Ovarian Cancer Support Group

You have a lot of life to live. Yes all of it is scary. I had a hard time losing my hair, but after a while you get used to it. I actually liked not having to shave my legs or my arms for 6 months!. I often joked that cancer patients should be able to choose what hair comes back after chemo. What regime are you going on? You will have good days and bad days. Try to exercise, even a walk will help. Don't let the thought of all the side effects they tell you that your going to get, You won't get all of them, stay POSITIVE that will help in your recovery. Look at it as a journey not a battle. ACCEPT help from whom ever offers. Your not a burden, there are good hearted people out there that like to help! Find and use every cancer resource available to you. Hot flashes are no fun, but they do subside over time. Read books! There are great Books out their by Bernie Siegal and a few other authors. Stay on this site. These ladies are awesome!! Good Luck to you!

Glenda

Hi,
I'm so sorry you have to go through this at such a young age (or at all!) Just take one step at a time. The chemo nurses will be wonderful at telling you what to expect and when. They have come a long way with the nausea medication, and I really never got too sick while under treatment. The hair loss is the worst, but if you get a good wig, most people probably won't even notice. Remember it is only temporary, I have already gotten mine cut 3 times since it came back and it seems thicker than before!
Take all the help you can get from friends and family. They will be glad to help.
I will keep you in my prayers that your treatment goes well!!
Cheryl

You are young. That is a great advantage when you go through chemo. You probably will find that anticipation is greater than realization in regard to chemo. The first treatment was the worst for me, but that is because I was so overwhelmed with what was happening that I didn't clearly listen to all my doctor's instructions. There are some wonderful anti nausea drugs. I took Emend. It was administered along with the chemo plus I was given two pills to take the first two days I was home.

Your doctor is aware of the side effects, and will probably be very concerned about them. I also purchased Alpha Lipoic Acid which is in the vitamin section of Walmart or at a health food store. It was very helpful in preventing neuropathy in my fingers.

Good luck to you as you start this journey! Diane in Anaheim

Thanks for all the supportive thoughts everyone. I have been given a perscription for anti-nausea meds, and I am being given Taxol as my main chemo drug I do have the most amazing fiancee and family as well as two really good friends who will help me through this and while i might not like it im am not to proud to ask for their help whenever i need it

Hi Disnydiva...I went into have a cyst removed from my ovary back in May and they found ovarian cancer! It was a surprise to me and the doctor. I was then referred to a specialist that did surgery two days later. I had my first chemo July 18th. My hair is still falling out, I have refused to shave it and still have a little ponytail...I know crazy. My husband jokes with me and says that I'm like an old man trying to hold on to my hair with a small ponytail in the back. I still have my eyelashes and eyebrows though!! I don't want to speak too soon because tomorrow they could start falling out. I just had my 2nd chemo last week and am counting down the days as to when this will be all over. I am quite a bit older than you at 48.

So how did chemotherapy go for you? Does Ovarian cancer run in your family?