Newly diagnosed

I've just been diagnosed with stage 2b. I'm only 38 so it's come as a huge shock. Have had surgery, chemo starts soon. Any words of advice would be welcome to help me get through these early days! Are there any 'younger' (pre-menopausal) members out there?

[Hidden]

Hi Rachel,

I think there are probably more of us than you might imagine! There is probably lots and lots of advice that we could all give, based on our own personal experiences, but I would say that the main thing is to take each day as it comes; don't expect too much of yourself (your body has been through major trauma and has yet to cope with chemo), but above all, try to remain positive. Having nice treats to focus on outside of chemo is great (a weekend away, a girlie lunch, etc). There is life outside of chemo and it will help you get through it!

Good luck and keep in touch with us,

Gill J

[wendydee]

Hi Rachel,

Sorry to hear that you've had this diagnosis, but a lot of us get through with a strengthened sense of appreciation of the things that matter in life! I totally agree with what Gill has said. Just concentrate on keeping yourelf spoiled and having the occasional treat when you feel like it. It really is time to concentrate on you! I'm an oldie but I was pre-menopausal when I had my hysterectomy with all the other bits taken out when I was 52. That was 8 years ago. I had HRT for a little while but now cope with hot flushes by using alternative therapies, best of which is a magnet, (Ladycare) I can give you details, if you want, at a later stage. I can honestly say I feel great now. You will get through this scary time, and I'm sure all the support you'll get from Ovacome will help you too.

Keep in touch. All the very best to you,

Love Wendy x

[Nikie]

Hi Rachel

I am 35 and like you I am newly diagnosed. I am scheduled to have a total hysterectomy in 2 weeks. Followed by some aggressive chemotherapy.

Some days (even hours) I ebb and other days (hours) I flow.

As my surgery is not complete I have not had my cancer staged yet but I always try and focus on the fact that it has been caught early (I hope!).

I hope you have someone close to you who can give you that extra big cuddle when you are having a bad day. No words can change what is happening but I find a big cuddle comforting and soothing.

I also tell myself every day that I am going to be ok, I am just gonna be poorly for a bit and I tell my teenage daughter that cancer has come into my life but it's not taking over it!

Good luck and keep me updated on how you are doing, you are not alone!

Nikie xxx

[Hidden in reply to Nikie]

what a fantastic way of putting it to your daughter, it does take over for a while in particular whilst having the treatment but the people at the treatment centre became a part of my mums and my life and when she finished the chemo she actually missed the team of nurses etc up there and wanted to go back and thank them which she did, it is hard to watch somebody you love go through this but the support network is amazing, and the best advice we were told is by the doctors who said that the positive and focused people were always the ones that did well

[Hidden]

Thank you girls. I had a 3 week wait between surgery, when I was told 'it looks like cancer', and a definite diagnosis. That was a difficult time as I didn't feel I could access any support. I had all the usual 'why me' feelings and felt very alone. I wish none of us had to deal with this, but if we can help each other at difficult times then what a great resource this is! Thank you so much for the advice.

Rachel x

[dundeegirl]

Hi Rachel!

Just to say hi, yes, there are 'younger' folks out there! I know diagnosis (which can't ever be easy) was a big shock to me, as the medics first thought I was too young to have ovarian tumours. It's really comforting to know though that other women have been through the same thing. I find the ovacome network really a lifeline.

Also, I don't know if you have a Maggie's centre anywhere near you? they've been a great help also. or maybe there's something similar where you are - I'm sure there are lots of grassroots organisations out there.

Just to echo your respondents below too - I've had to learn to be more gentle with myself through having this illness, and to really treat myself! It doesn't always have to be something big, but even just a nice cuppa and a silly magazine can be a good break.

Hope you're getting on well with chemo, let me know how you get on,

lots of love

Cat

xxx

[Hidden in reply to dundeegirl]

Thanks Cat, I've been enjoying your blog - one of the things that has made me feel less alone these past 3 months! Great that you're back at work now.

I too was told 'not to worry' as there was such a small chance that the cyst would be malignant at my age. The surgeon said confidently 'Don't worry, I won't be having that conversation with you'. Two days later he rang to tell me my ca-125 was 1,200!

First chemo 2 weeks ago was fine, but now my hair is coming out - aaaggghhh!

Rachel xx