My mom was just DX not long ago- I love her so much

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LuvMyMom3
LuvMyMom3 Member Posts: 52
edited March 2014 in Ovarian Cancer #1
She is 65. Just wanted to say you are all strong women and you are all also in my prayers. God Bless you - and you will beat this as I know mom will. She has a wonderful ocologist/gynecologist. This hit our family like a ton of bricks. She is still, as always- incredibly positive and never complains. Had her first round of chemo. Stomach mass hurts her.


MB

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  • saundra
    saundra Member Posts: 1,370 Member
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    WE have all been there.
    Welcome to our world. This diagnosis is a shock and it will take time for your family to adjust to it. I was 68 when I was diagnosed 3/2007 with Stage IV. I am still fighting and have had months with no treatment.
    If you have any questions, the ladies here will chip in their experiences and advice. (((HUGs))) Saundra
  • LuvMyMom3
    LuvMyMom3 Member Posts: 52
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    saundra said:

    WE have all been there.
    Welcome to our world. This diagnosis is a shock and it will take time for your family to adjust to it. I was 68 when I was diagnosed 3/2007 with Stage IV. I am still fighting and have had months with no treatment.
    If you have any questions, the ladies here will chip in their experiences and advice. (((HUGs))) Saundra

    Thank you so much!
    Hi Saundra- you are so pretty. Thanks for the note. Congrats to you for getting to where you are. Yes, it changes everyone's lives forever. We feel helpless but say I love you more than ever and ask what we can do- I know sometimes people say the dumbest things and they think they are attempting to help. As in my other post, I know this is just the beginning of her treatment and she will her ups and downs. She can' sleep barely at all and no appetite. I want both for her again and I know God and her Dr's will get her through this. She is the strongest woman I know. You are all strong on this board. You have to be. I am so happy to meet you ! Michele
  • Hissy_Fitz
    Hissy_Fitz Member Posts: 1,834
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    Your mom's fighting spirit
    Your mom's fighting spirit is a plus. I am an Irish spitfire. My husband says the Cancer doesn't stand a chance.

    I was diagnosed last Sept with Stage IIIc OVCA. I had the big surgery (including bowel resection) and lots of complications, but the chemo gets easier as you go - at least it did for me. The first one was terrible. I truly thought I was dying. Now I am NED (no evidence of disease, per bloodwork and CT scan).

    I know what you mean by the "ton of bricks" comment. I had no family history and no risk factors. I had my colonoscopies and mammograms religiously. OVCA never crossed my mind. I cried constantly for the first couple of months, then I got thoroughly POed. The nerve of this disease to mess with my life like this! I have way too much to do and no time to be sick.

    Carlene
  • LuvMyMom3
    LuvMyMom3 Member Posts: 52
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    Your mom's fighting spirit
    Your mom's fighting spirit is a plus. I am an Irish spitfire. My husband says the Cancer doesn't stand a chance.

    I was diagnosed last Sept with Stage IIIc OVCA. I had the big surgery (including bowel resection) and lots of complications, but the chemo gets easier as you go - at least it did for me. The first one was terrible. I truly thought I was dying. Now I am NED (no evidence of disease, per bloodwork and CT scan).

    I know what you mean by the "ton of bricks" comment. I had no family history and no risk factors. I had my colonoscopies and mammograms religiously. OVCA never crossed my mind. I cried constantly for the first couple of months, then I got thoroughly POed. The nerve of this disease to mess with my life like this! I have way too much to do and no time to be sick.

    Carlene

    Carlene
    Carlene- You are so right- how dare this disease think it can win- no way. My mom is having the chemo first and I hear if she would be operated on it would spread for sure, so they aren't - I pray that this wonderful oncologist expert gets it all. I believe he is pretty positive he can and will. Our lives changed in an instant. I knew she wasn't doing well, but opposote from you she didn't get routine checks and this disease can't just be found as you know. Then the stomach pains... awwwe, I love my mother so very much - she is the glue that holds our family together. God bless you all..and I know you will all beat this...HUGS Carlene.. you are doing a great job with the attitude, as well. Mom is getting a port for her 2nd round in 2 weeks. Michele
  • LuvMyMom3
    LuvMyMom3 Member Posts: 52
    Options

    Your mom's fighting spirit
    Your mom's fighting spirit is a plus. I am an Irish spitfire. My husband says the Cancer doesn't stand a chance.

    I was diagnosed last Sept with Stage IIIc OVCA. I had the big surgery (including bowel resection) and lots of complications, but the chemo gets easier as you go - at least it did for me. The first one was terrible. I truly thought I was dying. Now I am NED (no evidence of disease, per bloodwork and CT scan).

    I know what you mean by the "ton of bricks" comment. I had no family history and no risk factors. I had my colonoscopies and mammograms religiously. OVCA never crossed my mind. I cried constantly for the first couple of months, then I got thoroughly POed. The nerve of this disease to mess with my life like this! I have way too much to do and no time to be sick.

