New member with ovarian ca

tjw13
tjw13 Member Posts: 2
edited March 2014 in Ovarian Cancer #1
Hello I am new tothe site I have had ovarian ca since 6/02 and am on my 2nd round of treatment sure would like to talk to someone else who is going through this

Comments

  • BonnieR
    BonnieR Member Posts: 1,526 Member
    Welcome, I was diagnosed with ovca in Dec 02 and finished treatments in July. I go for a checkup on Feb 12th to see how I am doing. When did you start the 2nd round, what type of treatments? I am not going through the same thing but am here to listen and talk if you want. Bonnie
  • mopar
    mopar Member Posts: 1,972 Member
    Welcome to the site and to a large group of people who care. I had surgery in 3/00 and was diagnosed at that time with OVCA stage 1C. I went through 6 heavy rounds of chemo and today I am cancer free. Although we must live one day at a time I wanted to let you know that there is hope and please e-mail me at any time. Or you can just post here again and I'd be more than happy to answer any questions I can or just correspond with you. My prayers are with you!
    Monika
  • tjw13
    tjw13 Member Posts: 2
    BonnieR said:

    Welcome, I was diagnosed with ovca in Dec 02 and finished treatments in July. I go for a checkup on Feb 12th to see how I am doing. When did you start the 2nd round, what type of treatments? I am not going through the same thing but am here to listen and talk if you want. Bonnie

    bonnie i am new at this chat stuff so hope i get this to you. I am now on doxil 4 treatments then a pet scan. I did 6 carb/taxal and radiation . I would not even know that I am sick if someone didn't tell me. Do you work? The Doctor won't let me so I volunteer and then i take care of my kids and house. What stage were you dx at I was stage 3 class c well thanks for your ear
  • NJSuzyQ
    NJSuzyQ Member Posts: 2
    mopar said:

    Welcome to the site and to a large group of people who care. I had surgery in 3/00 and was diagnosed at that time with OVCA stage 1C. I went through 6 heavy rounds of chemo and today I am cancer free. Although we must live one day at a time I wanted to let you know that there is hope and please e-mail me at any time. Or you can just post here again and I'd be more than happy to answer any questions I can or just correspond with you. My prayers are with you!
    Monika

    Hi Monika,
    I had surgery June 11 2003 and that's when I found out I had Ovarian Cancer. I went throught 6 rounds of Taxol. I had my last Chemo on Oct. 27-2003, and I'm in remission. It's an eye opener and you think of life different. Thanks for your time. Sue
  • letters14
    letters14 Member Posts: 1
    NJSuzyQ said:

    Hi Monika,
    I had surgery June 11 2003 and that's when I found out I had Ovarian Cancer. I went throught 6 rounds of Taxol. I had my last Chemo on Oct. 27-2003, and I'm in remission. It's an eye opener and you think of life different. Thanks for your time. Sue

    Hi Monika
    I too am new to this website and so very thankful that it exists.I too was diagnosised with ovarian cancer on June 25, 2003, Stage 2 (involvement in both ovaries but fortunately only there).I was totally shocked and received 6 bouts of carbo/taxol. All went well but I have neuroplasty in both feet and my hair is gradually returning. My most recent CA125 is 11 and I am rejoicing and thankful for everyday. Good luck to everyone who visits this site and thank God that it is available.
  • mirtle
    mirtle Member Posts: 32 Member
    Hi.
    I was originally diagnosed in 1993 with stage IV OVCA. Had six rounds of taxol/cisplatin and was in remission for nine years. I have been on chemo since January 02, first Doxil and then taxol/carbo. Now I'm going on Etopcide (sp). I am considered "stable". I am living proof that all of these drugs work. And just because mine came back doesn't necessarily mean that yours will. A positive attitude is the most important thing to keep. I wake up each morning and thank God I am awake for another day. Concentrate on each day as it comes and enjoy it. Good luck to you!!
  • hess
    hess Member Posts: 2
    mirtle said:

    Hi.
    I was originally diagnosed in 1993 with stage IV OVCA. Had six rounds of taxol/cisplatin and was in remission for nine years. I have been on chemo since January 02, first Doxil and then taxol/carbo. Now I'm going on Etopcide (sp). I am considered "stable". I am living proof that all of these drugs work. And just because mine came back doesn't necessarily mean that yours will. A positive attitude is the most important thing to keep. I wake up each morning and thank God I am awake for another day. Concentrate on each day as it comes and enjoy it. Good luck to you!!

