I saw my chemo doc yesterday after my recent surgery on July 8th. They removed a mass just like the first time in April 2017, stage 1c high grade serous. I have endometriosis and that allowed the cells to mutate into OC again. I start chemo in three weeks but, this time, we are hoping for another 2-3 years before another recurrence OR, unlikely, but it could never recur. I am having a hard time digesting this. Your thoughts would be appreciated since you all are in the midst of this as well. Thanks.
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SDlady
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I think recurrence is something we all live with; whether it has happened to us or not. I know I hold my breath every 6 months for scan results. I try to remind myself to thank God for each day I’m here with my husband and 2 daughters. Cross each bridge as it presents itself. I don’t look too far into the future. Just so happy to be living today 🦋
Everyone is different, I’ve been on this site for almost 2 years and know that everyone has their own journey. Easier said then done but you must believe in yourself and how strong you are. I’ll be praying for you 🙏🏽
It's your journey and you will find a way. You have already started the first steps. I always think it's a bit like climbing a steep hill, head down, one step in front of the other and suddenly your at the top and the view is amazing. Your doctor's sound really positive so I'm hoping this will lead to a long, long remission. As always you have my thoughts and prayers. Jackie x
I have not recurred (... and I'm always humbly conscious to say "yet"), but I am aware of several ladies in my Facebook support group who have shared over time that they have been NED for years, even after a recurrence. So...... what if something AWESOME happens??? Seriously, why couldn't that be you, right?? If they can reach NED after recurrence, so can you. Just concentrate on doing your best to support this current treatment for now, and tomorrow will take care of itself. Because, today, you have hope that NED is in your future. And it still can be. Blessings and well wishes to you.
Yes! I’m with you. The information we are given is typically based on statistics. I’ve trained myself to mentally respond by saying: But what if I’m in the 20 percent, or the 5 percent etc that stays healthy. So far this is working for me, and is giving me some positive and (relatively) anxiety free time. I’m also very aware of the importance of staying humble and incredibly grateful to my doctors for saving my life and giving me more time and the best chance possible. Good luck!
Sorry to hear that, that on the other hand it's just part of the roller coaster ride. I was diagnosed in December of 14 and am currently on maintenance chemo after recurrences and being stable. My doctor said to see it as a long-term disease that just needs to be controlled. Not unlike kidney disease or diabetes. I find I can deal better if I'm not waiting to be " cured ". It's a roller coaster ride, and I use integrative medicine such as Qigong and acupuncture which really makes a difference for me. I also had weekly massages until they were closed down due to the pandemic. I really miss them. The other modalities can be done through zoom and are free. If you want a link to them let me know. Hang in there.
I'll echo all of the advice and encouragement from other responders. It sounds like you have a wonderful doctor. I especially like the perspective from Greytmom about not waiting to be cured, but think of cancer as a long term disease. Lots of exciting things happening in the field of cancer - you just never know what wonderful discovery is around the corner. Stay strong and stay safe.
Just to share with you a ray of hope, I was dx in Feb 2005, had one recurrence , but since November 2008 have remained in remission. There is no guarantee that I won't recur down the road, but I am very grateful for the 12 years I've had and for every year I continue to remain in remission. When I recurred I figured I would spend the rest of my life going in and out of remissions with the remissions getting shorter and shorter. But what I failed to keep in mind at that moment was that while the statistics would suggest that would be my fate, we are all samples of one and statistics don't applied to individuals. May you get to your next remission and stay there! Best wishes,Gwen
Gwen - this is amazing! Thanks for sharing!! Can you tell your treatment plan? I’m stage 3C high grade. Did carbo/taxol and surgery initially. Was on Lynparza. 9 months later there was activity so did 6 rounds of carbo/doxil. Now going to start herceptin and hormone blocker b/c my tumor showed HER2 and ER, like breast cancer!! Crazy!!
Hope everything goes well for you. I am seeing a gynecologist/oncologist tomorrow after finding oc mass in June. Went to er for different reason. They found mass through CT scan. Have finally been approved by insurance company to see g/o and have surgery at hospital not in my network. Only two hospitals do female cancer surgery in Arkansas. One about 40 miles from me in Little Rock, and other in northwest part of state. I live in southeastern part. Hoping for surgery soon. Husband can be with me for initial gynecologist/ oncology appt., but not for other appointments and surgery due to COVID-19. Fingers crossed everything goes well. Thanks for support and listening.
Wishing you well, Newquilter. I’m in Louisiana and had debulking surgery on June 22nd. I had my first chemo a month ago and go for my second tomorrow. Unfortunately, I have OC stage 4, but my oncologist says I have a fighting chance of going into remission. My surgeon removed quite a lot during six hour surgery. I was in hospital for five nights. I am still recovering from surgery. But a few days ago, I was finally able to drive my car again. This whole business can be overwhelming and I am in the early stages. I am retired and live alone, but my daughter is staying with me and she has been great. I’m glad your hubby is there with you. Family and friends are very encouraging even if they can’t come and give us a big hug because of COVID. I hope and pray that you have the best possible news and result from your upcoming surgery.
Sashay, I hope you go into remission soon. My surgery is scheduled for September 3rd. Unfortunately no one can be at the hospital because of covid, but my daughter will be with my husband that day. I had my 1st appointment with the surgeon and his team yesterday. He reviewed my scans and medical history and explained what he plans to do. I’ll just be glad to get that part over with. Best of luck to you for a favorable outcome. Linda.
Great to hear from you, Linda. The post op time in hospital was challenging and I was very glad to get home to my daughter and sister and away from that hospital food. I was down in the dumps after surgery, but your spirits will lift after you are back home and tended to by your husband and daughter. For whatever reason, the nurses let my daughter sleep in the recliner in my room at night while I was in hospital and she can sit with me during chemo. We all have to wear masks of course. Thanks for sending good wishes my way. I hope your surgery goes well and that your recovery goes smoothly and you too find yourself in remission soon.
Hi Newquilter66, I love to quilt too. They found my first OC mass in 2017 the exact same way yours was detected. So, first thing, you are very, very lucky that they found it. Lucky you too that your husband gets to be with you for your oncology appt. Have they done the blood test, CA-125 yet? That is one way, not always reliable, to detect the proteins in OC. I am crossing my fingers for you and your surgery that all goes well and your diagnosis will be positive. xo
Yes they did the blood test and I’ve been scheduled for surgery September 3rd. No one can be at the hospital because of covid, but my daughter will be with my husband that day. I’m glad they finally scheduled the surgery. Now just to get that part over and get a plan for the rest of my care. Best of luck to you!
Hi SDLady. I was told a second surgery after debunking was not done because the cancer cells remain present. I pray that yours does and the chemo takes the rest away. OC3
Good morning Ova3. I am not sure why my doctor chose to do a second surgery to remove the mass. I am grateful that he did. I remember being told that he rarely does a second surgery. He did remove it and I had chemo again. I just hope it stays at bay this time. Have a blessed day.
My doctor could not remove the second growth because it shared it’s blood supply with the same vessel as the bowels. Her explanation was that she would have to do a colostomy and then the tumor would grow somewhere else. I’m glad it worked for you.
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