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.

What an update. You have been through a tough time.

I hope that things will turn a corner soon.

Thank you Mary.

I had the hysteroscopy. It was bearable with entonox and pre-emptive painkillers.

I go back tomorrow to see the specialist after their MDT review. The nurses have already told me some of the biopsy results and confirmed that High Grade Serous Ovarian Cancer is present. So what I thought has now been confirmed. The last biopsy is to check for any secondary endometrial cancer too.

Tomorrow I should know the stage and hopefully when the treatment can begin.

Later in the week I am going to be assessed for paracentesis(drainage) again as the fluid seems to be returning. If they see enough I will get that done too.

My appetite is extremely poor but I make myself eat every day regularly. I've started carrying glucose tablets in my pocket when I go out just in case I need a quick boost. My BP sometimes goes a bit low because of everything going on, the nurse has advised on how to manage that.

Mental health wise, it is so hard to feel like I'm not living with a death sentence hanging over me. I'm sure I will feel better when treatment starts. Statistical odds do not look good for HGSOC but I have to believe in my case being individual and fighting with all I have.

Until next time.. x

You are going through an awful lot to cope with. Although it is hard for them too, it is good that you have family to support you. What did the specialist say?

It was so deflating. I went to the appointment on Monday to be told they need the final biopsy results from hysteroscopy to give the go ahead on treatment plan. So now I have to wait until next week. The cancer they see they have graded it stage 3.

My appointment for fluid drainage has been pushed back 24hrs so I'm stuck waiting for that on Friday now feeling like a balloon ready to burst. They said I could go to A&E if I really need it sooner.

I'm going to the hospital support centre today to talk about head coverings/ wigs in anticipation of losing my hair to chemo in the not so distant future.

Not a very positive update today.

The waiting is the most awful thing. I do reach across the internet to give my support.

Any news this week?

Well yes. They have confirmed only HGSOC is present. I meet the oncologist next week. Chemo hopefully starting before end of the month. Major abdominal surgery planned for mid chemo cycles. It is all moving forward but I am exhausted. I had another 3 litres drained last week but it is building again.

I don't sleep well and haven't for 6weeks now.

It's so hard to be positive. My partner is struggling with it all too. Everything is overwhelming. 

It is overwhelming, I do understand. How did you get on with the oncologist?

Start chemo in the new year. I am feeling a bit calmer that I have dates and a definite plan in place. It is all still terrifying at times but one day at a time is all I'm dealing with right now. :-/

Yes, I agree about being terrifying but, as you said, there is a plan now. One day at a time is the only thing you can do. Christmas will be strange, not at all as usual, but I do wish you a happy Christmas and send best wishes for the treatment in the new year.

Yes, I agree about being terrifying but, as you said, there is a plan now. One day at a time is the only thing you can do. Christmas will be strange, not at all as usual, but I do wish you a happy Christmas and send best wishes for the treatment in the new year.