DEBULKING SURGERY TUESDAY, MAR 15

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carol848
carol848 Member Posts: 8
in Ovarian Cancer #1
I have been reading this board snce mid Februray when it was suspected my twin sister had ovarian cancer. She will be having the debulking surgery at Sloan Kettering on Tues, March 15; I am so scared; we are 62 years old and very close. They suspect it may be in her lungs and/or liver.

Please keep her in your prayers.

This group has given me some hope reading your stories. Any words of encouragement are appreciated.

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  • LaundryQueen
    LaundryQueen Member Posts: 676
    #2
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    Positive energy
    Carol

    All I can say is that a lot of progress has been made with regards to treating ovarian cancer--even at stage IV (where it spreads outside of the abdominal cavity).

    You can do a lot for your sister by reminding her that she is strong and that chemo has a really good chance of getting her into remission. Take good care of yourself so that you can be there for her--do your best to not be consumed with worry as it will only wear you down and do your sister no good whatsoever.

    I stayed away from people who were way too sympathetic and worried about me. I didn't want to hear anything bad--just tell me what to do to be a survivor and I'll do it.
  • kikz
    kikz Member Posts: 1,345 Member
    #3
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    LaundryQueen said:

    Positive energy
    Carol

    All I can say is that a lot of progress has been made with regards to treating ovarian cancer--even at stage IV (where it spreads outside of the abdominal cavity).

    You can do a lot for your sister by reminding her that she is strong and that chemo has a really good chance of getting her into remission. Take good care of yourself so that you can be there for her--do your best to not be consumed with worry as it will only wear you down and do your sister no good whatsoever.

    I stayed away from people who were way too sympathetic and worried about me. I didn't want to hear anything bad--just tell me what to do to be a survivor and I'll do it.

    I agree with LaundryQueen
    survivor mode is very important. I found strength I didn't know I had. I remember telling my onco surgeon that with the disease comes gifts and one is strength. He said that is true. It will help your sister if you are strong and positive. And it will help her get through the process if she feels hopeful and strong. After all what is the alternative? If we succumb to the fear, it won't help kick the monster's butt, it will only taint precious time. I am not saying she doesn't have a right to whatever feelings she experiences but to try really hard to stay in the positive. I hope I don't sound like a Pollyanna but attitude is so important in this fight. Wishing the best for your sister.

    Karen
  • carol848
    carol848 Member Posts: 8
    #4
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    LaundryQueen said:

    Positive energy
    Carol

    All I can say is that a lot of progress has been made with regards to treating ovarian cancer--even at stage IV (where it spreads outside of the abdominal cavity).

    You can do a lot for your sister by reminding her that she is strong and that chemo has a really good chance of getting her into remission. Take good care of yourself so that you can be there for her--do your best to not be consumed with worry as it will only wear you down and do your sister no good whatsoever.

    I stayed away from people who were way too sympathetic and worried about me. I didn't want to hear anything bad--just tell me what to do to be a survivor and I'll do it.

    Debulking Proedure and Scared
    Thanks so much for the positive words. I am working on staying strong.I know I have to be for her.

    I will keep you posted; we are from Pennsylvania and leaving for NYC tomorrow.

    And God Bless You!! You are truly a survivor!!
  • srwruns
    srwruns Member Posts: 343
    #5
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    carol848 said:

    Debulking Proedure and Scared
    Thanks so much for the positive words. I am working on staying strong.I know I have to be for her.

    I will keep you posted; we are from Pennsylvania and leaving for NYC tomorrow.

    And God Bless You!! You are truly a survivor!!

    best of luck to you and your
    best of luck to you and your sister. I too am originally from PA and actually lived in NYC close to Sloan for a number of years. I just finished my chemo yesterday. I did feel surgery was the toughest part...just all those owies from healing, but it went VERY fast! I started this whole thing on October 14th (surgery)...and it feels like it was 6 weeks ago rather than 6 months! I hope it goes fast for you and your sister too! Just keep moving as much as possible...will help with the healing.
  • anicca
    anicca Member Posts: 334 Member
    #6
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    I am going to NYU on the
    I am going to NYU on the 15th for my 6 month checkup and will be thinking of you and your sister, just a little bit uptown of where I will be. I hope the surgery goes well and that it has not spread as far as suspected. I agree that a positive attitude is important, though it can be difficult to maintain at times.
  • carol848
    carol848 Member Posts: 8
    #7
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    anicca said:

    I am going to NYU on the
    I am going to NYU on the 15th for my 6 month checkup and will be thinking of you and your sister, just a little bit uptown of where I will be. I hope the surgery goes well and that it has not spread as far as suspected. I agree that a positive attitude is important, though it can be difficult to maintain at times.