    I was diagnosed in 2001 with stage IV ovca. I also had six rounds of taxol. I just had a reoccurrence and they removed my omentum (sp). I am, however, having a hard time being positive. My husband is having a difficult time too and has a hard time dealing with me not being positive. I feel that when my friends and family call me they expect me to be cheerful and when I don't sound cheerful they don't really know what to say. thanks
  • gorget
    gorget Member Posts: 23
    hess said:

    I was diagnosed in 2001 with stage IV ovca. I also had six rounds of taxol. I just had a reoccurrence and they removed my omentum (sp). I am, however, having a hard time being positive. My husband is having a difficult time too and has a hard time dealing with me not being positive. I feel that when my friends and family call me they expect me to be cheerful and when I don't sound cheerful they don't really know what to say. thanks

    Hi,
    I too am a new member to this site. I was diagnosed in Sept 03 with Stage 3B OVCA. I survived my first bout with cancer (1985 - germ cell type), but am having a hard time dealing with the treatment I am getting (taxotere/carbo). I've been through 6 cycles, and am now heading towards #7. My CA125 is at 87 and appears to be plateauing there. Doxil was suggested - another 4-6 cycles, if I go to that protocol.
    I went through what sincere went through - everyone expects you to be chipper and happy without any idea of what you are going through. I am able to work (1/2 days) and that has helped considerably - remaining active keeps the mind and body occupied. Unfortunately, I am on a downhill slide again, being less happy and falling into crying jags. I'm hoping I'll lift back up soon as this is too much for me.
    Sorry to have jabbered on....glad this site exists and I'm not alone in this fight. Thanks.
  • TealRibbon
    TealRibbon Member Posts: 44
    gorget said:

    Hi,
    I too am a new member to this site. I was diagnosed in Sept 03 with Stage 3B OVCA. I survived my first bout with cancer (1985 - germ cell type), but am having a hard time dealing with the treatment I am getting (taxotere/carbo). I've been through 6 cycles, and am now heading towards #7. My CA125 is at 87 and appears to be plateauing there. Doxil was suggested - another 4-6 cycles, if I go to that protocol.
    I went through what sincere went through - everyone expects you to be chipper and happy without any idea of what you are going through. I am able to work (1/2 days) and that has helped considerably - remaining active keeps the mind and body occupied. Unfortunately, I am on a downhill slide again, being less happy and falling into crying jags. I'm hoping I'll lift back up soon as this is too much for me.
    Sorry to have jabbered on....glad this site exists and I'm not alone in this fight. Thanks.

    Welcome Georgette,

    I tell you...you gotta be a tough cookie to go through what we all have and are still going through.

    I was Dx in Sept of 2002 and I finished my 9 Taxol/Carbo treatments and I have 3 more of 12 Taxol maintenance chemo.

    I, like you was having a terrible time coping with all this disease heaps on us. In spite of my faith I still was depressed. My Onc suggested Paxil and what a difference it has made. I feel almost human again. If I were you I would let the doctor know what problems you are having and see if it might be right for you.

    My doctor said quality of life is his main goal and if that helps, we go for it.

    Anyway, glad you have joined us. I will look for your posts.
  • kywildcat31
    kywildcat31 Member Posts: 2

    Welcome Georgette,

    I tell you...you gotta be a tough cookie to go through what we all have and are still going through.

    I was Dx in Sept of 2002 and I finished my 9 Taxol/Carbo treatments and I have 3 more of 12 Taxol maintenance chemo.

    I, like you was having a terrible time coping with all this disease heaps on us. In spite of my faith I still was depressed. My Onc suggested Paxil and what a difference it has made. I feel almost human again. If I were you I would let the doctor know what problems you are having and see if it might be right for you.

    My doctor said quality of life is his main goal and if that helps, we go for it.

    Anyway, glad you have joined us. I will look for your posts.

