous OC but didn't mention a stage number, they said it looked like it was in the ovary and spread to the stomach lining. The plan then was to get her stats on the correct level, keep improving kidney function so she can go to Christies. The consultant said this cancer type was the most common and they had lots of treatment options so this was good to hear.

A few problems have happened since then however, fluid build up again, meds making her confused, blood oxygen dropped further, blood transfusion to help with energy levels, not eating/drinking enough and kidney function has dropped again. She has also been incredibly tired (sleeping most of the day) a consultant mentioned it may be the cancer has spread further in the last couple of days (again this seemed odd to me). She had another drain yesterday, one for abdomen and the other for the lung so I am really hoping that helps her progress the right way again. The next few days are crucial, she will be on antibiotics throughout and the key is getting her kidneys stable for chemo. I'm just really hoping we can get her to Christies!

Thanks again everyone and hope you are all doing well <3