    DEBULKNG SURGERY
    Thanks again for all of the positive words. My biggest concern is we were told that in a small amount of surgeries they cannot remove the cancer and then my sister will have to go on chemo . Does anyone know of someone this happened to on this great survivor group. And how they made out.
  • mopar
    mopar Member Posts: 1,972 Member
    #8
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    SENDING PRAYERS
    The unknown sure is scary, Carol. But once you know what's what, your sister will be able to face it head on and it's good to know she has you by her side to support her. Let us know how it goes. And don't give up hope. There are lots of survivor stories here to life yours and your sister's spirits and show you that there is much to hope for.

    Sending lots of prayers and hugs.
    Monika
  • pattysoo
    pattysoo Member Posts: 170
    #9
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    carol848 said:

    DEBULKNG SURGERY
    Thanks again for all of the positive words. My biggest concern is we were told that in a small amount of surgeries they cannot remove the cancer and then my sister will have to go on chemo . Does anyone know of someone this happened to on this great survivor group. And how they made out.

    suboptimal debulking
    My oncologist couldn't remove all of my cancer. He said he only got 85%. After 6 chemo treatments I was pronounced NED. I know the cancer can recur, but I'm trying to stay hopeful that it will be gone for a long time. Right now it's been about 6 months since my last chemo and I'm living a fairly normal life, although under the veil of a cancer diagnosis. My sister stayed with me during all of my recovery after surgery. It was wonderful to have her help and support. I'll bet your twin will feel the same about you.
  • Lisa13Q
    Lisa13Q Member Posts: 677
    #10
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    Who is your surgeon?
    Your sister could not be in better hands. Both my mother and Nancy 591 have been treated at Sloane and they are amazing at this surgery. Who is your sister's oncologist? My mother has Dr. Kathy Bell-McGwinn....I am convinced that if not for them, my mother would not be here. Please keep us updated....
  • anicca
    anicca Member Posts: 334 Member
    #11
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    carol848 said:

    DEBULKNG SURGERY
    Thanks again for all of the positive words. My biggest concern is we were told that in a small amount of surgeries they cannot remove the cancer and then my sister will have to go on chemo . Does anyone know of someone this happened to on this great survivor group. And how they made out.

    I was diagnosed with stage
    I was diagnosed with stage 1C, all of the cancer having been removed. Nevertheless, I still had the standard 6 cycles of carbo/taxol chemo, because of the risk that there were microscopic tumor cells that had not been detected. Chemo is not as bad as you and your sister may think. I and many others here got through the 6 rounds in very good shape, and many others here have been through much more chemo than that and still have a good quality of life. I was able to continue working as a figure skating coach and even went camping during my chemo. The experience is different for everyone, but going into it with a "no fear" attitude helped me immensely. Just the idea that there could still be cancer cells in me made me WANT the chemo. It is really much the lesser of the two evils.
  • poopergirl14052
    poopergirl14052 Member Posts: 1,183 Member
    #12
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    Prayers heading your way
    Hope surgery goes well with no complications. Stay close to your sis and let her know you are there. Take samll steps one day at a time...val
  • childofthestars
    childofthestars Member Posts: 251 Member
    #13
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    carol848 said:

    DEBULKNG SURGERY
    Thanks again for all of the positive words. My biggest concern is we were told that in a small amount of surgeries they cannot remove the cancer and then my sister will have to go on chemo . Does anyone know of someone this happened to on this great survivor group. And how they made out.

    debulking surgery
    Hi
    I was dx with Stage 11 in June '10 and had debulking surgery where ALL 'visible' cancer was removed but i still had Taxol/Carbo chemo for 18 weeks to hopefully mop up any microscopic cells that could still be floating around.
    I was very against having chemo in the first instance but it really wasn't that bad and i'm now very happy i did go down this path.
    I have a very positive attitude as do all of the ladies on this board and i'm sure this has helped us all.
    Good luck to your sister and keep us posted.
    Michelle x
  • Sandy10
    Sandy10 Member Posts: 80
    #14
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    Praying for you and your
    Praying for you and your family!!! May God guide the hands of the surgeon. I am glad you found this board. There are many wonderful ladies on this board and they have a wealth of knowledge as well. I have learned a lot here. You and your family are in my prayers. ((((HUGS))))

    Sandy
  • carol848
    carol848 Member Posts: 8
    #15
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    carol848 said:

    DEBULKNG SURGERY
    Thanks again for all of the positive words. My biggest concern is we were told that in a small amount of surgeries they cannot remove the cancer and then my sister will have to go on chemo . Does anyone know of someone this happened to on this great survivor group. And how they made out.

