They say I am in remission..so why don't I feel better...?

queenieb52

Has anyone else experienced this? I was dx with stage 3 OV cancer last May. I have gone thru Taxol/Cisplatin IP, then Gemzar/Cisplatin- finished last of treatments May 13th. I have had my scans- and have NED, but he wants me to do maintencnce because it took so long to bring my CA125 down(now @ 17-started at 1000). For the most part I don't feel bad, but I do feel achy frequently, and I guess I am depressed. Everyone is like 'yay' your good to go now. So why don't I feel like that? Is this signs the cancer is reoccuring...how else would I know? when I was first dx I didn't feel sick & my bloodwork was'great' according to every medical person who took it. I just don't know and I was hoping to start feeling 'normal' again...whatever that is. And does anyone have any input on having this numbess..mainly in my feet?I hear conflicting things on this- so I don't know if it'll ever retreat or if I need to see another Dr for this neuropathy.Thanks for your help! Beth

kikiz

I was dx with stage 3 last
I was dx with stage 3 last March. I am now about where you are. I also feel achy at times ect. For me, it has been that even though everyone says "Yay" you are good to go, I am not sure where I am supposed to go. I think for me, my whole focus was just fighting the cancer and now I have to learn to have another focus. On top of that, I know the rate of recurrence is high so I feel like I am waiting for the other shoe to drop. I can't help you with what may be wrong with your feet but I did want you to know that you are not the only one that feels the way you do. It has helped me at times to know that at least my feelings are valid to someone else. Take Care Kiki

Unknown

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queenieb52

unknown said:

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A big Thanx to you Nancy & to you to kiki! I
Thanx u guys for your input....Its comforting to know that if I am going 'mad' at least I'm in great company! ;+) I like that one too kiki- I'm good to go- now where do I go?!! thats good! lol And Nancy..thanks for making feel better about still being tired. I know what all these toxins can do to our bodies..I've done the research too! Thought maybe there was something I missed! I'm grateful that at least I can come on here & 'whine' a little about not feeling 'normal'.... no one really does know about it till they have to deal. Glad all is still good with you Nancy! Hang in there kiki....one day a time!

Leah17

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Depression
Hi, I am new to this. I was diagnosed with Ovarian Cancer in Oct 2007 and finished chemo Feb 2008. I still have the neuropathy in my feet and fingertips. Since this is more annoying than painful, it is just a reminder of the cancer. I don't think anyone really prepares you for the emotionally aspect of having cancer. I come from a large family which doesn't like to discuss any negative things and doesn't believe people can get depressed. My doctor says that I am doing good but you can't help but think about it especially when you have pain of any kind. Recently my mammogram showed something and they wanted me to have a biopsy. Everything was OK but you always wonder if the cancer has come back. We have to encourage each other because there are now so many things that they can do for cancer.

Tina Brown

Leah17 said:

Depression
Hi, I am new to this. I was diagnosed with Ovarian Cancer in Oct 2007 and finished chemo Feb 2008. I still have the neuropathy in my feet and fingertips. Since this is more annoying than painful, it is just a reminder of the cancer. I don't think anyone really prepares you for the emotionally aspect of having cancer. I come from a large family which doesn't like to discuss any negative things and doesn't believe people can get depressed. My doctor says that I am doing good but you can't help but think about it especially when you have pain of any kind. Recently my mammogram showed something and they wanted me to have a biopsy. Everything was OK but you always wonder if the cancer has come back. We have to encourage each other because there are now so many things that they can do for cancer.

Hello Leah17
Depression is a big part of cancer. We are so caught up in taking in the diagnosis and then dealing with the treatment that we don't have much time to think & reflect.

I have been post chemo for 10 weeks now and last week I had some good news from the hospital. However, I found it really hard to take in and I felt very low. It is now a week and I am just beginning to think positive things and realise that IT WAS GOOD NEWS and I can relax.

Our minds are complex things and when we are given bad news or go through bad times they are programmed to protect us by preparing us for bad things. I was diagnosed with depression before I got cancer and to be honest I coped really well with the diagnosis and fall out from the treatment. It wasn't until "things are now OK" that my depression has reared it's ugly head again as I am not in "fight mode" anymore. Its like I don't know how to cope with good things in my life.

Keep talking to people if you can. My best friend helped me the most just by being there and listening to me and giving me "her slant" on things. I also found keeping a journal helped me greatly as I could get my feelings down in text which helped me come to terms with what was happening to me. Keep coming to these boards they have been fantasic in helping me.

Take care Tina xx