    Carlene

    Carlene
    oops- posted twice- had to delete this.
  • LuvMyMom3
    LuvMyMom3 Member Posts: 52
    Options

    Your mom's fighting spirit
    Your mom's fighting spirit is a plus. I am an Irish spitfire. My husband says the Cancer doesn't stand a chance.

    I was diagnosed last Sept with Stage IIIc OVCA. I had the big surgery (including bowel resection) and lots of complications, but the chemo gets easier as you go - at least it did for me. The first one was terrible. I truly thought I was dying. Now I am NED (no evidence of disease, per bloodwork and CT scan).

    I know what you mean by the "ton of bricks" comment. I had no family history and no risk factors. I had my colonoscopies and mammograms religiously. OVCA never crossed my mind. I cried constantly for the first couple of months, then I got thoroughly POed. The nerve of this disease to mess with my life like this! I have way too much to do and no time to be sick.

    Carlene

    hair wraps
    What do you all find are the best style hair wraps for you?
  • Hissy_Fitz
    Hissy_Fitz Member Posts: 1,834
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    LuvMyMom3 said:

    Carlene
    Carlene- You are so right- how dare this disease think it can win- no way. My mom is having the chemo first and I hear if she would be operated on it would spread for sure, so they aren't - I pray that this wonderful oncologist expert gets it all. I believe he is pretty positive he can and will. Our lives changed in an instant. I knew she wasn't doing well, but opposote from you she didn't get routine checks and this disease can't just be found as you know. Then the stomach pains... awwwe, I love my mother so very much - she is the glue that holds our family together. God bless you all..and I know you will all beat this...HUGS Carlene.. you are doing a great job with the attitude, as well. Mom is getting a port for her 2nd round in 2 weeks. Michele

    Lots of women have chemo
    Lots of women have chemo first, to shrink the tumor(s), then they usually have what is called de-bulking surgery. That's where they take out as much of the cancer as they can. It is not unusual to have the entire omentum removed (the omentum is part of the stomach lining). Ovarian Cancer "cakes" all over the peritoneum sometimes, in which case it has to be killed with chemo, since it's impossible to remove it all surgically.

    Did your mom's doctor say that surgery would only spread the Cancer, or is that something you heard from someone else?

    Carlene
  • Tina Brown
    Tina Brown Member Posts: 1,036 Member
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    LuvMyMom3 said:

    hair wraps
    What do you all find are the best style hair wraps for you?

    Hair Wraps
    Hi LuvMyMom

    I lost my hair before Christmas last year and vowed I would ALWAYS wear a wig. However I soon got fed up with it so I now like to wear a scarf. I have a few square scarves (40cm square) & I fold it into a triangle. I put it on my head with the point hanging down the back of my neck. I then take the 2 ends and tie a double knot underneath the triangle (behind my head) The bit of scarf that is dangling down the back I tuck it underneath the double knot. Then bits that are still free can either be tucked in or tied into more knots.

    I always tuck the ends in but I know some people let them hang down. There are some web sites that show pictures of how to tie them.

    Hope you can follow my instructions & I hope your mum feel comfortable in her scarves.

    Take care Tina xx
  • LuvMyMom3
    LuvMyMom3 Member Posts: 52
    Options

    Lots of women have chemo
    Lots of women have chemo first, to shrink the tumor(s), then they usually have what is called de-bulking surgery. That's where they take out as much of the cancer as they can. It is not unusual to have the entire omentum removed (the omentum is part of the stomach lining). Ovarian Cancer "cakes" all over the peritoneum sometimes, in which case it has to be killed with chemo, since it's impossible to remove it all surgically.

    Did your mom's doctor say that surgery would only spread the Cancer, or is that something you heard from someone else?

    Carlene

    that is what I heard from
    that is what I heard from dad..saying the Dr said, Carlene. My brothers and I are going to take turns going each time with my parents. Dad's hearing isn't the best but that is what he told us. I didn't see the Dr. yet or speak with him.
  • LuvMyMom3
    LuvMyMom3 Member Posts: 52
    Options

    Hair Wraps
    Hi LuvMyMom

    I lost my hair before Christmas last year and vowed I would ALWAYS wear a wig. However I soon got fed up with it so I now like to wear a scarf. I have a few square scarves (40cm square) & I fold it into a triangle. I put it on my head with the point hanging down the back of my neck. I then take the 2 ends and tie a double knot underneath the triangle (behind my head) The bit of scarf that is dangling down the back I tuck it underneath the double knot. Then bits that are still free can either be tucked in or tied into more knots.

    I always tuck the ends in but I know some people let them hang down. There are some web sites that show pictures of how to tie them.

    Hope you can follow my instructions & I hope your mum feel comfortable in her scarves.

