Hi my name is Helen and I am 49 years of age. I was diagnosed with Ovarian Cancer Stage 3c in August 2011. My Ca level was 1750. it came down to 41 after 6 cycles of chemo (carboplatin and paclitaxol). I have not had surgery as Doctors feel it is too risky. I have been off chemo for 3 months and it has re-activated and I started chemo again today (Friday 30th) with the possibility of having Avistan alongside the chemo. My Ca level is now 1845 and I feel distraught by all of this. I thought I was doing well, I look well and in no pain. I am a very positive person and it will not beat me as I have to be here for my amazing family and friends and my wonderful 23 year old son, who have love and support me every step of the way. However, I would like to hear from anyone in the same situation and who can offer any form of support, or just let me know how you are doing.

Look forward to hearing from you

Helen

Hi Jackie,

Yea, I know what codeine does, so the old lactulose has come out of the cupboard again for next few days!  I have never had a problem with paracetamol though, probably because I don't take that many really, just as and when.  Although I do have bowel problems, owing to tumour on ovary pressing on bowel, I don't normally suffer from constipation as such, just for the few days after chemo and while I have to take domperidone. Speaking of domperidone, I've taken your advice from last month and took a couple last night after chemo instead of waiting until this morning, and so far so good, no nausea at all, touch wood!  (Hope I don't regret saying that and tempting fate!)

Glad you got something positive done today, even if you couldn't have the chemo!  Fingers crossed for next week, eh?

Take care, love Hazel xxx

Hi Helen, and welcome to the forum,

I am so sorry to hear of your recurrence, did they say why surgery was too risky? I am here supporting my wife Mary who was first diagnosed in November 2010, she had full pelvic clearance surgery followed by Carbo/Taxol treatment. She responded very well to the treatment although it did leave her with some neurapathy in her toes which has still not subsided (side effect of taxol).

We thought she was cured, but 8 months later she had a recurrence and is now back on chemo, Gem/Carbo this time because they do not want to make her neuropathy worse. She has just finished the 2nd cycle and seems to be feeling mostly well to it so far, although having a bad day today after yesterday's treatment.

Yes, the news does knock you for six and it is upsetting for the whole family, I completely sympathise and understand how you feel and I hope the ladies on this thread can help in some way. We kind of have to get used to it and try to get on with our lives although it is tough sometimes. I do hope you respond well to your treatment.

Best wishes,

John

Hello, Helen, and welcome!

You have certainly come to the right place for support and info!  If you want to find other ladies who have been in a similar situation to you, I would advise you to read through some of the stories on this site.

You seem to have a good attitude, and that can only help.  I am at the beginning of my ovarian cancer (although I did have breast cancer 15 years ago) but there are lots of lovely ladies on here who know how you are feeling right now, and I am sure they will be in touch.  (Be patient, as some of them are recovering from various treatments at the moment, and as you will know sometimes you can feel a bit rough!)

Love, Hazel xxx

Hi Ladies,

Just an update on Mary. Looks like the chemo finally caught up with her as she had an awful day today spent mostly in bed. Was sick three times this morning and has eaten nothing today. She went to bed at 7pm hoping to sleep it off as we were supposed to be going to Wembley tomorrow to watch Rugby.

I keep thinking I have given her meds at the wrong time, she has so many it gets confusing just after chemo. When should she take her first Ondansetron? Is it after dinner on the day of chemo? I gave it to her in the morning and I'm thinking I probably got it wrong.

Jackie - So you have a Portacath too now? Yes it is much easier, although I wonder if giving Mary the chemo faster may have caused her reaction. They had to slow it right down when they used her arm because the Gem hurt too much, any thoughts? Re-Aspirin, I haven't read anything about 3 & 5 years, like you say it may just be down to luck, all subjective but will discuss it with the onc in 2 weeks time.

Sharon - I hope you're results went ok yesterday.

Hope you all have a better week,

Best wishes,

John

x

Hi John and Hazel.

Thank you for replying. It is good to hear from people going through the same sort of things. The doctors chose not to do the surgery as it is wide spread in the abdomen and they couldn't be sure it would help me in fact it wouldn't be conducive to my health. So they felt that chemo would help to contain and control the disease as they cannot cure it. But as I have said it is as started up again. I feel tired tonight after having chemo today but that is all so I hope that is all I get. John I hope your wife gets through the chemo well and my prayers and thoughts are with you both. Hazel I understand about the quantity and quality thing and maybe further down the line I will have to think about it too, but not yet as I feel pretty good. Will pray for you too and hope that you won't be faced with making that choice for a good while.

Thinking of you both

Helen

Morning, John,

How is Mary today?  Poor girl, it seems to go from one extreme to another with these treatments for us all, doesn't it?

Give her my love and tell her I wish her better.

Love Hazel xxx

Hi, Helen,

Don't you worry,  I'm nowhere near giving up yet - like you I feel far too well at present,  apart from post-chemo!

Love Hazel xxx

Morning Hazel,

Good news, Mary has slept it off and feels good again today, so we're off to Wembley to watch the Rugby

Thank you for thinking of her, have a good weekend,

John

x