    COULD NOT COMPLETE THE DEBULKING
    Well we are home since Monday; they were not able to complete my sister Marie's cancer surgery; they said it would have been too much; they would have had to remove the colon.

    I am very disappointed; I encouraged her to go to Sloan and am mad at myself right now.

    The plan is to do 3 rounds of chemo and go back in; they claim in most cases it shrinks much of the cancer.

    Does anyone know of anyone who went through this. Marie is staying with me right now; she is on the blood thinner shots because she developed a clot. It is heartbreaking to see her going through all this.

    Any feedback is appreciated and thanks to all of you for being here.
  • eward
    eward Member Posts: 210
    #16
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    carol848 said:

    COULD NOT COMPLETE THE DEBULKING
    Well we are home since Monday; they were not able to complete my sister Marie's cancer surgery; they said it would have been too much; they would have had to remove the colon.

    I am very disappointed; I encouraged her to go to Sloan and am mad at myself right now.

    The plan is to do 3 rounds of chemo and go back in; they claim in most cases it shrinks much of the cancer.

    Does anyone know of anyone who went through this. Marie is staying with me right now; she is on the blood thinner shots because she developed a clot. It is heartbreaking to see her going through all this.

    Any feedback is appreciated and thanks to all of you for being here.

    difficult
    This is such a difficult time for you and your sister. I am sorry.

    My mom(my best friend and closest supporter) was diagnosed with stage 4 ovarian/primary peritoneal cancer nearly 2 years ago, at the age of 62. It has been a difficult 2 years, with lots of ups and downs, but she still manages to do everything she can to stay healthy and tomorrow will go to "VIP Day" - also known as Grandparents' Day at my son's school.

    I have heard cases where chemo is done first and then surgery. I hope this works for your sister.

    My advice would be to find a cancer support center in your area. The center in our town provides free support for cancer patients and their families. They have a wonderful library. Your sister will need to manage the side effects of chemo. Diet is super-important in this regard.

    Maintaining strength and positive energy is essential, not easy, but it is really important. If your sister is able to get any exercise, to keep moving, that is important. I don't mean to train for a marathon, but taking walks and keeping the body moving will help her body and mind.

    I will wish you well now. The people on this board are all wonderful and are a source of inspiration. Keep moving forward!
    Eileen
  • Lisa13Q
    Lisa13Q Member Posts: 677
    #17
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    carol848 said:

    COULD NOT COMPLETE THE DEBULKING
    Well we are home since Monday; they were not able to complete my sister Marie's cancer surgery; they said it would have been too much; they would have had to remove the colon.

    I am very disappointed; I encouraged her to go to Sloan and am mad at myself right now.

    The plan is to do 3 rounds of chemo and go back in; they claim in most cases it shrinks much of the cancer.

    Does anyone know of anyone who went through this. Marie is staying with me right now; she is on the blood thinner shots because she developed a clot. It is heartbreaking to see her going through all this.

    Any feedback is appreciated and thanks to all of you for being here.

    Dear Carol
    Please do not be mad at yourself...Sloane is a great place....who is your surgeon? In my mother's case....they wouldn't even do the surgery before she had 3 rounds of chemo because the cancer was so spread....this is not uncommon as OVCA is like spray paint....the surgeon was very honest with us the first time we met.....initially I hated him because of what he said, and then I found out others had the same experience...sometimes when the cancer has spread so much, they have to do the chemo and then get more....I know that at Yale, their protocol for OVCA is always 2 surgeries....anyway, please don;t be mad at yourself.....you picked an excellent cancer center...you are doing the best for your sister and I am sure she appreciates it....this is a challenging illness, but you will be amazed at how much the chemo gets.....this is a long and winding road.....but you are in expert hands!!! We will be praying for you and your sister...Hugs, Lisa

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