Recently diagnosed with stage 3 ovarian cancer

Hi, I can’t quite believe I’m even writing this, but it’s nice to know there is somewhere I can talk to others going through the same emotions. I am hoping it will help me stay calm and strong. I am happily married with a daughter 22 & a son 20. After an initial clear blood test, then finding a 7cm complex cyst on my left ovary, followed up by a clear uterus lining biopsy. I very unexpectedly found out last week that two more tumour spotter blood tests & an MRI scan were actually indicating that I do in fact have ovarian cancer stage 3. There are no words to explain the unbelievable shock this has been to me and my family. Uncontrollably shaking for days and days has been exhausting.I expect everyone on here agrees that the hardest thing to deal with is telling your loved one’s the news. This is done now and to be honest it has helped me to feel a little calmer knowing that my family has the blanket of support they are going to need around them. I was fast tracked to also have a CT scan yesterday which was on my chest. 
I have just over another week to hear the results, I am completely petrified what they will be and what the consultants will say to me. There is a part of me that doesn’t want to know. But I have read on this sight that knowing where you are can help your mental health in the end. 
The nights are the hardest aren’t they, I wake up remembering what is happening in my life and my mind spirals out of control. I am so lucky to have an amazing husband that does a brilliant job of calming me down. I have also joined the headspace app and was doing square breathing exercises which helped alot. Having calming music on through the night also helped. 

  • Hi Tiani 6

    So sorry to hear you are going through this. I have a different cancer to you , but my reaction to my news was very similar.You are right - the nights are the worst. I found that once I knew what the plans were for my treatment things did get easier. Having your family supporting you on this journey is also a good thing- although I do know that telling them is difficult and worrying about them and how they feel. My family were supportive too and took courage from how I approached the treatment. I finished my treatment last week, it was tough but I got through it. You will too. This forum is great. We all understand how it feels to be going through this. I have used it alot and have discovered lots of information and tips from people who know exactly where you are coming from.

    Im thinking of you at this horrible early stage of being in shock. Things will get better.

    Hugs

    Happyflower

  • Hi Tiani6

    Like happyflower I  have a different cancer to you. Getting a cancer diagnosis messes with your head and your mind will go all over the place so just know everything you are feeling is totally normal. The waiting for appointments and results is the worst but it so true once all your results are in and you have a treatment plan you will feel more in control. Doing the breathing exercises is a brilliant idea anything that takes your mind somewhere else. Easier said than done I know but try to keep busy with things you enjoy. While waiting for my results I tried to focus in getting as healthy as I could just small things like more exercise, healthy eating, more sleep although not always easy. Also again not easy concentrate on what you can control not what you can't. I would also say until you know exactly what you are dealing with try not to Google to much and even when you do know it's not the best place to be, I say this as I went google mad and most of what I was reading and worrying about wasn't true. These forums are good places to unload and people going through the same will give advice and tips on how to cope and what helped them. You got this. Sending hugs. Xx

  • What a wonderful name you have! Thank you for replying to me, it really helps to talk to people that completely understand. Even now I a feeling stronger than I did when  I added my post. My family and friends have been truly amazing. I am even talking to a work colleague every day at the moment that was diagnosed last year and still fighting. Knowing you’re not alone with your feelings is a huge support. 
    Feeling nervous today knowing they are discussing my case. But, big girls knickers on I will face this head on  massive well done on getting through your treatment! X 

  • Hi Bungle1 

    Thank you, for your reply, you are absolutely right, I need to concentrate on putting my energy into the things I can control… I haven’t googled much at all, read the most on this sight. I did have the courage to look at the female anatomy to try and understand where I am feeling discomfort but I have tried really hard not to second guess and think positively. After my next appointment I will know where I am more and to be honest I just want to get on with it. Knowing it’s in there and not being treated is worse. 
    You sound very strong, keep it up  x