Roll Call For UPSC only

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  • sunflash
    sunflash Member Posts: 197 Member
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    AWK said:

    Thanks!

    i am confident that we will figure this out!  But I do have my down days; luckily they are few and far between!

    Welcome Hopeful, MM, and

    Welcome Hopeful, MM, and Anne!

    I'm very glad to meet you and glad you found us. Although I'm REALLY beginning to question the RARENESS of this diagnosis!

    I know how scary this is.........but believe me knowledge is power and you're going to feel better the more you learn about this cancer. 

    As you can see, many of us are NED for now, and hope to remain that way for a long time.

    We're always here for each other and will help you in any way possible!

    No question is off limits........so ask away. There's surely strength in numbers!

    Hoping for the best for each one of you!! 

  • AWK
    AWK Member Posts: 364 Member
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    sunflash said:

    Welcome Hopeful, MM, and

    Welcome Hopeful, MM, and Anne!

    I'm very glad to meet you and glad you found us. Although I'm REALLY beginning to question the RARENESS of this diagnosis!

    I know how scary this is.........but believe me knowledge is power and you're going to feel better the more you learn about this cancer. 

    As you can see, many of us are NED for now, and hope to remain that way for a long time.

    We're always here for each other and will help you in any way possible!

    No question is off limits........so ask away. There's surely strength in numbers!

    Hoping for the best for each one of you!! 

    Thanks for the kind welcome!

    i will reach out and keep you all posted on my journey!  Anne

  • Rewriter
    Rewriter Member Posts: 493 Member
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    6.5 years NED

    Hi, everyone!

     

    I'm Jill, 63 years old in about three weeks, and a resident of Brooklyn, NY. I have not posted in a while, but I hope that some women will be encouraged by the fact that I had surgery for UPSC Stage 1a in May 2008 and have been NED since. I was treated at the St. Vincent's Hospital Cancer Center, which no longer exists, and continue to check in every year with my gynecologic oncologist at Mt. Sinai Hospital in Manhattan. My treatment was the standard six rounds of Carbo-Taxol, followed by five rounds of internal brachytherapy. I believe that diet and exercise contributed enormously to my healthy survival and used to post information that I had found about dietary methods of supporting cancer treatment/survival. Staying away from sugar, drinking green tea, and consuming a daily dose of turmeric/warm olive oil/pepper are still daily practices.

     

    I don't know what I would have done without the group of women who post/posted on this board. The information that they provided was often more current and helpful than anything available in the medical literature. I can say without hesitation that the women here saved my life every bit as much as any medical treatment. 

     

    Although I do not check in very often, I have shared a number of delicious anti-cancer recipes, which you may be able to find by searching for my name. My heart is with all of you.

     

    Jill

     

  • Ro10
    Ro10 Member Posts: 1,561 Member
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    Rewriter said:

    6.5 years NED

    Hi, everyone!

     

    I'm Jill, 63 years old in about three weeks, and a resident of Brooklyn, NY. I have not posted in a while, but I hope that some women will be encouraged by the fact that I had surgery for UPSC Stage 1a in May 2008 and have been NED since. I was treated at the St. Vincent's Hospital Cancer Center, which no longer exists, and continue to check in every year with my gynecologic oncologist at Mt. Sinai Hospital in Manhattan. My treatment was the standard six rounds of Carbo-Taxol, followed by five rounds of internal brachytherapy. I believe that diet and exercise contributed enormously to my healthy survival and used to post information that I had found about dietary methods of supporting cancer treatment/survival. Staying away from sugar, drinking green tea, and consuming a daily dose of turmeric/warm olive oil/pepper are still daily practices.

     

    I don't know what I would have done without the group of women who post/posted on this board. The information that they provided was often more current and helpful than anything available in the medical literature. I can say without hesitation that the women here saved my life every bit as much as any medical treatment. 

