Ovarian Cancer Support Group

Hi Margy. So sorry that you are going through this, but pleased that you have found us here. I am still hopeful, for you, that this could be other than OC. OC is extremely rare and so many of these things turn out to be something else. You won't know for certain, what this is, without an op and biopsy results. I will be hoping for you.

Even if this does turn out to be cancer, it isn't the dreaded fear that we imagine it to be.. I was diagnosed in 2000 and was in remission for over seven years after a hysterectomy and chemotherapy. I have a recurrence gong on now but am coping well with the treatment and showing great results. This is all doable and there are plenty of survivors here to lend their support and experience.

I imagine that the doctor will be discussing an op with you tomorrow. It does all get easier to deal with than how you are feeling now.. We have all been where you are and it does get better once you understand more.. which takes time. Please take great care of yourself.. be patient and kind to yourself, whilst you get to grips with what's going on.

Please let us know how the meeting goes tomorrow.. wishing for the best for you.. Inka

Thanks, Inka. Your quick reply meant a lot. My family and friends are being great but with them I have to take care of them too. And they don't really understand. I am a nurse and actually a director over our Infusion Center. But I have avoided thinking about that area as I have always been terrified of cancer. Plus, I have a terrific Nurse Manager over that unit. Thanks again for your encouraging words.

Welcome to our group Margy, I too am glad I found us, it has helped me so much. SO many here are wonderful, they have been through it before us and are able to offer loads of advice, support and comfort.

Just for your info, I was only diagnosed at the end of May after a radical abdominal hysterectomy. I started chemo on 30th June and am happily back at work, since 15th June. I am one of the lucky ones but a few of us have managed to carry on as normal.

I understand how frightening this diagnosis is, i too was TERRIFIED. But...Im doing really well, like a lot of others here so I hope you can we encourage you.

Best of luck for tomorrow and please let us know how you get on.

Hugs
xx

Thanks for replying. I am already relying on the stories of everyone. I have to stay at work, we can't make it financially if I don't. Luckily I have leave, etc. but I need to stay employed.

I have 6 children and 12 grandchildren. I had lost my first son to adoption and found him 19 years ago when he was 25. I have been in a birthmother support group for over 20 years so I know how much support helps. I will tell you what I find out after the doctor's tomorrow.

I think we were probably all terrified of cancer before we got it.. and the terrifying response to a diagnosis, or likely diagnosis, is a result of all those fears and half truths we have carried throughout our lives.. The reality is not all of that. Treatments are improving all the time, the meds for dealing with the side effects are excellent these days too.

It isn't an automatic death sentence any more with survivors of many years continuing to do very well. You have plenty to find out about your situation and it's best to take it one step at a time. Today is a big day for you where you will be a step closer to finding out what is going on.. Take things slowly.. try to keep on noticing all the good things going on around you as this will help to keep you strong.

I know what you mean about being strong for the family and not wanting to share all that you are going through with them.. especially as everything changes so much at this stage. this is such a fabulous resource as here we can discuss and sort out all our fears and muddled emotions, with folk who understand and can give the best advice and support. You are not alone in this or in how this is affecting you..


Best of everything for the meeting today and hoping it goes well for you.. Inka xxx

My mother is 82, and was diagnosed with 3rd stage ovarian cancer, but when they did surgery the doctors discovered it was only 1st stage! We've discovered that things aren't always as bad as we have anticipated. So take great hope in that news . . . you may not even have cancer! And if you do, Mother has had her bumps throughout the cancer journey but she's doing really well and is almost at the end of her treatment. Her diagnosis was so terrifying at first, but it has been so much easier than we had anticipated. There's no help as valuable as someone who has personally experienced ovarian cancer, so the women on this site will be a tremendous help to you throughout your journey. You will certainly be in our heart and prayers. Keep us posted and let us know how you are doing! XOX Susan Wales

thank you all. I had my doctor's appointment. I definitely have stage 3 cervical cancer. He told me that there is a 70% survival rate but the internet says 30%-40%. He isn't sure about the ovarian cancer so I have to do a PET scan and a MRI. He also has me starting radiation. I have a call in to him to see if he was lying about the 70% survival rate. Just more than a little scared...

Dont believe everything you read on the internet chick....it can be a bit of scare mongering. the doctor will have given you averages, they know best...they deal with it all the time.

Loads here have stage 3.....and are doing just fab!!!!

Hang in there.....we are here for you!

Hugs
xx

70% is great odds.. There is lot taken into account with these percentages and your doctor knows your situation best.. he would not give you false hope nor want to raise you expectations. Cervical cancer has great prognosis when caught early enough. Of course, you want to do all you can to be reassured.


Getting to know the team that will be helping you and building up trust will also make this a lot easier for you and you will eventually be able to leave a lot of the worrying to them.. You will get through this as we all do.. Big hug to you. Inka xxx

I can't sleep so I am up. Cervical cancer is curable if it is caught early. Mine is at least stage 3. One problem is that I distrust doctors so I haven't had checkups so this could have been prevented if I hadn't been so stupid... Now my family must pay along with me. I appreciate all of your support so much.