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lulu1010
lulu1010 Member Posts: 367
in Ovarian Cancer #1
Hi! I am new to this board but I have been monitoring this board for some time and have really found it to be helpful. I have made previous attempts to enter blogs but they all got erased or at least I think they did so if I am repeating myself, I appologize.

I had been having abdominal pain and GI changes for 18 months and had CT scans. ultrasounds, endless bloodwork, swallowed the camera (which got stuck...that should have been a clue!). Many were negative and others said colitis, diverticulitis, and IBS.
Finally in Aug of 2010 and 40lbs lighter I was diagnosed with primary peritoneal cancer.
The doctors were planning extensive surgery including a colostomy. One young doctor offered to do chemo first to reduce the cancer and provide for a less extensive surgery. I took his plan and had 4 doses of carbo which was effective. I had robotic surgery in Dec.. The doctor felt that I would heal faster and get back on chemo faster with the robotic method. When he did the surgery he found almost no cancer except for a couple small suspicious areas that were positive. I then started on Carbo/Taxol and I am starting to feel much better except for the side effects which seem to be getting more tolerable. I have not worked as a nurse since my diagnosis but plan to start working part-time next week.
I just want to say that I have found this site to be a great source of information. But more importantly, I feel I have found women who understand what I am going thru and I feel like I have made new friends already. Thank you!

Comments

  • mopar
    mopar Member Posts: 1,972 Member
    #2
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    WELCOME, LULU!
    I am so happy to hear of your progress and success. And it sounds like you are bouncing back just fine. I'm also glad to hear that you've found this site to be helpful. I've made so many friends here, but unfortunately have lost 4 in just these past 12 months. So it's truly encouraging to hear stories such as yours.

    It's wonderful that you can go back to work part-time. It helps to get back 'in the swing' of things, even if slowly. My best to you and your continued recovery. Visit us again!

    (((HUGS)))
    Monika
  • carolenk
    carolenk Member Posts: 907 Member
    #3
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    mopar said:

    WELCOME, LULU!
    I am so happy to hear of your progress and success. And it sounds like you are bouncing back just fine. I'm also glad to hear that you've found this site to be helpful. I've made so many friends here, but unfortunately have lost 4 in just these past 12 months. So it's truly encouraging to hear stories such as yours.

    It's wonderful that you can go back to work part-time. It helps to get back 'in the swing' of things, even if slowly. My best to you and your continued recovery. Visit us again!

    (((HUGS)))
    Monika

    Chemo before surgery
    Good for you! You made the right choice for treatment after not getting the proper care for so long.

    I would say that if you search the Internet for information about your diagnosis, keep in mind that some of the information about PPC is old and depressing. My diagnosis is an epithelial type of ovarian cancer that "splattered" all over my innards so I think it is similar to PPC. I am getting positive results so far from the first-line treatment (I started off on carbo/taxol for two cycles but am finishing up on carbo alone).

    Unfortunately, not enough is understood about cancer. I WISH that someone would study the long-term survivors! There must be something in common with the people who beat the odds--I'm planning to be one of the long-term survivors, too. I am doing the standard of care treatment and alternative medicine treatments also. I am not finished with the first-line treatment yet.

    I asked my oncologist "What do you think is working for me?" He said, "You're doing 17 different things--who knows?!" hahahahaha! At least he isn't trashing me for doing the "other stuff."

    Wishing the best for you,

    C
  • Tina Brown
    Tina Brown Member Posts: 1,036 Member
    #4
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    Welcome Lulu
    I too have PPC but I was not as fortunate as you as mine had spread to the lining of my lungs so I am stage 4. I am on my first re-currance and am also back at work. I only work 3 days but it is doing me the world of good mentally. I am trying to be really active and will only rest if I am exhausted.

    I would've liked to have had surgery but my oncologist told me my cells were too small, so I had chemo.

    This site is wonderful and I have gained a lot of strength in the early days just after diagnosis.

    Tina xx
  • Greeneyes0467
    Greeneyes0467 Member Posts: 1
    #5
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    Also new!
    Hello!

    I was also diagnozed with primary peritoneal cancer, after a few tests such as ultrasounds, MRI. I had the surgery on Jan 5th, recovering well. It is only at that time that they diagnozed me with PPC. The morning of the surgery, the Dr didn't think it was cancer. Started chemo on Feb7th, carboplatin. After 2 treatments, they had to postpone the treatment by a few days due to the blood tests being too low. I am learning a whole new vocabulary! Too much information! lol

    I am a single mom of a 13 yrs old teenager, she will 14 next Thursday. Wow! She has become the expert on laundry. I no longer hear "mom, when are you doing laundry?". lol

    yes, PPC is scary, I don't have a crystle ball but wish I did. When I buy lottery tickets, I think, money won't "fix" everything...but could help other burdens and stresses.

    I have go back to work part-time to start, then now full time. I work in an office where the management has permitted me to work from home a few days a week. That is fabulous!

    I wish you they very best!

    Julie

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