    Take care Tina xx

    thanks Tina- great advice.
    thanks Tina- great advice. There are lots of pretty scarves I have seen and she may go with that. hugs.
  • Lisa13Q
    Lisa13Q Member Posts: 677
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    Hi MB
    My name is Lisa and I love my Mom too!! She was diagnosed last July and she also needed chemo before surgery. She is lucky that you and your brothers are around for her. Through this process I have learned so much and have had so many wonderful experiences with my mother. Sorry you have to be here but this is a great place for support and advice...There are so many women here who have so much to offer in terms of advice and support. Come often and keep us posted!!
  • Hissy_Fitz
    Hissy_Fitz Member Posts: 1,834
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    LuvMyMom3 said:

    that is what I heard from
    that is what I heard from dad..saying the Dr said, Carlene. My brothers and I are going to take turns going each time with my parents. Dad's hearing isn't the best but that is what he told us. I didn't see the Dr. yet or speak with him.

    I was just curious, as I
    I was just curious, as I have heard people say that surgery causes Cancer to spread. However, none of them were doctors. Surgery is almost always part of the first line treatment for OVCA.
  • kayandok
    kayandok Member Posts: 1,202 Member
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    Michele,
    your mom is truly blessed to have you! I understand how you feel about the the news hitting you, most of us experienced the same shocked feeling, I think. I know I will never forget the day the the doctor came into the recovery room, after my surgery, leaned over my bed, looked me in the eyes, and said, "I'm sorry to tell you that you have Ovarian Cancer." (My husband had been waiting for me to get a little stronger to share the news.) My heart stopped, and I couldn't breath for a minute. I was not expecting that news, and It felt like a dump truck had just unloaded a ton of bricks into my bed.

    That was three years ago, and it has been quite the journey, but I am still here to write about it on this forum. Your mom, together with you and her family will fight very hard, and there is lot's of hope.

    Warm hugs,
    kathleen
  • eward
    eward Member Posts: 210
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    moms
    My mom was diagnosed with primary peritoneal a little over a year ago. Hang in there. There will be ups and downs like a roller coaster. I wish you and your mom the best.
    Love,
    Eileen
  • LuvMyMom3
    LuvMyMom3 Member Posts: 52
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    Lisa13Q said:

    Hi MB
    My name is Lisa and I love my Mom too!! She was diagnosed last July and she also needed chemo before surgery. She is lucky that you and your brothers are around for her. Through this process I have learned so much and have had so many wonderful experiences with my mother. Sorry you have to be here but this is a great place for support and advice...There are so many women here who have so much to offer in terms of advice and support. Come often and keep us posted!!

    Thanks Lisa for the great
    Thanks Lisa for the great support... glad you're here...to share..too
  • LuvMyMom3
    LuvMyMom3 Member Posts: 52
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    kayandok said:

    Michele,
    your mom is truly blessed to have you! I understand how you feel about the the news hitting you, most of us experienced the same shocked feeling, I think. I know I will never forget the day the the doctor came into the recovery room, after my surgery, leaned over my bed, looked me in the eyes, and said, "I'm sorry to tell you that you have Ovarian Cancer." (My husband had been waiting for me to get a little stronger to share the news.) My heart stopped, and I couldn't breath for a minute. I was not expecting that news, and It felt like a dump truck had just unloaded a ton of bricks into my bed.

    That was three years ago, and it has been quite the journey, but I am still here to write about it on this forum. Your mom, together with you and her family will fight very hard, and there is lot's of hope.

    Warm hugs,
    kathleen

    Thanks Kathleen... another
    Thanks Kathleen... another pretty lady- I see.. everyone here is so sweet and supportive.. and caring. Yes, lots of hope! Hang in there..too..well wishes sent your way too. hugs--
  • LuvMyMom3
    LuvMyMom3 Member Posts: 52
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    eward said:

    moms
    My mom was diagnosed with primary peritoneal a little over a year ago. Hang in there. There will be ups and downs like a roller coaster. I wish you and your mom the best.
    Love,
    Eileen

    Eileen- thank you..so nice
    Eileen- thank you..so nice to meet you and thanks for the support! Positive thoguhts and well wishes sent to your mom ,too.. hugs
  • msfanciful
    msfanciful Member Posts: 559
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    We are here for you and your
    We are here for you and your mother.

    Stay strong and she is fortunate to have a daughter who cares so for her.



    Continued prayer,

    Sharon
  • anthonya
    anthonya Member Posts: 11
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    Support
    Just wanted to send you good vibes and support.
    My mother recently died of a rare form of ovarian cancer. When she was diagnosed, it was the scariest moment of my life.

    I know what you are going through. Stay strong for her - she needs you to be stronger than you've ever been before.

    a
  • LuvMyMom3
    LuvMyMom3 Member Posts: 52
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    We are here for you and your
    We are here for you and your mother.

    Stay strong and she is fortunate to have a daughter who cares so for her.



    Continued prayer,

    Sharon

    thank you Sharon...you are
    thank you Sharon...you are beautiful!