Ovarian Cancer

keeppraying4
keeppraying4 Member Posts: 21
edited March 2014 in Ovarian Cancer #1
My name is Rae and I was diagnosed with ovarian cancer/uterine cancer in October of this year (They aren't quite sure which one it is). I was not given a stage however I was told that they think it was "Pretty advanced". It was stumbled upon while I was undergoing surgery for what was suppose to be only fibroid tumors. They claim they got all the tumor however they wanted me to go through chemo and radiation. I was very reluctant to do either, however after praying I mustered the courage to go do the chemo and planned to do radiation after. I was given an hour of pre-medication then they began to administer the drug taxol.
I received only 10cc of the medication before I had a severe allergic reaction.( I was told it was one of the worst they'd seen. My doctor suggested giving me more pre- meds followed by these same drugs. The reaction I had was so severe and scary that I could not agree. Initially they tried to tell me that my reaction was common however I knew that it was not. Finally they conceded and told me the truth. I am so scared to do anything now. I've read that adneocarcinoma (the kind of cancer I have) is highly resistant to any kind of chemo. I'm confused, scared and really need someone who can understand what I'm going through to talk to. Have you heard of survivor who haven't taken any treatment other that surgery. Please help if you can.
Thanks and God Bless you.

Comments

  • mopar
    mopar Member Posts: 1,972 Member
    Rae:
    I'm so sorry to hear of what you are going through, especially at this time of year when we usually feel joy and peace.
    First of all, I too had cancer (Ovarian stage 1C) discovered during an operation for a fibroid. They ended up removing everything, including the omentum and some lymph nodes. The cancer was contained in the one ovary, but when they removed it it ruptured, causing it to spill into my system. My doctor was speedy to recommend chemo (6 heavy-duty sessions). That was in March 2000. I just had an appointment last Wednesday. Although I do have some abdominal pain and pain in other areas, all tests show totally clear as well as the examination. I am so grateful and blessed, but it will always be a big part of my life, wondering if it will return.
    Now to my treatments: I had taxol and carboplatin, IV, which took 8 hours to infuse. My doctor monitored this regimine very carefully to insure I had no reactions. I started the night before with a dose of oral steroids. The day of the chemo they began with Benadryl, Anzemt and a couple of other medications. This was to minimize any allergic reactions or nausea. He also gave me anti-nausea medication to use at home (which I only had to use once or twice). So my recommendation to you is this: Can you be premedicated to minimize any side effects and/or reactions? Can they infuse SLOWLY so you will also have fewer side effects? One day, when they seemed to be ready to go home, they speeded up the infusion. I IMMEDIATELY got very ill. So they had to slow it down. My doctor was upset about this. He is a trememdous doctor.
    Please know that my thoughts and prayers are with you. Please let me know what the outcome is of this situation. I highly recommend you ask your doctor those questions, at least to ease your mind. Please keep us informed. And try to have a peaceful holiday. All things are in His hands. He is watching over you. Read Psalm 91, the one that really got me through my ordeal and to this day is my comfort.
    Monika
  • lizzymc
    lizzymc Member Posts: 2
    I am a survivor of ovarian cancer, you can email me if you like. I was stage 4 surgery and treatment for 10 mos. The cancer spread to my lymph nodes also I was given meds before and after. Hope I can be of some assistance. I can maybe answer some of your questions.
  • groundeffect
    groundeffect Member Posts: 639 Member
    I'm sorry to hear that you had a bad reaction to the taxol, but it's my understanding that it's not a rare thing to have because it's a plant derivative; that's why it's usually administered in a hospital setting for the first treatment, so if there's an adverse reaction, you can be given as aid as possible. My ob/gyn said that when she was an intern, the taxol was still being filtered in the drip line because it sometimes had plant matter in it!

    I had ovarian 1C and uterine 1B cancers, and was diagnosed in Sept. 2002, followed by 6 taxol/carboplatin treatments. It was scary at first, and I was very leery of what they were putting into me. I have since learned that it is standard treatment, and doses are administered by doctors are the same at hospitals or other facilities. I remember calling and demanding to know what I was given the second time, because it didn't seem to exactly match what I was given at the first!

