Breast Cancer 8/07 now Ovarian mass 12/07

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Debbie2007
Debbie2007 Member Posts: 4
edited March 2014 in Ovarian Cancer #1
My oncology gyn had me stop my breast cancer chemo 12/27/07) and is planning my surgery for 1/8/08. My turmor marker blood test rose from 35 to 95 during chemo so he's convinced now that I have ovarian cancer. I have been reading information from this site (so grateful for this site), I just signed up yesterday, and it looks like I am in for a lot of pain and ?? from surgery. Both of my breasts were removed from breast cancer (stage II-III) and the incision is healed but under my arms feels with fluid that has to be drained. So I'm not looking forward to having my tummy cut open from pubis to chest. I really dont know what to expect after surgery, any information will be appreciated. I really am scared cuz I have two cancers (the breast cancer treatment had to be stopped)and I dont want to get depressed or really worried.

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  • mopar
    mopar Member Posts: 1,972 Member
    #2
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    Debbie:
    So sorry you are going through so much. What an ordeal you have had. How many more breast cancer chemos did you have to go?

    Try not to be too worried. If it is any comfort to you, my first surgery (complete hysterectomy ++) was the 'bikini' cut and I can hardly tell it's there. The second was the vertical incision, because they can't go the same way as the prior surgeries. So, maybe you can get by with the bikini cut? I hope you have as good a doctor as mine - I had very little pain after surgery and my recovery went very well. I understand you have something else to deal with as well, so I suggest taking care of yourself and get all the rest you need to fully recover. Even if there is ovarian cancer present there are so many options and choices. You will find that as you read through the discussion board here. And there are so many wonderful ladies who are compassionate, helpful and supportive here.

    I will be praying for a successful surgery and a completely, speedy recovery. Don't be too hard on yourself. We all get nervous - it's completely understandable. I hope the prayers help. And I hope knowing that you can call on us anytime is helpful too. When you are able, let us know how you are doing. We'd love to hear back from you.

    Prayers & Hugs,
    Monika
  • Debbie2007
    Debbie2007 Member Posts: 4
    #3
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    mopar said:

    Debbie:
    So sorry you are going through so much. What an ordeal you have had. How many more breast cancer chemos did you have to go?

    Try not to be too worried. If it is any comfort to you, my first surgery (complete hysterectomy ++) was the 'bikini' cut and I can hardly tell it's there. The second was the vertical incision, because they can't go the same way as the prior surgeries. So, maybe you can get by with the bikini cut? I hope you have as good a doctor as mine - I had very little pain after surgery and my recovery went very well. I understand you have something else to deal with as well, so I suggest taking care of yourself and get all the rest you need to fully recover. Even if there is ovarian cancer present there are so many options and choices. You will find that as you read through the discussion board here. And there are so many wonderful ladies who are compassionate, helpful and supportive here.

    I will be praying for a successful surgery and a completely, speedy recovery. Don't be too hard on yourself. We all get nervous - it's completely understandable. I hope the prayers help. And I hope knowing that you can call on us anytime is helpful too. When you are able, let us know how you are doing. We'd love to hear back from you.

    Prayers & Hugs,
    Monika

    Thank you Monica for your reply, made me really happy that there are people here that I can talk to.

    I still had 3 more chemo treatments to go when they stopped it last week. I had a 96% chance of reaching the 10 year mark my oncology doc told me about my breast cancer. Now not sure what will happen. I'm trying not to get too nervous about it.

    My gyn oncologist says he has to take part of my abdomen covering (outoman) spelled wrong I think, and my incision will be vertical. Scary... Recovery is six weeks?

    Thank you for the hugs and prayers Monica. I will keep in touch since this site is my only support. A lot of good stuff here to make one smile and be positive.

    Debbie
  • curlee8661
    curlee8661 Member Posts: 56
    #4
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    Debbie2007 said:

    Thank you Monica for your reply, made me really happy that there are people here that I can talk to.

    I still had 3 more chemo treatments to go when they stopped it last week. I had a 96% chance of reaching the 10 year mark my oncology doc told me about my breast cancer. Now not sure what will happen. I'm trying not to get too nervous about it.

    My gyn oncologist says he has to take part of my abdomen covering (outoman) spelled wrong I think, and my incision will be vertical. Scary... Recovery is six weeks?

    Thank you for the hugs and prayers Monica. I will keep in touch since this site is my only support. A lot of good stuff here to make one smile and be positive.