     

    Although I do not check in very often, I have shared a number of delicious anti-cancer recipes, which you may be able to find by searching for my name. My heart is with all of you.

     

    Jill

     

    Jill

    It is so good to hear from you and that you are 6 1/2 years NED.  That is wonderful news and should encourage many of the new comers.  It is great that your diet and exercise has helped you tremendously.   May you have many more years of NED.  In peace and caring.  

  • Rewriter
    Rewriter Member Posts: 493 Member
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    Ro10 said:

    Jill

    It is so good to hear from you and that you are 6 1/2 years NED.  That is wonderful news and should encourage many of the new comers.  It is great that your diet and exercise has helped you tremendously.   May you have many more years of NED.  In peace and caring.  

    Ro

    I follow your story and think of you often. No matter what is going on with your own treatment, you always have an encouraging word for all of the other women on this site and share helpful information whenever possible. I have great admiration for you and wish you the very best treatment outcome.

     

     

    With warm regards,

     

    Jill

  • NoTimeForCancer
    NoTimeForCancer Member Posts: 3,369 Member
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    Rewriter said:

    6.5 years NED

    Hi, everyone!

     

    I'm Jill, 63 years old in about three weeks, and a resident of Brooklyn, NY. I have not posted in a while, but I hope that some women will be encouraged by the fact that I had surgery for UPSC Stage 1a in May 2008 and have been NED since. I was treated at the St. Vincent's Hospital Cancer Center, which no longer exists, and continue to check in every year with my gynecologic oncologist at Mt. Sinai Hospital in Manhattan. My treatment was the standard six rounds of Carbo-Taxol, followed by five rounds of internal brachytherapy. I believe that diet and exercise contributed enormously to my healthy survival and used to post information that I had found about dietary methods of supporting cancer treatment/survival. Staying away from sugar, drinking green tea, and consuming a daily dose of turmeric/warm olive oil/pepper are still daily practices.

     

    I don't know what I would have done without the group of women who post/posted on this board. The information that they provided was often more current and helpful than anything available in the medical literature. I can say without hesitation that the women here saved my life every bit as much as any medical treatment. 

     

    Although I do not check in very often, I have shared a number of delicious anti-cancer recipes, which you may be able to find by searching for my name. My heart is with all of you.

     

    Jill

     

    Jill, it is important for all

    Jill, it is important for all of us to hear you are doing well after dx and treatment of UPSC.  Thank you for checking in and letting us know.

  • ConnieSW
    ConnieSW Member Posts: 1,678 Member
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    Jill, it is important for all

    Jill, it is important for all of us to hear you are doing well after dx and treatment of UPSC.  Thank you for checking in and letting us know.

    Jill

    It's so good to hear from you and learn that you continue to  be with NED.  Thanks for the dose of hope.

  • debrajo
    debrajo Member Posts: 1,095 Member
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    Rewriter said:

    6.5 years NED

    Hi, everyone!

     

    I'm Jill, 63 years old in about three weeks, and a resident of Brooklyn, NY. I have not posted in a while, but I hope that some women will be encouraged by the fact that I had surgery for UPSC Stage 1a in May 2008 and have been NED since. I was treated at the St. Vincent's Hospital Cancer Center, which no longer exists, and continue to check in every year with my gynecologic oncologist at Mt. Sinai Hospital in Manhattan. My treatment was the standard six rounds of Carbo-Taxol, followed by five rounds of internal brachytherapy. I believe that diet and exercise contributed enormously to my healthy survival and used to post information that I had found about dietary methods of supporting cancer treatment/survival. Staying away from sugar, drinking green tea, and consuming a daily dose of turmeric/warm olive oil/pepper are still daily practices.

     

    I don't know what I would have done without the group of women who post/posted on this board. The information that they provided was often more current and helpful than anything available in the medical literature. I can say without hesitation that the women here saved my life every bit as much as any medical treatment. 

     

    Although I do not check in very often, I have shared a number of delicious anti-cancer recipes, which you may be able to find by searching for my name. My heart is with all of you.