    I too found out that I had ovarian cancer in Sept. 02. I had 6 rounds of Taxatere and Carbo. It about killed me. But I am now cancer free on year today..
  • rashton
    rashton Member Posts: 1
    hess said:

    I was diagnosed in 2001 with stage IV ovca. I also had six rounds of taxol. I just had a reoccurrence and they removed my omentum (sp). I am, however, having a hard time being positive. My husband is having a difficult time too and has a hard time dealing with me not being positive. I feel that when my friends and family call me they expect me to be cheerful and when I don't sound cheerful they don't really know what to say. thanks

    I was diagnosed with stage IV ovca in July 2003. I am 26 years old and very very confused since all of this has happened. I had 5 rounds of taxotere/carbo but my cancer did not respond. I now get topotecan 5x a week every 3 weeks. It is really starting to bother me that I can't do all the things i want to do.
    I had sx in July to remove my ovaries,uterus,cervix,gall bladder, appendix, omentum, and also half my colon. I also had sx in dec to drain the pleural effusion in my right lung.
    I am sore, and tired, and feel like hell. Everyone who is not sick tells me to be positive...but how do you do that? Can someone please explain how to maintain positive when every day is a challenge. When I look in the mirror, I see just a shadow. It's not me anymore. The big smile...the round cheeks and nice figure-they are gone. I am skinny, hollow, and frail. And sad...so sad to go through all this. More sad for my Mom and boyfriend to see me so sad. Please reply if you feel the same way. I need to know I'm not the only one struggling to believe that I will be okay...even if I don't survive this.
  • Airwayqueen
    Airwayqueen Member Posts: 14
    Hello! I had ovarian cancer stage 1C or III (they weren't sure) and have gone through six treatments of taxol, which ended 12/01. To this date, I am still cancer free! Keep your chin up and please feel free to contact me at: fngag@uaf.edu Gayla
  • Airwayqueen
    Airwayqueen Member Posts: 14
    hess said:

    I was diagnosed in 2001 with stage IV ovca. I also had six rounds of taxol. I just had a reoccurrence and they removed my omentum (sp). I am, however, having a hard time being positive. My husband is having a difficult time too and has a hard time dealing with me not being positive. I feel that when my friends and family call me they expect me to be cheerful and when I don't sound cheerful they don't really know what to say. thanks

    Hello! I am so sorry you have to go through all of this again. I have an aquaintance who went through this ordeal THREE times in 10 years. She is in remission, has passed that blessed five year mark and is going strong!

    If you need someone to talk to, I'd be more than happy to lend an ear, shoulder, or any type of comfort that I can.

    Keep your chin up! I'm praying very hard for you.

    I was diagnosed with Ovarian Cancer July, 2001, went through six taxol treatments and am cancer free - so far so good!

    let me know what you need!

    Gayla
  • groundeffect
    groundeffect Member Posts: 639 Member
    rashton said:

    I was diagnosed with stage IV ovca in July 2003. I am 26 years old and very very confused since all of this has happened. I had 5 rounds of taxotere/carbo but my cancer did not respond. I now get topotecan 5x a week every 3 weeks. It is really starting to bother me that I can't do all the things i want to do.
    I had sx in July to remove my ovaries,uterus,cervix,gall bladder, appendix, omentum, and also half my colon. I also had sx in dec to drain the pleural effusion in my right lung.
    I am sore, and tired, and feel like hell. Everyone who is not sick tells me to be positive...but how do you do that? Can someone please explain how to maintain positive when every day is a challenge. When I look in the mirror, I see just a shadow. It's not me anymore. The big smile...the round cheeks and nice figure-they are gone. I am skinny, hollow, and frail. And sad...so sad to go through all this. More sad for my Mom and boyfriend to see me so sad. Please reply if you feel the same way. I need to know I'm not the only one struggling to believe that I will be okay...even if I don't survive this.

    Hello Georgette and sumrlvr,

    I'm sorry to hear that you're both having a tough go with depression. Finding out you have cancer is very hard on a woman, and having your reproductive organs removed causes a radical change in your hormone levels. I'm sure no one is going to suggest Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) to help with your mental state, but I would suggest you look into taking Paxil, Zoloft, or Prozac to help. I'm currently taking Zoloft, which my family doctor recommended when I told her I was having mild menopausal symptoms. It has really helped my mental state as well as helping alleviate hot flashes somewhat. I mention Prozac because I took it for depression about 10 years ago, and I believe it's available in a generic form now (which would be much less expensive).

    Don't be reluctant to talk to your docs about your sadness and other feelings. They're very natural.

    If you have an ovarian cancer support group nearby that you can attend, I suggest you look into doing that. They are women who know what you've been through. I was afraid to go to the group I attend, thinking that we'd all be weepy and crying, but I was the only one who got a little choked up, just for the appreciation of realizing I wasn't alone!