    You didn't mention if you were given steroid pills to take the night and morning before the chemo administration; I was given a prescription to have filled each time to aid in preventing reactions to the chemo.

    Taxol is given to enhance the effect of carboplatin. It basically "freezes" the fast-growing cancer cells and allows the carboplatin to do its work. Taxol is what causes hair to fall out, because it slows down any fast-growing cells such as hair. I read a great book that gives descriptions of chemo drugs and why they should work-it's called "Gilda's Disease", by Dr. Steven Piver and Gene Wilder. I think it told me a lot more than I knew about ovarian cancer before my surgery and chemotherapy.

    I highly recommend that book to anyone who has an experience with ovarian cancer. My ob/gyn said Dr. Piver wrote the handbook that all the interns carried during their oncology rotation.

    Have you looked to see if there are any ovarian cancer support groups that you could meet with? I have found that my fellow survivors have a vast amount of knowledge about treatments, and they've all been scared and confused, just like us.

    Don't despair! Your anxiety should lessen as you learn more about what you have, and what treatments are available. Don't be afraid to question your doctors and other health care professionals about your course of treatment. One thing that I've found useful is the deep breathing technique I learned at a yoga class. It's very relaxing when you need to do something to keep your mind off what's going on. I wish you luck, and remember-you are not alone.
  • keeppraying4
    keeppraying4 Member Posts: 21
    mopar said:

    Rae:
    I'm so sorry to hear of what you are going through, especially at this time of year when we usually feel joy and peace.
    First of all, I too had cancer (Ovarian stage 1C) discovered during an operation for a fibroid. They ended up removing everything, including the omentum and some lymph nodes. The cancer was contained in the one ovary, but when they removed it it ruptured, causing it to spill into my system. My doctor was speedy to recommend chemo (6 heavy-duty sessions). That was in March 2000. I just had an appointment last Wednesday. Although I do have some abdominal pain and pain in other areas, all tests show totally clear as well as the examination. I am so grateful and blessed, but it will always be a big part of my life, wondering if it will return.
    Now to my treatments: I had taxol and carboplatin, IV, which took 8 hours to infuse. My doctor monitored this regimine very carefully to insure I had no reactions. I started the night before with a dose of oral steroids. The day of the chemo they began with Benadryl, Anzemt and a couple of other medications. This was to minimize any allergic reactions or nausea. He also gave me anti-nausea medication to use at home (which I only had to use once or twice). So my recommendation to you is this: Can you be premedicated to minimize any side effects and/or reactions? Can they infuse SLOWLY so you will also have fewer side effects? One day, when they seemed to be ready to go home, they speeded up the infusion. I IMMEDIATELY got very ill. So they had to slow it down. My doctor was upset about this. He is a trememdous doctor.
    Please know that my thoughts and prayers are with you. Please let me know what the outcome is of this situation. I highly recommend you ask your doctor those questions, at least to ease your mind. Please keep us informed. And try to have a peaceful holiday. All things are in His hands. He is watching over you. Read Psalm 91, the one that really got me through my ordeal and to this day is my comfort.
    Monika

    Thanks mopar for your response and suggestion to read Psalms 91. I believe in God and I believe that he will bring me through. I've been praying but I just can't seem to shake the apprehension that I feel. I was sick for such a long time without any answers. Now that I feel much better(having had surgery), I dread the thought of being sick from treatment. I don't have much support therefore I can not afford to get really down. I may seem crazy but the reaction I had really scared me. Thanks again for your words of encouragement. Please pray for me as I will for you.
  • keeppraying4
    keeppraying4 Member Posts: 21
    lizzymc said:

    I am a survivor of ovarian cancer, you can email me if you like. I was stage 4 surgery and treatment for 10 mos. The cancer spread to my lymph nodes also I was given meds before and after. Hope I can be of some assistance. I can maybe answer some of your questions.