    Debbie

    Hi Debbie,
    I'm so sorry that you have the need to be here in addition to what you were already going through, but I'm glad for you that you found this site. It's unfortunate that you have no other support, but you can always count on it here. There's lots of support here, so you need never feel alone.

    Regarding your question about what to expect after surgery, I don't think any of us has the exact same experience, but for what it's worth this is how it went for me: I was in the hospital for 4 days after surgery. I was pretty heavily medicated at first, but after about a day I got pain meds when I asked for it, so it was pretty much a pain-free experience. Once home, I took the prescribed pain pills for the first few days, and switched from the narcotic to Tylanol as soon as I could. After about 2 weeks I didn't need anything for pain. For me, I think the worst of the recovery process was that normal bodily functions didn't work as smoothly as usual. It was a major effort going to the bathroom (1 and 2), and I experienced a lot of discomfort from gas cramps. From what I was told, this was due to everything being manipulated within the abdoman, which takes a while to right itself and heal. Within about a week of being home, I started walking my dogs. At first, I could only get about 20 yards and back, but I did better every day. My onc. told me to walk as much as I can, which helps with the side effects of chemo as well as regaining your energy in general. About 3-4 weeks after the surgery, I began having mild to moderate pain (sort of like cramps) on and off on both sides of my incission, which worried me until my doc reassured me that it's just scar tissue forming as a result of the surgery. Aside from all that, the recovery process was relatively easy and uneventful. I made an effort to eat well, and took lots of naps.

    I'm sure you'll be just fine too. You seem to have a great attitude, which will help you get through this.

    My thoughts are with you,
    Marianna
  • mopar
    mopar Member Posts: 1,972 Member
    #5
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    Debbie2007 said:

    Thank you Monica for your reply, made me really happy that there are people here that I can talk to.

    I still had 3 more chemo treatments to go when they stopped it last week. I had a 96% chance of reaching the 10 year mark my oncology doc told me about my breast cancer. Now not sure what will happen. I'm trying not to get too nervous about it.

    My gyn oncologist says he has to take part of my abdomen covering (outoman) spelled wrong I think, and my incision will be vertical. Scary... Recovery is six weeks?

    Thank you for the hugs and prayers Monica. I will keep in touch since this site is my only support. A lot of good stuff here to make one smile and be positive.

    Debbie

    Debbie:
    I also had the omentum removed, as well as some lymph nodes, and (of course) a complete hysterectomy. Will you have a complete also?

    Again, sending prayers. As Marianna said, recovery is different for everyone. But be sure to communicate with the nurse and/or doctor if you need something. It's not shameful to ask for something. And you will heal much quicker and better if you can take the edge of any pain you may have. I think I was very fortunate that I didn't have much discomfort to speak of - you may be the same.
    (((HUGS)))
    Monika
  • floridajo
    floridajo Member Posts: 480
    #6
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    Debbie,
    I'm really sorry that this is happenning to you!! At least your Dr. sound like he is gonna be a thorogh dr.
    As everyone has said we all heal differently. I was in the hosp. for 7 days, but I also had a colostomy to deal with, and learn about. The pain wasn't too bad once I went home, the first day or two in the hospital was the worse. After 3 weeks I began my chemo, so maybe your Dr. will get you back on it as soon as possible. I think most of us have had our omentum removed,I had alot of growths in that as well. Good luck, I'll be praying for you....(((hugz)))..Joanne
  • saundra
    saundra Member Posts: 1,370 Member
    #7
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    I had my omentum removed too. Loved it because it is the skirt of abdominal fat so you end up with a realllyl flat tummy. I was in the hospital 8 days probably because of my age. I forced myself to get up and walk more each day, ate good food friends brought to me and took extra vitamins to help me heal. I started chemo two weeks after surgery and that was the hardest because it was so close to the surgery, i think. Concentrate on healing and doing healthy things and getting rest plus exercise is my advice. Stay tuned to this site and let us know. I will be praying for an easy time for you. Saundra
  • kris43
    kris43 Member Posts: 275
    #8
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    Hi Debbie. Sorry we have to meet on this site. I read all of the girls messages and we've all had similar yet slightly different experiences with this thing.

    Is your doctor saying that your breast cancer spread to your ovaries? Or are they going to check to see if it really started as ovarian cancer and had spread to your breast? I only ask because after I was diagnosed with Stage IIIC Ovarian Cancer in July I then had a bad mammogram in August (turned out to be nothing after I had a stereotatic mammogram) - and the concern was if we would need to see which had "started" first and if it would then be restaged. Confusing - but scary because I thought I had one thing and it could have been another.