     

    Jill

     

    Yay!

    So good to see you again and looking so good!  How do you do it?!  I am only about a month younger than you and, believe me, I look like my great grandmother.!  I had my 89 year old mother out for a ride, stopped at the post office.  Someone saw us together and actually asked if we were SISTERS!  Dang! LoL!  I love the 6.5 years NED...congradulations.  I go in Nov. for 4.5 year check up, so have good thoughts for me.  I use your reciepts and tummeric every day!  Thank you!  Best, Debrajo

  • Maggie_mac
    Maggie_mac Member Posts: 32
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    UPSC Roll Call

    I just found this line and it looks like there are about 35 who have responded.  I was diagnosed almost exactaly 3 years ago via an annual pap.  The only symptom I had was bloating, but I didn't know it was a symptom at the time.  My surgery was in November 2011 at the University of Pennsylvania.  I was 64.  My pathology report indicated multiple organs and sites; uterus, both tubes, both ovaries, omentum, peritoneum and appendix.  90% serous 10% clear cell. Lymph-vascular invasion is listed as "suspicious".  Stage IVB.

    After my first round of 6 taxol/carboplatin I was on megestrol for 9 months when my CA125 jumped from 49 to 349.  I did a second round of 6 with the same chemo cocktail followed by tamoxifen for 5 months when my CA125 jumped from 32 to 122.  My most recent [round 3] chemo, again the same cocktail ended in May and I'm now taking letrozol and am on a 2 month lab schedule and get my port flushed too.  I'm hoping the numbers stay good at least until the first of the year.  I'm now considered platinum resistant and my oncologist has mentioned Doxil.

    My hair is growing back again and styling involves a washcloth and fingers.  My oncologist and a number of friends tell me it is quite stylish.  I usually feel pretty good, but tend to tire easily.  That could be because I'm out of shape.  I'm working on a walking regimen.  While sometimes it's hard not to worry, we all know worrying doesn't do any good.  So, I've turned the worrying over to God.  It really helps.  If anyone is interested, I've found 2 books that have helped me to think positively about my future, even if my future is not of this world.

    God bless all of you, Maggie  

     

  • pinky104
    pinky104 Member Posts: 574 Member
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    Yay, another IVb survivor!

    It's good to hear there's another IVb survivor out there, Maggie.  There are so few of us on here.  I'm still waiting to hear from anyone who has survived longer than I have (surgery was May, 2010).  I'm hoping there are some, and they just don't bother getting on the site anymore.  Thanks for posting on here and I hope everything goes smoothly for you from now on.

  • trustingHim
    trustingHim Member Posts: 8
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    UPSC Roll Call

    I just found this line and it looks like there are about 35 who have responded.  I was diagnosed almost exactaly 3 years ago via an annual pap.  The only symptom I had was bloating, but I didn't know it was a symptom at the time.  My surgery was in November 2011 at the University of Pennsylvania.  I was 64.  My pathology report indicated multiple organs and sites; uterus, both tubes, both ovaries, omentum, peritoneum and appendix.  90% serous 10% clear cell. Lymph-vascular invasion is listed as "suspicious".  Stage IVB.

    After my first round of 6 taxol/carboplatin I was on megestrol for 9 months when my CA125 jumped from 49 to 349.  I did a second round of 6 with the same chemo cocktail followed by tamoxifen for 5 months when my CA125 jumped from 32 to 122.  My most recent [round 3] chemo, again the same cocktail ended in May and I'm now taking letrozol and am on a 2 month lab schedule and get my port flushed too.  I'm hoping the numbers stay good at least until the first of the year.  I'm now considered platinum resistant and my oncologist has mentioned Doxil.

