What next

[woolton]

Seen chemo dr yesterday ad advised scan was clear but still need to fiish 3 cycles of chemo - really delighted - but cant help but worrying about what happens next , do I get monitored every couple of months, am I cured, will it come back , should of asked all these questions yesterday but did not as I was so overwhelmed with the news

[Hidden]

Hello,

Great news that your scan is clear. They like you to finish the chemo as 'insurance' as the scan cannot identify microscopic disease. Depending on the nature and extent of your disease, they will pronounce you as being 'in remission' at the end of your chemo, and you will be monitored (bloods, examination and scans as needed) every 2 or 3 months for the first year or two, then 6 monthly - or even annually, if all is going well after 3 years.

If your blood has been a good marker for your disease, you can also ask your GP to test you when you feel you want to know - mine was happy to do this, and I really appreciated it at the outset when I was really afraid.

Will it come back? Well; your Oncologist is the person to ask about that - or at least, your GP; but I think that there are lots of things you can do to support your immune system, and protect yourself. It very much depends upon why you succumbed to disease in the first place, how your disease was, and how successful your treatment has been.

I hope you never have to deal with it again, and that you are cured.

Very best wishes,

Isadora.

[woolton]

this has answered my questions thank you so much , also thank you for your best wishes x

[citrine]

Hello

I was told after the op that I was almost certainly cancer free but had another 3 cycles of chemo. As Isadora says "for insurance".

I finished my treatment at the end of January this year and now have 3 monthly check ups with a CA 125 test each time. When I got the all clear scan, my consultant told me that whilst he couldn't promise me that the cancer would never come back, he was optimistic and that I must live my life on the assumption that it wouldn't, otherwise I would be paralysed. I found that this really helps me to live in the moment. (Although, since I've been on this site, I've been inspired by those ladies who are on their second and third remission and realised that all is still not lost even if it comes back.)

Congratulations on getting to where you are. Good luck with the rest of the chemo. After its finished, relax and enjoy yourself.

Much love

Mary xxx

[woolton in reply to citrine]

thanks mary suppose it will always be at the back of mind but I am not going to let it rule my life, if it comes back then thats another fight but at the moment the thought of my body being clear is a great feeling x

[wendydee]

All the very best, Woolton! I was checked every month at first, then three-monthly, then six-monthly then yearly. I have been well for nearly ten years now, so I hope that you will get good results like this

As you say, concentrate on enjoying life and there is loads of info on healthy eating, supporting your immune system etc on the "search" button at the top of the page. I hope you will find enjoyment in your new healthy regime!

Love Wendy xx

[woolton in reply to wendydee]

thanks wendy for this encouraging message and that you have been in remission for so long this is very encouraginng xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx