Hello Peanut246

I'm sorry to hear about all that you've been going through recently. Hopefully, having the fluid drained will bring you some physical comfort whilst you wait for the CT scan and the next steps regarding a treatment plan. 

It's understandable that you're feeling overwhelmed by things and that you're concerned about what will happen. I know that for many people this period of waiting for additional tests and results can be difficult and it's natural to have lots of questions, concerns and even fears. It can often help to talk with someone about those things and how you're feeling. It might be useful to chat things through with one of our nurses, who I know will be happy to listen and offer any advice, information and support they can. If you'd like to chat with them, they're available Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm on 0808 800 4040. You might also like to have a look at this thread about waiting for news, which has some tips and advice that might help you cope. 

Keep in touch Peanut246 and let us know how you're getting on. We're here for you. 

Sending my best wishes, 
Jenn
Cancer Chat moderator 

Thank you for your response and advice. It feels like such a lonely and long time waiting to find out exactly what is going on. 

The ascites are so uncomfortable, I cannot sit up now, my tummy looks like a full term pregnancy and its happened so quickly over the last week or so.

I'm off to see my GP today so hope I get some support there. Since this started I have not seen my GP. I was originally examined by an out of hours iGP in a different practice, I have had phone calls with my GP and been seen at hospital. I have felt unseen by my GP... but a call to 111 when I reached breaking point in the early hours of today has meant they have finally given me a face- to- face appointment  I know the NHS is under pressure but why do I feel like an inconvenience to them?

Thanks for being there.

Ah, Peanut246, I'm sorry to hear that it's been so difficult and that you've not had the support you need from your GP. It's good to know that you reached out for help and the out-of-hours service has been able to secure an appointment for you with the surgery today. 

Is there someone who can go with you to the appointment for some moral support? You are not an inconvenience and you shouldn't be left feeling this way so I hope that after seeing your GP today you're given more support whilst you're navigating these investigations. 

Let us know how you get on. 

Best wishes, 
Jenn
Cancer Chat moderator 

Update time...I saw a GP at my practice who sent me straight to A&E and after many hours of assessment they admitted me with a plan to perform a laparoscopy and biopsy op tomorrow.

Although I still feel physically dreadful at the moment at least I feel my symptoms are being fully monitored now.

I really hope this is the start of some much needed relief physically and mentally.

Thanks

At least now they have a plan of action for you! I feel like when you are out of your pain/discomfort you will be able to go in to this strong minded xx

Thank you Gemmmag. You are right...whatever is coming my way I know the action is being taken to fully address it now.

My son threw up last at home so can't visit me in hospital over the weekend which is sad but we plan to chat on the phone later. I can't wait to hear his voice, bless him, he is my world x

Our kids are our entire world. I think the reason when dealing with such a worry isn't so much for us, but for them! You sound like an amazing mother and your baby will love to speak to you later. Make sure you give them a massive squeeze when you do see him x

I honestly believe a positive mind set can get us through most things my darling.  My dad was diagnosed with ms when I was 1, im not 41 and he's still going, I will croak it before he does. Hes always been very positive and always relied on a good diet (apart from mounds of dark chocolate) and the help of his specialists. You got this girl.  Xx

Your kind words and positivity made me smile. When someone like you takes the time to reach out to a stranger in a time of crisis it's very touching and I appreciate your energy. I will channel your Dad's positivity too and fight with all I have xx

You got this girl. Anytime u want a chat, I'm here xx

Another update....so everything's changed again!

Just saw the Gynae Specialist and he decided not to send me for the laparoscopy/ biopsy today. He wants to discuss my case with the multi disciplinary  team tomorrow and go from there.  I'm now awaiting a CT scan but may not get it done today if there is no space for me. He also wants an MRI done. Either way I should be free to go home later and return in morning for my outpatient appointment for paracentesis as originally planned.

I can't wait to go home and hug my son and cuddle up with my lovely doggy later. 

I feel a bit better since talking to the Dr, as he was very reassuring even though he expressed concerns at my case not being ' usual'. The mass they saw on ultrasound is 10-12cm diameter and he said that is not very big! I suppose this is a waiting game now to get to the bottom of what's going on. 

Thanks for the support...I will be back! X

Morning.

Things have progressed again. Yesterday I had day surgery for paracentesis. This was the most physically painful thing I have experienced since childbirth! I just was not prepared for how intense it was going to be...emotionally too. They drained over 3 litres off and after the drain was removed I did feel a sense of relief.

The clinic have cancelled the MRI as they saw what they needed to on the CT scan from Sunday. I will find out more tomorrow when I go to see the specialist. I have been told by the nurse to expect an endometrial biopsy procedure at the appointment. 

I have been told a request has been made for a biopsy by radiology too...more day surgery ahead.

My son is still feeling poorly and he is a generally strong and healthy lad...I believe he is absorbing the stress of the situation no matter how carefully we handle it. He's off school today as I decided to let him have a day curled up on sofa and have some 'Mumming' to let him know I'm still holding him safe. He's just had a boiled egg and toasty soldiers like when he was younger. I think he needs this care.

My partner is being amazingly supportive both practically and emotionally but feelings are running high for us all right now.

That's it for today, let's see what happens next!x

I don;t have any wise words to offer I'm afraid. However, what I can say is that I know, from experience, that it does help to post on here. People read and send support. I feel for you, your son and your partner and wish you good luck for tomorrow.

One day at a time.

I don;t have any wise words to offer I'm afraid. However, what I can say is that I know, from experience, that it does help to post on here. People read and send support. I feel for you, your son and your partner and wish you good luck for tomorrow.

One day at a time.

Thank you for your kind words Mary. 

I am finding the forum a useful outlet for sure.

Since I last posted I have had numerous calls from the hospital saying things have changed for tomorrow. I am getting used to this 'one day at a time' mentality now.

I am still waiting for the definite plan to he confirmed! Que sera sera! X

Any news today?

Morning Mary,

Yes, well things keep evolving as I said... Ì'm due back into day surgery this afternoon to have a biopsy of the abnormalities seen on the scans. So I'm back into theatre for another needle in my tummy. It's the same team that drained me on Monday!

Then later I am going to meet one of the specialist gynae consultants for the endometrial biopsy. So a busy afternoon ahead but hopefully they will then have all the info they need to make a diagnosis and treatment plan sooner rather than later.

I am dreading the ascites building back up...after being drained I was 6lbs lighter! I'm much more comfortable not being overloaded with the fluid as well as everything else going on in the background.

I still have very little appetite but I'm making myself eat protein rich meals little and often whilst drinking lots of water to stay hydrated. It's been difficult with all the bloating from the ascites.

My son is still feeling a bit wobbly but he went back to school today which hopefully will keep his mind busy.

I'm doing my best to keep the best positive attitude I can but it is still very overwhelming not knowing just what the not so distant future holds...every day is a step closer.

X

I am so glad you are still posting here and talking to us. Be positive was said to me.

The not knowing is more than very stressful. Keep your chin up. We are here.

How are you today?

I'm ticking over thank you for asking.

Yesterday I had the 2 biopsies...not very pleasant experiences but necessary. The gynae team are waiting on the results of these to determine the exact diagnosis/ treatment plan. I have been told to expect an ovarian cancer diagnosis with chemo as first plan of treatment. 

I have a week or 2 to wait for this news officially now.

It's a lot to deal with but I have been expecting this news since the first blood test raised the alarm.

X