I'm new to this site...so here goes ladies! I was diagnosed in July last year with OC stage 1A, grade 2....

today I finished my sixth chemo session, although I've had a bumpy ride with it due to reactions I've had to carboplatin. I've been told to expect an appointment for a scan in the next few weeks...feeling pretty uncertain right now,how do you ladies cope? you all seem pretty upbeat!

[Hidden]

Hi Luanna,

Welcome to the club no one wants to join, the good news is that they have caught it early, and of course you have finished chemo too, so from now on the only way is up....the people on here are a fantastic support...the key is to not always think of the worse scenario and in your case there are a lot of good things ie caught early/ chemo finished so you really have been through the worse bit (although it might not feel that way) now you have had the chance to reflect....I think the shock sets in but you will get through it...it is just one day at a time......Sending you my best wishes love x G x

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Thank you Gwyn for your reassurance, I've been in and out of the site for a few weeks, just taking in what you ladies have said...but this is my first posting...glad I've finally taken the plunge to introduce myself x

[Whippit]

Dear Luanna

I was really delighted to hear that your Ovarian Cancer has been caught at stage 1a because there's every chance that the treatment you've had will now be the end of a frightening journey. There's really no way of knowing but it is good news and the chances are the best that anyone could hope for.

I hope all our meanderings haven't worried you too much. Most women diagnosed with Ovarian Cancer are at a stage where there's little hope of a complete cure. I hope the posts haven't been more of a worry to you than a support.

It's brilliant you've now finished your course of carbo-platin. I had that about 18 months ago with similar allergic reactions and it wasn't at all bad - very few side-effects. Now you have to take time to recover from the trauma of the last six months and be kind to yourself. You've had the most awful shock and you've got through the chemotherapy. I hope with all my heart that this is the end of the worry for you. Hopefully you'll get messages of support from women who have long-term survival from a similar stage and grade.

I wish you all the luck in the world. xxxx Annie

[Hidden in reply to Whippit]

Hi Annie,

It's lovely to have the support here...yes as you have guessed it was a great shock after being told by the surgeons it was a benign cyst and also the results of the MRI scan showing nothing the same, but now hopefully onwards and upwards...the doctors keep telling me how lucky i've been to catch it at such an early stage, but I certainly didn't feel it when first told last July.

Like you, yes I have the allergic reactions towards carboplatin...but after the first few days I feel fine to get on with life, with not a lot of side effects.

Yes I was a bit apprehensive after reading some of the posts as you can imagine...but it's good to have some support from ladies going through the same misgivings as I have...glad to join your group Annie.

Lua xxx

[wendydee]

Hi Luanna!

I'm one of the stage 1women, and have been OK for ten years. I count my blessings daily! I didn't have chemo, so I spent the first few years after my op convinced it would come back. The way they treat OC changes! While not wishing for chemo exactly, I think it would have reassured me. Be reassured! As Gwyn says, they will have caught it early and no-one ever says you're cured, but the outlook is good if things are treated early. As for how to cope....you will find ways, we all do. The support, friendship and fun on here is great. I'm so glad you joined us!

Love Wendy xx

[Hidden in reply to wendydee]

Hello Wendy,

This support site is fantastic, before I had this diagnosis I didn't even know anyone who'd been on chemo, I only wish I'd joined the site earlier to ask questions that were bothering me...with a month between treatments it's been a bit like feeling my way in the dark although I have a very supportive husband and family, it's good to know I can come here for a little advice now and again.

Lua xx

[wendydee in reply to Hidden]

Have you also tried the main Ovacome site? There's loads of info on the fact sheets on there, under the 'resources' tab on the left of the page. Just google Ovacome. It's different to this site, but there are links. Good luck

Live W xx

[suse]

Hi Luanna, I was diagnosed stage 1c in 2010, had surgery and chemo ,carboplatin like you, I have been in remission now for 2and a half years .I still go for check-ups every 6 month and always get a bit nervy, but glad they are still keeping an eye on me. Hope you get good results after your scan,please let us know how you go on .

Best Wishes ,Love Sue xx

[catfanatic]

Hi Lua, good to meet you and wishing you all the very best. This site has been a huge help for me too. Lovely ladies and amazingly supportive. I am in diagnostic phase just now and pretty worried but have gained much comfort from contacts here, Linda x

[charlie12]

Hi Luana

Welcome and so gald you have found us.

In addition to what the other ladies have said , just remember that time is truly a great healer.I had my TAH three years ago next week and have been keeping a diary for most of this intervening time. The difference in terms of improvement between now and even a year ago is huge. You are very recently diagnosed and have had big bumps in the road in terms of reactions to treatments.

Fingers crossed this will be it for you, we all really do learn to live with check ups etc. and so will you. That's not to say that we find them easy all of the time , but this site will make you feel heaps less alone.

Love

Charlie xxx

[Hidden]

Hi Luana. I was stage 1a clear cell and finished chemo almost a year ago. All clear so far and during this year I've really worked at recovering my fitness. I started very gently but I now work out, walk and swim regularly. I'm going to get my bike sorted out soon, or maybe even treat myself to a new one for the longer brighter days. So my energy levels are great but I think we all recognise that this disease changes us quite fundamentally.

I still have my dark moments when 'what if' thoughts creep in but I try very hard to stamp on them and distract myself by keeping busy. And I admit that sometimes I read news on this site that makes me worried and sad. But it's such a strong and supportive community that I wouldn't be without it. I try to be supportive too though occasionally I feel I either have nothing to offer or I just need to step away for a day or two.

That was a very long winded way of saying welcome and join in in whatever way you want to or need to.

With best wishes for a full recovery and a remission without end.

Linda

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Thank you all for your words 0f comfort and support, I feel now that my chemo has come to an end the feelings of uncertainty have come creeping back again...I will be so glad when this mood of mine lifts and I have some kind of normality back in my life...sorry ladies, I'm just feeling a bit down right now.

Lua x