Cancer confirmed October high grade serous carcinoma

Hi, I am 49 and was put on a 2w rule in October and shortly after told I had cancer, thought endometrial.but also in cervix.  By December has a full robotic hysterectomy and hernia repair.  The following day was told it had metasized to my omentum so this was removed for biopsy.  January attended for results of biopsies and it was confirmed both ovaries and fallopian tubes, cervix endometrium, uterous and omentum were all affected.  It is rare for someone my age and it is not genetic so baffling the oncologist.  He can't confirm a primary so has decided to run with fallopian tube cancer at stage 3b for best treatment options, otherwise I would be 4b.  My 1sr chemotherapy of 6 was a week ago and I am now feeling a lot better physically but mentally I am lost.  Have been fine till now but I think the reality of a fast growing cancer with a high recurrence rate has finally hit home and the unknown of how long I  may have is scary, I am in unknown territory and struggling with the changes in my appearance.  Not sure if anyone else is going through the same to discuss their experience?

  • Hi Ruzz, so sorry to hear about your diagnosis, it is such a scary time. I got diagnosed with a fast growing breast cancer in January, which is hormone fed and I too worry what the future will hold. I have always considered myself to be a fit and healthy grandmother and wish to be here to see my grandkids grow up. Glad to hear your first chemo went OK, I have mine on Monday. Although I feel prepared, I'm really apprehensive about it. Good luck with the rest of your treatment. I know what you mean about struggling with appearance. I've just had all my hair cut off in preparation for it falling out fairly soon and it seems strange. I did go out yesterday though to get my wig, which I'm happy with. I wish you well with the rest of your treatment and would be happy to keep in touch. Xx

  • Hi Pippin, lively to hear from you.  I hope all goes well on Monday for you.  I had carboplatin and paclitaxel, for me days 2 to 4 were the worst for lethargy and neurological issues, but by a week, felt more normal.  Lack of bowel movement caused a lot of pain but next time will start on the Laxido drinks to stop it happening. I know what you mean about worrying what the future will hold but I am working on yesterday is the past, tomorrow is the future but today is the present and what a present that is!!!  My son is 19 and hopefully I will be graced with beautiful grandchildren and enjoy it.  It is lovely to hear from you and always here for a chat xxx. Let me know how you get on and we can swap notes!!  My next chemo is next Friday, just after yours.  We can swap notes!!!  xxx

  • Hi Pippin.  Just wanted to say good luck with your treatment on Monday.  Hair tends to start falling out in earnest around day 14.  It's funny, but I had the opposite of Ruzz in the bowel movement aspect!  We are all different and our experiences are all personal to us.  The lovely nurse at McMillan said to me once to remember "it's temporary".  I lost sight of that last week and was very depressed, then a friend reminded me (because she unfortunately went through the same thing about 10 years ago), that any feeling of being unwell isn't "illness", its "side effects" and they will pass when treatment stops.  It was just the reminder I needed and helped me dust myself off and force myself out the door at the weekend.  Same as Ruzz, always here if you need a chat. x

  • My chemo is EC-T, 3 cycles of EC, then 4 cycles of T (docetaxel). It's the docetaxel which I'm dreading the most, side effects seem worse. Will let you know how it goes on Monday and good luck to you on Friday. Have you got many more to go?

  • Hi Carol, lovely to hear from you, it really does help talking to people who understand what you're going through. Will let you know how the bowel movements go for me lol! That's a great tip remembering that being unwell isn't illness, but side effects, I will be sure to keep that in mind. I  plan to try and get out for a walk every day, even if only for 10 minutes, it will push me to get up and dressed each day. What stage in your journey are you at?