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Christine B.
Christine B. Member Posts: 137
edited March 2014 in Ovarian Cancer #1
I just wanted to say hello. I went to the doctor last Sunday for a cough and some swelling of the abdomen and some bowel troubles. I blamed it on summer stress moving my 82 year old mother and beginning a masters program. Turns out that after an xray showed fluid in my left lung, I was referred to have a CT scan. This showed dark things in my addominal lining the doctor described like a apron lining. I go in to Pulmanary on Tuesday to check the fluid in my lung for cancer cells. That will determine the direction I go for treatment. The doctor was positive that it's not a death sentence. He said there are treatments either way. I'm scared. I have been checking out a book called Beating Cancer with Nutrition, a book I gave my brother who died after more than 5 years fighting colon cancer two years ago. It just seems like a nightmare I need to wake up from. Thank you for listening. Any woulds of advice or hope would be appreciated. Chris

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  • HeartofSoul
    HeartofSoul Member Posts: 729 Member
    #2
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    You have come to the right place
    The members here will offer support, advice and comfort.
  • Tina Brown
    Tina Brown Member Posts: 1,036 Member
    #3
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    Hello Chris
    It sounds like you may have Primary Peritoneal Cancer (PPC) or Ovarian. I have PPC and your symptoms ressemble mine. The swelling in your abdomen is caused by fluid build up (the cancer cells weep fluid). The fluid could be pressing on the bowel which causes very regular bowel movements (I used to go to the toilet 3 - 4 times a day) as the space is reduced. Sometimes the fluid goes into the plueral space (inbetween the lungs and the outer lining) which causes breathlessness and coughing.

    I had a chest drain to both of my lungs which is quite a simple procedure and you very quickly feel relief. If your doctor puts you on chemo then this will kill off the cells and the fluid will drain away naturally.

    I was diagnosed Nov 09 and began chemo in Dec. My treatment finished in March this year and I am doing OK. I had a partial success as not all of my cells were killed off but my doctors said I responded so well to the chemo that if I need it again in the future (if the cancer comes back) it should be successful again.

    I hope things go well for you and please post again so I know how you are.

    Love Tina xx
  • Hissy_Fitz
    Hissy_Fitz Member Posts: 1,834
    #4
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    Chris....the big question at
    Chris....the big question at this point, with Ovarian Cancer, is what stage is it. That cannot be determined until the time of surgery, but the stages (I-IV) determine the treatment, as well as the prognosis.

    Most of us had a transvaginal ultrasound, and were diagnosed from that, plus a CA 125 test. Have you had either of those?

    Does your doctor suspect Ovarian Cancer? If so, it's really important to seek out a Gyn/Oncologist specialist, as studies show that women do much better when treated by them, as opposed to separate gyn and onc doctors.

    Do come back and let us know what the tests reveal.

    Carlene
  • blue802
    blue802 Member Posts: 17
    #5
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    I know that you are sceard.
    Dear Christine,Pleas hang in there and you have to take this one day at a time.Believe me I know how scared you are we all know,But just for today you are OK.We can all fight one day just for today.And always remember you are never alone,We will walk with you,and if you have to talk pleas remember we are here for you.My name is Mary and I have Pramany pertinal cancer and I also have colon cancer,The good news is I am in remission o most 3 years from PPC.and 6 months from colon cancer.There is hope,Here is my email blue802@aol.com and I am on face book also and my space,If I can be of any help pleas wright me.Good Luck and God Bless You,Mary

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