    Thanks lizzymc
    Knowing people understand what I'm going through gives me some comfort. I'll take you up on your email offer.
  • keeppraying4
    keeppraying4 Member Posts: 21

    I'm sorry to hear that you had a bad reaction to the taxol, but it's my understanding that it's not a rare thing to have because it's a plant derivative; that's why it's usually administered in a hospital setting for the first treatment, so if there's an adverse reaction, you can be given as aid as possible. My ob/gyn said that when she was an intern, the taxol was still being filtered in the drip line because it sometimes had plant matter in it!

    I had ovarian 1C and uterine 1B cancers, and was diagnosed in Sept. 2002, followed by 6 taxol/carboplatin treatments. It was scary at first, and I was very leery of what they were putting into me. I have since learned that it is standard treatment, and doses are administered by doctors are the same at hospitals or other facilities. I remember calling and demanding to know what I was given the second time, because it didn't seem to exactly match what I was given at the first!

    You didn't mention if you were given steroid pills to take the night and morning before the chemo administration; I was given a prescription to have filled each time to aid in preventing reactions to the chemo.

    Taxol is given to enhance the effect of carboplatin. It basically "freezes" the fast-growing cancer cells and allows the carboplatin to do its work. Taxol is what causes hair to fall out, because it slows down any fast-growing cells such as hair. I read a great book that gives descriptions of chemo drugs and why they should work-it's called "Gilda's Disease", by Dr. Steven Piver and Gene Wilder. I think it told me a lot more than I knew about ovarian cancer before my surgery and chemotherapy.

    I highly recommend that book to anyone who has an experience with ovarian cancer. My ob/gyn said Dr. Piver wrote the handbook that all the interns carried during their oncology rotation.

    Have you looked to see if there are any ovarian cancer support groups that you could meet with? I have found that my fellow survivors have a vast amount of knowledge about treatments, and they've all been scared and confused, just like us.

    Don't despair! Your anxiety should lessen as you learn more about what you have, and what treatments are available. Don't be afraid to question your doctors and other health care professionals about your course of treatment. One thing that I've found useful is the deep breathing technique I learned at a yoga class. It's very relaxing when you need to do something to keep your mind off what's going on. I wish you luck, and remember-you are not alone.

    Thanks groundeffect
    I was looking at the book you suggested a few weeks ago but didn't get it. I think I'll pick up a copy. Thanks.
  • Mherna6103
    Mherna6103 Member Posts: 6
    Dear Rae,

    I had been on chemo since 2001. You name it and I have been on it. I was given a 5 year survival period. So....technically I only have about two years to go. I done the single treatment only once and the doctors stopped doing it because it did absolutely nothing. I also had violent reactions to chemo. Pretty scary indeed!!!! I know how you feel. The doctors now have decided that chemo is not going to work for me because my body has developed a resistance to it. She decided two weeks ago to put me on Gleevec. It is a chemotherapy pill designed to work on the molecular level to try to stop the cells from multiplying. I don't know what to tell you. All I know is that it is very hard to stay positive. I am 50 years old, have a terrific husband and 3 children ranging from 16 through 27. The feeling of hopelessness creeps in often and I feel that life here will end soon for me. I am christian and I do pray to God that he grants me mercy and heal my body of this affliction or at least let me see at least one grandhild be born. I don't fear death so much.....my only pain is leaving my family behind and how they will feel when the Lord decides to take me. On a positive note, I do thank God for every day that he gives me.
  • pennyk
    pennyk Member Posts: 11

    Dear Rae,

    I had been on chemo since 2001. You name it and I have been on it. I was given a 5 year survival period. So....technically I only have about two years to go. I done the single treatment only once and the doctors stopped doing it because it did absolutely nothing. I also had violent reactions to chemo. Pretty scary indeed!!!! I know how you feel. The doctors now have decided that chemo is not going to work for me because my body has developed a resistance to it. She decided two weeks ago to put me on Gleevec. It is a chemotherapy pill designed to work on the molecular level to try to stop the cells from multiplying. I don't know what to tell you. All I know is that it is very hard to stay positive. I am 50 years old, have a terrific husband and 3 children ranging from 16 through 27. The feeling of hopelessness creeps in often and I feel that life here will end soon for me. I am christian and I do pray to God that he grants me mercy and heal my body of this affliction or at least let me see at least one grandhild be born. I don't fear death so much.....my only pain is leaving my family behind and how they will feel when the Lord decides to take me. On a positive note, I do thank God for every day that he gives me.