    My hair is growing back again and styling involves a washcloth and fingers.  My oncologist and a number of friends tell me it is quite stylish.  I usually feel pretty good, but tend to tire easily.  That could be because I'm out of shape.  I'm working on a walking regimen.  While sometimes it's hard not to worry, we all know worrying doesn't do any good.  So, I've turned the worrying over to God.  It really helps.  If anyone is interested, I've found 2 books that have helped me to think positively about my future, even if my future is not of this world.

    God bless all of you, Maggie  

     

    UPSC

    Welcome Maggie! I am interested in the books that you mentioned.  Although I'm Stage 1a, I still think about my future and unnecessarily worry about it.  I go to my doctor next Tue to get the report on my first CT scan since finishing my twelve infusions last month.

    I know this is short but I wanted to let you know that your post is encouraging to me.This is a battle that we can't fight alone.

    In Him,

    Donna

  • Maggie_mac
    Maggie_mac Member Posts: 32
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    UPSC

    Welcome Maggie! I am interested in the books that you mentioned.  Although I'm Stage 1a, I still think about my future and unnecessarily worry about it.  I go to my doctor next Tue to get the report on my first CT scan since finishing my twelve infusions last month.

    I know this is short but I wanted to let you know that your post is encouraging to me.This is a battle that we can't fight alone.

    In Him,

    Donna

    USPC

    Dear Donna,

    Of the two books I mentioned, one is fiction and one is non-fiction.  THE SHACK by William P. Young is fiction and has recently been released as a movie.  I just finished it for the second time and will warn you that the first four chapters are very difficult to get through.  Once you and Mack get back to the Shack you will come to know a kind and loving God that really wants only two things of any of us; that is our trust and belief in God's all forgiving love regardless of any bad thing you have ever done.  I have talked to my brother-in-law and we agree that it is hard to believe this book is fiction.

    The second book is EMBRACED BY THE LIGHT by Betty J. Eadie and is non-fiction.  It tells of her out-of-life experience and is different from anything else I've ever read. I have purchased this book for my husband and the kids to help them understand my evolving beliefs.  For me, both books have brought me to a new peace.  I hope they do the same for you.

    May your CT be clear as a bell...let me know

    Maggie

  • flyerette65
    flyerette65 Member Posts: 65
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    UPSC

    I was diagnosed in 2011 at age 63.  My symptoms were spotting that I had been having off and on for at least 7-8 years but biopsy was always negative.  This time it was positive for UPSC. I was staged 3A/Grade4.  I had a radical hysterectomy and did 6 Carboplatin/Taxol treatments.  After reading about the side effects of internal radiation I declined it.  I have been NED for 3 1/2 years but have been spotting off and on now for about a month and this concerns me as I had positive abdominal wash at the time of surgery.  I feel "crampy" and have a low backache, almost as if I was going to have a period.  I will see my gyn/oncologist in 17 days.  My gyn/oncologist does not do CA-125 on me anymore.  I haven't had one since right after my last chemo treatment in 2011, at the time CA125 was 4 which is great! Wondering does anyone else experience spotting? I had been told before that it was due to the thinning of my vaginal walls but it's been going on a bit longer this time.

  • deanna14
    deanna14 Member Posts: 732
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    Diagnosed September 2008 at

    Diagnosed September 2008 at 39 years old with Stage IIIC mixed serous papillary and endometriod. 25 external pelvic rad, 3 brachy rad, 6 Taxol\Carbo chemo. I am still NED.

  • trinoz
    trinoz Member Posts: 8
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    deanna14 said:

    Diagnosed September 2008 at

    Diagnosed September 2008 at 39 years old with Stage IIIC mixed serous papillary and endometriod. 25 external pelvic rad, 3 brachy rad, 6 Taxol\Carbo chemo. I am still NED.

