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.

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.

Has the chemo started?

Yes it has. It has been horrendous, worse than I ever could have prepared myself for. I am in a horrible situation right now and my positivity has gone. I am at rock bottom with side effects and don't know how I will survive. This is genuinely the worst time of my life and I have only had 1 cycle so far. The thought of 5 more cycles and surgery is beyond my comprehension at the moment. 

I am hoping that someone who has had chemo will reply. I haven't so cannot understand it, but I do send my support.

Thank you Mary. I am day 7 post chemo and seem to be turning a corner slowly thankfully. The last week has been awful and I was at a very low point when I last posted. Day by day is the only way I can get through these challenges. I am lucky to have such a supportive partner to look after me and the household whilst I have been incapacitated due to pain or fatigue. 

I’ve been reading your posts with interest.  I have stage 4 ovarian cancer.I'm 79 years old and was diagnosed in September 2024.   

I recognise your despair, and overwhelming feelings, as well as that first week to 10 days  after chemo as being the worst. Also the relief after ascites being drained.   I have found that the tiredness is the most overwhelming  effect, with a nauseous feeling for much of the time. And bowels that are not consistent! 
However, I’m still here, just having respite from chemotherapy, next due  Jan 16th.

so, on we all go.   Please let yourself be hopeful, I was in the same place as yourself but I have made some progress.    When I look back to the beginning of my treatment and compare it to now, I can see that improvement.
I too have good family support.  Husband and daughters who look out for me. 
try to rest as much as you can,  I wish you every bit of success with your treatment. 

Thank you,  Rose-w, for understanding what I could not understand.

Thank you,  Rose-w, for understanding what I could not understand.