    I can't believe you were given a survival period. I didn't think doctors do that anymore. I don't know if you have read Bernie Seigal's " love, Medicine & Miracles or Chicken soup for the survivors soul but they changed my whole way of thinking. Story after story of remarkable recoveries. Please if you don't have them get them, I know they will help and best of luck to you.
  • pennyk
    pennyk Member Posts: 11

    Dear Rae,

    I had been on chemo since 2001. You name it and I have been on it. I was given a 5 year survival period. So....technically I only have about two years to go. I done the single treatment only once and the doctors stopped doing it because it did absolutely nothing. I also had violent reactions to chemo. Pretty scary indeed!!!! I know how you feel. The doctors now have decided that chemo is not going to work for me because my body has developed a resistance to it. She decided two weeks ago to put me on Gleevec. It is a chemotherapy pill designed to work on the molecular level to try to stop the cells from multiplying. I don't know what to tell you. All I know is that it is very hard to stay positive. I am 50 years old, have a terrific husband and 3 children ranging from 16 through 27. The feeling of hopelessness creeps in often and I feel that life here will end soon for me. I am christian and I do pray to God that he grants me mercy and heal my body of this affliction or at least let me see at least one grandhild be born. I don't fear death so much.....my only pain is leaving my family behind and how they will feel when the Lord decides to take me. On a positive note, I do thank God for every day that he gives me.

    My last message was for Mherna by the way
  • keeppraying4
    keeppraying4 Member Posts: 21

    Dear Rae,

    I had been on chemo since 2001. You name it and I have been on it. I was given a 5 year survival period. So....technically I only have about two years to go. I done the single treatment only once and the doctors stopped doing it because it did absolutely nothing. I also had violent reactions to chemo. Pretty scary indeed!!!! I know how you feel. The doctors now have decided that chemo is not going to work for me because my body has developed a resistance to it. She decided two weeks ago to put me on Gleevec. It is a chemotherapy pill designed to work on the molecular level to try to stop the cells from multiplying. I don't know what to tell you. All I know is that it is very hard to stay positive. I am 50 years old, have a terrific husband and 3 children ranging from 16 through 27. The feeling of hopelessness creeps in often and I feel that life here will end soon for me. I am christian and I do pray to God that he grants me mercy and heal my body of this affliction or at least let me see at least one grandhild be born. I don't fear death so much.....my only pain is leaving my family behind and how they will feel when the Lord decides to take me. On a positive note, I do thank God for every day that he gives me.

    Mherna,

    Those of us who believe in God know that he is the beginner and finisher of all things. He is all knowing while man only can speculate. Although things are rough, keep praying and believing in God. Believe that your miracle will come to pass. I'll be praying for you as well.

    Rae
  • Mherna6103
    Mherna6103 Member Posts: 6

    Mherna,

    Those of us who believe in God know that he is the beginner and finisher of all things. He is all knowing while man only can speculate. Although things are rough, keep praying and believing in God. Believe that your miracle will come to pass. I'll be praying for you as well.

    Rae

    Dear Rae,

    Thanks for the words of wisdom!! I do believe it our Lord and yes he is the Alpha and Omega. I have been praying very, very hard and I do ask God for mercy, grace and healing. I haven't given up yet!!!! The fat lady hasn't gotten up to sing...LOL. Tomorrow, Thursday, I start with the Gleevec treatment. Hopefully it won't make me Crazy..hahaha Will let you all know how it works out. I took a CA125 yesterday (Tuesday) and they will repeat the test in about 4 weeks to see if there is any change in the cell count. God bless you
  • AtwellS
    AtwellS Member Posts: 4
    mopar said:

    Rae:
    I'm so sorry to hear of what you are going through, especially at this time of year when we usually feel joy and peace.
    First of all, I too had cancer (Ovarian stage 1C) discovered during an operation for a fibroid. They ended up removing everything, including the omentum and some lymph nodes. The cancer was contained in the one ovary, but when they removed it it ruptured, causing it to spill into my system. My doctor was speedy to recommend chemo (6 heavy-duty sessions). That was in March 2000. I just had an appointment last Wednesday. Although I do have some abdominal pain and pain in other areas, all tests show totally clear as well as the examination. I am so grateful and blessed, but it will always be a big part of my life, wondering if it will return.
    Now to my treatments: I had taxol and carboplatin, IV, which took 8 hours to infuse. My doctor monitored this regimine very carefully to insure I had no reactions. I started the night before with a dose of oral steroids. The day of the chemo they began with Benadryl, Anzemt and a couple of other medications. This was to minimize any allergic reactions or nausea. He also gave me anti-nausea medication to use at home (which I only had to use once or twice). So my recommendation to you is this: Can you be premedicated to minimize any side effects and/or reactions? Can they infuse SLOWLY so you will also have fewer side effects? One day, when they seemed to be ready to go home, they speeded up the infusion. I IMMEDIATELY got very ill. So they had to slow it down. My doctor was upset about this. He is a trememdous doctor.
    Please know that my thoughts and prayers are with you. Please let me know what the outcome is of this situation. I highly recommend you ask your doctor those questions, at least to ease your mind. Please keep us informed. And try to have a peaceful holiday. All things are in His hands. He is watching over you. Read Psalm 91, the one that really got me through my ordeal and to this day is my comfort.
    Monika

    My name is Sue and I am an ovarian cancer survivor. I had surgery 7/20/01. I too had my greater omentium removed. Do you know what this is and it's function? This could be why you still have pain in your abdomen.
    A week after I was released from the hospital (I was in there 6 days) I was given the following words of love for those whose lives have been affected by cancer. I hope that these words help you and that you will pass them on to others. Thank you ahead of time. Sue


    ANGELIC ANGEL’S WORDS OF LOVE FOR THOSE WHOSE LIVES HAVE BEEN TOUCHED BY CANCER


    Caring

    Angelic Angels

    Nurturing

    Comforting

    Everyone

    Relentlessly

    I believe these words of love were given to me by the Angelic Angels to relieve the fears that the word “cancer” creates and to provide an opening for peace to come in and fill those areas that were consumed with fear. I believe these words can supply strength to us and our loved ones. Especially in those times when we feel we cannot go on. Angelic Angels are relentlessly comforting us and caring for us everyday. They never leave our side.

    We hope when you see this word in this way it brings comfort to you and the people around you. Sue Atwell and family
    To receive a copy of this, please e-mail me at: onhighergrnd@yahoo.com
  • AtwellS
    AtwellS Member Posts: 4
    My name is Sue and I am an ovarian cancer survivor. I was given the following words of love for those whose lives have been touched in one way or another by cancer. I hope they bring comfort to you and your family.

    I am working with a Doctor of Naturpathy out of Arizona to do a complete detox, energy, strength and stamina building system. She does a lot of work with cancer patients. She might be of help to you. I also worked with a women who had dedicated her life to helping others and bringing through whatever healings they may require. She is amazing. If you would like the names and phone number of them, please let me know.

    I wish you peace inside. Sue


    ANGELIC ANGEL’S WORDS OF LOVE FOR THOSE WHOSE LIVES HAVE BEEN TOUCHED BY CANCER


    Caring

    Angelic Angels

    Nurturing

    Comforting

    Everyone

    Relentlessly

    I believe these words of love were given to me by the Angelic Angels to relieve the fears that the word “cancer” creates and to provide an opening for peace to come in and fill those areas that were consumed with fear. I believe these words can supply strength to us and our loved ones. Especially in those times when we feel we cannot go on. Angelic Angels are relentlessly comforting us and caring for us everyday. They never leave our side.