    Stick with the discussion board as you go through this. You know you're amongst friends who understand here!
  • gorget
    gorget Member Posts: 23
    rashton said:

    I was diagnosed with stage IV ovca in July 2003. I am 26 years old and very very confused since all of this has happened. I had 5 rounds of taxotere/carbo but my cancer did not respond. I now get topotecan 5x a week every 3 weeks. It is really starting to bother me that I can't do all the things i want to do.
    I had sx in July to remove my ovaries,uterus,cervix,gall bladder, appendix, omentum, and also half my colon. I also had sx in dec to drain the pleural effusion in my right lung.
    I am sore, and tired, and feel like hell. Everyone who is not sick tells me to be positive...but how do you do that? Can someone please explain how to maintain positive when every day is a challenge. When I look in the mirror, I see just a shadow. It's not me anymore. The big smile...the round cheeks and nice figure-they are gone. I am skinny, hollow, and frail. And sad...so sad to go through all this. More sad for my Mom and boyfriend to see me so sad. Please reply if you feel the same way. I need to know I'm not the only one struggling to believe that I will be okay...even if I don't survive this.

    Hello sumrlvr,
    So sorry to hear you are having a difficult time with this. As you can see we all have our own ways of dealing with this, but rest assured that you are definitely not alone - we all are here for you.
    Dealing with the sadness of it all is the most difficult part for me. I'm not a happy go lucky type smiling all day long - I tend to be more serious, but this has really taken a toll on me. Particularly since it's not the first time I've had to face this disease.
    And yes, it seems to be that much more difficult for your loved ones to watch you being so sad. But you can't ignore it, and being able to let it out with someone on a regular basis (even if it's just here) is something that we all need. (My husband actually complained to me a week after my first treatment that he wished I'd be more chipper like I am to others - I told him that was unfair, that I needed SOMEONE to be there for me. And he is - in spades, thankfully.)
    If you feel that a Paxil or Prozac is the way for you, perhaps that might help. I journal on a regular basis (daily intitially) and find that that helps me. Working part time also keeps me occupied, and I have wonderful, understanding colleagues too.
    Don't lose faith, keep coming back to this site (I got very lost since my first posting, but have found my way back).
    Know that you aren't alone, and that you have a support group here.
    Take care.
  • gorget
    gorget Member Posts: 23

    Hello! I am so sorry you have to go through all of this again. I have an aquaintance who went through this ordeal THREE times in 10 years. She is in remission, has passed that blessed five year mark and is going strong!

    If you need someone to talk to, I'd be more than happy to lend an ear, shoulder, or any type of comfort that I can.

    Keep your chin up! I'm praying very hard for you.

    I was diagnosed with Ovarian Cancer July, 2001, went through six taxol treatments and am cancer free - so far so good!

    let me know what you need!

    Gayla

    Hello Santa's Elf,
    I love your login name! My birthday's on Christmas, so it has a ring to it for me. But I digress...
    Thanks for the kind words. Yeah, it stinks to go through this again after 18 years - I was hoping to never have to face cancer down ever again.
    Glad to hear your friend - and yourself! - are doing so well. Once I'm done, I'm keeping my eye on the 5 year mark....once I'm done...
    Thanks for the support - everyone on this site is so wonderful, but then we are all on the same ship, aren't we.
    It's great to know this site is here for us all.
    Be well.
  • AuthorUnknown
    AuthorUnknown Member Posts: 1,537 Member
    Hi, I was diagnosed with Liomysarcoma of the uterus in Dec of 99. I have had radiation and chemo and 5 operations. I am doing some Herbs now. If anyone out there is interested get the book ( Cure for all Cancers) by Dr Hilda Clark! Great Book. I have no support from my husband, all he can think about is what he has gone through living with me for the past 5 yrs with cancer! I have a hard time dealing with this but I have a positive attitude despite putting up with his attitude, There is hope,Take Herbs, C>J>S
  • gorget
    gorget Member Posts: 23

    Hello! I had ovarian cancer stage 1C or III (they weren't sure) and have gone through six treatments of taxol, which ended 12/01. To this date, I am still cancer free! Keep your chin up and please feel free to contact me at: fngag@uaf.edu Gayla

    Sorry I haven't returned - I actually got very lost on this site and couldn't find my way back to this discussion board! Sad....I'll blame it on the chemonesia!
    I'm glad all is well for you and that you, and others like you, still visit this site. It truly is a godsend being able to read others experiences and kind words.
    Still battling with the CA125 counts - down to 38 right now, but am so disheartened that this will never end...but trying to keep positive thoughts going.
    Thanks again - your words are greatly appreciated.