new diagnosed ovarian cancer

[annmary12]

I would like to introduce myself I have recently been diagnosed with stage 4 Ovarian cancer almost 7 weeks ago. I have had two sessions of chemotherapy but I am struggling

[Margiedolly]

Dear Annmary12, I'm sorry you have been having a hard time! Right now, you need to be surrounded by people who care about you! Also, people who can pray for you, and pamper you too!

Does your oncologist have social support programs available? Support groups, art therapy and diet tips for chemo patients can make things go easier! So can personal counseling.

When I got my 3c diagnosis 10 years ago, I asked several loved ones and professionals to be "on my team". I can't tell you how much this helped! Also, someone really close to you can help you organize your team.

Please keep us posted on your progress!

💖Margaret

[annmary12 in reply to Margiedolly]

Thank you very much for your reply I am based in London and the hospital is the University College Hospital why have chemotherapy there is a cancer group but not specifically for ovarian cancer been run at the hospital

If you have any suggestions please let me know I am due to have one further chemotherapy prior to the consideration for surgery.

[Jeff007c]

Dear Annmary12:

I have not posted here before, just reading the posts of others, but Annmary12, your post triggered something in me to post.

At about the same time as your diagnosis, my wife was also diagnosed with Stage 4 OC. She too, has done 2 chemos, and will do a third this Friday. The dr. said the turmors were to big to operate on first, so will use chemo to shrink them, and then the operation, and then more chemo.

We are lucky that she has a team that has provided not only medical, but emotional support, such as a psychologist. And friends and family have helped a lot. But I know she is scared deep-down inside, and I am at times a bundle of worries (which I don't show to her, at least not much). If it helps, our gyn/onc said that they now view advanced OC as a chronic disease to be treated and managed.

But as Margiedolly said, it is important to have someone to lean on. I am glad that I can play that role for my wife.

I don't know if posting here helps. Please do.

Jeff

[annmary12 in reply to Jeff007c]

Thank you it is a frightening time I have been surprised by the lack of face-to-face support for ovarian cancer. Up to 8 weeks ago I was at work full-time feeling very unwell however managing. So it's the diagnosis combined with the lack of support specifically for people who have already been through this journey can be really helpful. There must be loads of women who are not at work who have ovarian cancer

[hellore1]

Hi annmary12,

I also have not posted on here before. I am being treated for recurrent endometrial cancer. And yes, I was a mess in the beginning but seem to have more good days than bad-as far as dealing with fear and negative thoughts.

My best advice is do not hesitate to take an anti anxiety medication and eventually I began taking lexapro. I am on very small dose as prescribed by the psychiatrist that works with my cancer center. I was hesitant to take something at first, but the I believe it has given me a sense of normalcy.

That and my faith have (and my husband) have gotten me through the tough times. God bless you and stay strong(easier sai than done)

hellore1

[Northrop]

Hi Annmary, I would like to be of some help as I have gone through 6 Chemo's for Ovarian stage 4 cancer. It was very hard for me but I learned many tricks in handiling the challenges it presents;. Constipation, severe abdomal pain due to constipation, lack of sleep, loss of appetite, fatigue, bone pain, etc.. I had to have surgery before Chemo because my tumor grew so rapidly. Recovery from surgery and taking chemo at the same time took a real toll on my body but I made it. Unfortunately, 5 months later the cancer has returned. I start Rubraca tomorrow with the hope it will bring my CA 125 back to the normal range and give me another rest from maintenance treatment. I Was tested for the Braca mutation which I don't have but my tumor did have the mutation. This makes taking Rubraca orally twice a day the right treatment for my case. Time will tell but I feel positive about it. Tell your story and everyone here will support you anyway they can. Northrop

[annmary12 in reply to Northrop]

Thank you for your thoughtful response it seems you've been on such a journey it's an inspiration to hear from you thank you again

[Middz]

Hi annmary12, I don't know if you are still reading replies to your post which was some time ago, and I hope that and that you've been supported and not felt the need to look here. But if not, I too have Stage 4C incurable platinum refractory OC with a pretty awful prognosis on the stats. I'm also a patient at UCLH Macmillan so we've maybe even seen each other without realising! I have been having psychological support at the hospital - organised through my CNS and the Enhanced Support Service (which is like palliative care). I have been finding it really helpful in dealing with issues of fear, grief, sorrow at my loss of career (which, like you, I have felt deeply) and my now drastically shortened life. I get many, many very dark and tearful days - like today, hence coming here and seeing your post - but when I'm not dealing with anything medical I often have joy, fun, or even just a gently peaceful time. It may be that I end up following the advice above and get some anti-anxiety medication - I can definitely feel it rising and rising as I get ever closer to the 'statistical end game' and I don't want to ruin what time I have by being paralysed by fear and grief. Do consider psychological support - it really helps me and I'm sure it's there for you. Much love 💗