    We hope when you see this word in this way it brings comfort to you and the people around you. Sue Atwell and family
    To receive a copy of this, please e-mail me at: onhighergrnd@yahoo.com
  • AtwellS
    AtwellS Member Posts: 4

    Dear Rae,

    I had been on chemo since 2001. You name it and I have been on it. I was given a 5 year survival period. So....technically I only have about two years to go. I done the single treatment only once and the doctors stopped doing it because it did absolutely nothing. I also had violent reactions to chemo. Pretty scary indeed!!!! I know how you feel. The doctors now have decided that chemo is not going to work for me because my body has developed a resistance to it. She decided two weeks ago to put me on Gleevec. It is a chemotherapy pill designed to work on the molecular level to try to stop the cells from multiplying. I don't know what to tell you. All I know is that it is very hard to stay positive. I am 50 years old, have a terrific husband and 3 children ranging from 16 through 27. The feeling of hopelessness creeps in often and I feel that life here will end soon for me. I am christian and I do pray to God that he grants me mercy and heal my body of this affliction or at least let me see at least one grandhild be born. I don't fear death so much.....my only pain is leaving my family behind and how they will feel when the Lord decides to take me. On a positive note, I do thank God for every day that he gives me.

    There is a wonderful book by Louise Hays called "You Can Heal Your Life." It is an amazing book that has helped me tremendously.

    I was given the following words and I hope they help you find the peace you are looking for inside. Take care, Sue


    ANGELIC ANGEL’S WORDS OF LOVE FOR THOSE WHOSE LIVES HAVE BEEN TOUCHED BY CANCER


    Caring

    Angelic Angels

    Nurturing

    Comforting

    Everyone

    Relentlessly

    I believe these words of love were given to me by the Angelic Angels to relieve the fears that the word “cancer” creates and to provide an opening for peace to come in and fill those areas that were consumed with fear. I believe these words can supply strength to us and our loved ones. Especially in those times when we feel we cannot go on. Angelic Angels are relentlessly comforting us and caring for us everyday. They never leave our side.

    We hope when you see this word in this way it brings comfort to you and the people around you. Sue Atwell and family
    To receive a copy of this, please e-mail me at: onhighergrnd@yahoo.com
  • AtwellS
    AtwellS Member Posts: 4
    lizzymc said:

    I am a survivor of ovarian cancer, you can email me if you like. I was stage 4 surgery and treatment for 10 mos. The cancer spread to my lymph nodes also I was given meds before and after. Hope I can be of some assistance. I can maybe answer some of your questions.

    These words of love were given to me to share with those whose lives have been affected by cancer. I hope they bring comfort to you and your family and that you will pass them on. Thank you Sue


    ANGELIC ANGEL’S WORDS OF LOVE FOR THOSE WHOSE LIVES HAVE BEEN TOUCHED BY CANCER


    Caring

    Angelic Angels

    Nurturing

    Comforting

    Everyone

    Relentlessly

    I believe these words of love were given to me by the Angelic Angels to relieve the fears that the word “cancer” creates and to provide an opening for peace to come in and fill those areas that were consumed with fear. I believe these words can supply strength to us and our loved ones. Especially in those times when we feel we cannot go on. Angelic Angels are relentlessly comforting us and caring for us everyday. They never leave our side.

    We hope when you see this word in this way it brings comfort to you and the people around you. Sue Atwell and family
    To receive a copy of this, please e-mail me at: onhighergrnd@yahoo.com
  • josuesue
    josuesue Member Posts: 1
    I have ovarian cancer and have had the surgery, taxol and doxal treatments. I've also had radiation treatments. Now, I'm on a chemo pill, Tamoxifen..I'm doing so great..I go to the Cancer Treatment Center of America in Zion Il..between God and the hospital, I am so well..I believe that God sent me to that hospital, I had overcome cancer and it came back in three areas and I saw that commercial for the hospital and it was truly my answer...Just give them a call, they will overnight a package to you and have you and someone else on a plane within a week-they pay for the plane ticket the first time..and they have a limo to pick you up and take you back to the airport. They just treat you like a person, not a number..I'll keep you in my prayers. Joanne