    I too had my omentum taken out and actually felt pretty good by about 3 weeks out of surgery. If they give you the narcotics (I presume you had some kind of pain medication after your mastectomy) then you know about being on top of the stool softeners, etc so that you keep your system working properly.

    I am going to be undergoing genetic testing in the next couple of months for the BRCA genes and if I am positive then I will undergo a mastectomy as well. My doctor is so adamant that you would want to face head on a preventable cancer - which in this case would be the breast cancer. I will be asking you for tips if that happens because you will have experience in that area.

    I wish you nothing but good luck on the 8th and know that you will find awesome support on this sight. Everything and anything is discussed - and I must say amazed each time I read new postings. I hate the word cancer, I really do, but I am so thankful that I can come here and know that somebody will respond, cheer me on,offer advice,share their experiences and always be truthful. What a gift.

    You take good care and please keep posting.

    Kris
  • groundeffect
    groundeffect Member Posts: 639 Member
    #9
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    Hi Debbie,

    So sorry to hear you may be dealing with a second cancer before getting through one set of treatments! I have two friends who were dx with OVCA roughly one year after finishing treatment for breast cancer. I guess we're just lucky getting to be female, eh?

    Your vertical incision will probably go from about belly-button high, down to the pubic area - that's about all I have to add to that part, except I didn't see anyone mention that they'll take your appendix out, too - it's part of the routine.

    I spent 6 days in the hospital, and was able to start bowling just about 6 weeks after my surgery. I didn't find the surgery to be too bad, and got up and walked around as soon as they wanted me to try.

    I had two cancers, too - I was dx with uterine cancer first, and that's why I went in for a hysterectomy. I was just really lucky that my ovarian cancer was in a similar low stage when they found it, too - I wish you the same good fortune, if you're found to have it.

    If you start feeling too worried or depressed, talk to your doctors about it. It's very common! A mild anti-depressant can be a wonderful thing when you need it. I recommend a face-to-face support group, too. I really enjoy the company of mine.
  • Debbie2007
    Debbie2007 Member Posts: 4
    #10
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    curlee8661 said:

    Hi Debbie,
    I'm so sorry that you have the need to be here in addition to what you were already going through, but I'm glad for you that you found this site. It's unfortunate that you have no other support, but you can always count on it here. There's lots of support here, so you need never feel alone.

    Regarding your question about what to expect after surgery, I don't think any of us has the exact same experience, but for what it's worth this is how it went for me: I was in the hospital for 4 days after surgery. I was pretty heavily medicated at first, but after about a day I got pain meds when I asked for it, so it was pretty much a pain-free experience. Once home, I took the prescribed pain pills for the first few days, and switched from the narcotic to Tylanol as soon as I could. After about 2 weeks I didn't need anything for pain. For me, I think the worst of the recovery process was that normal bodily functions didn't work as smoothly as usual. It was a major effort going to the bathroom (1 and 2), and I experienced a lot of discomfort from gas cramps. From what I was told, this was due to everything being manipulated within the abdoman, which takes a while to right itself and heal. Within about a week of being home, I started walking my dogs. At first, I could only get about 20 yards and back, but I did better every day. My onc. told me to walk as much as I can, which helps with the side effects of chemo as well as regaining your energy in general. About 3-4 weeks after the surgery, I began having mild to moderate pain (sort of like cramps) on and off on both sides of my incission, which worried me until my doc reassured me that it's just scar tissue forming as a result of the surgery. Aside from all that, the recovery process was relatively easy and uneventful. I made an effort to eat well, and took lots of naps.

    I'm sure you'll be just fine too. You seem to have a great attitude, which will help you get through this.

    My thoughts are with you,
    Marianna

    Thank you all for your prayers, hugs, and vital information I needed to help me through this difficult time. Your replies meant the world to me, thank you.
    To Kris,
    The doctors say that breast and ovarian cancer do not normally go together and have asked me to do the BRCA-Genetic testing. The problem is if I have this gene it normally causes ovarian cancer much earlier (between 20-40 years of age) and I am 53. I'll keep you posted on what I learn.

    I feel so supported by all of you, thank you. I get kinda emotional.

    I want to reach into my laptop and hug all of you. Keeping each of you in my thoughts and prayers.
    Debbie
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