    Diagnosed Nov 12 stage 3a

    Hi, I had my surgery, radical hysterectomy Nov 2012. Was UPSC but was given an unclear primary as there was a spot on an ovary.. Luckily as it meant I ticked the right boxes for the chemo treatment. 6 rounds of carbo/taxal, then 3 brachy. So far so good. Still dealing with nerve damage from surgery though. I'm in Australia

  • ConnieSW
    ConnieSW Member Posts: 1,678 Member
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    trinoz said:

    Diagnosed Nov 12 stage 3a

    Hi, I had my surgery, radical hysterectomy Nov 2012. Was UPSC but was given an unclear primary as there was a spot on an ovary.. Luckily as it meant I ticked the right boxes for the chemo treatment. 6 rounds of carbo/taxal, then 3 brachy. So far so good. Still dealing with nerve damage from surgery though. I'm in Australia

    Welcome aboard, trinoz

    Glad you found us and that you are doing well.

  • Hopeful162
    Hopeful162 Member Posts: 82
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    ConnieSW said:

    Welcome aboard, trinoz

    Glad you found us and that you are doing well.

    My UPSC Update

    I haven't checked in here since last October 8, well before my surgery on October 23, but things have progressed along usual lines since then EXCEPT that I got the great news that my UPSC was confined to a uterine polyp, giving me a Stage 1A, Grade 3. My gyn/oncologist felt some chemo was still warranted so I have now finished three rounds of carbo/taxol and feel quite confident in my future which not long ago seemed quite uncertain. Although life is always full of uncertainty, isn't it! I continue to read all I can find on this disease and will continue to have the usual followup surveillance. I go in for a new baseline CT scan in a couple weeks.

  • Delia1969
    Delia1969 Member Posts: 13
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    Brand newbie UPSC age 45

    Hi,

    this is my first post.

    I learned I had UPSC 2 weeks ago, & am 5 days into recovery from my hysterectomy. will get pathology report in 2 days.

    based on what he knows pre-report, my GYN oncologist, who performed the surgery, believes it's Stage1. But he says stages don't make a big difference, he called UPSC a "nasty" cancer, & said he won't recommend radiation OR chemo because he considers them worthless against future growth. He wants to do obvs only, every 3 months.

    i will be getting at least one second opinion on post-surgery path options. Any doctor recommendations in LA? 

    I look forward to reading stories of all your struggles & little victories, & sharing mine.

    Details about me: I'm 45, never been pregnant, extremely athletic. I believe my cancer is a result of polypectomy 10 years ago (but of course that's just speculation).

    xDelia

  • AWK
    AWK Member Posts: 364 Member
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    Delia1969 said:

    Brand newbie UPSC age 45

    Hi,

    this is my first post.

    I learned I had UPSC 2 weeks ago, & am 5 days into recovery from my hysterectomy. will get pathology report in 2 days.

    based on what he knows pre-report, my GYN oncologist, who performed the surgery, believes it's Stage1. But he says stages don't make a big difference, he called UPSC a "nasty" cancer, & said he won't recommend radiation OR chemo because he considers them worthless against future growth. He wants to do obvs only, every 3 months.

    i will be getting at least one second opinion on post-surgery path options. Any doctor recommendations in LA? 

    I look forward to reading stories of all your struggles & little victories, & sharing mine.

    Details about me: I'm 45, never been pregnant, extremely athletic. I believe my cancer is a result of polypectomy 10 years ago (but of course that's just speculation).

    xDelia

    Hi!

    So sorry you joined the club but happy that you found this group.  These women give me so much enouragement!  I live in the San Fernando Valley and am treated at the Leavey Cancer Center in Northridge.  My lead doctor there is Dr. Juan Alcantarr or any of his partners.  Their practice is ranked in the top 100 nationally. The team is affiliated with UCLA.  You definitely want a second opinion.  You will find that almost all of us have been treated aggressively with chemo and radiation (in many cases).  I got a second opinion at the City of Hope in Pasadena Dr. Christina Yeon, my initial diagnosis was from Dr. W. Michael Lin (gyno onc surgeon) who joined City of Hope in the last year.  Dr.  Robert  Morgan  at the Duarte campus  is one of the top gyno oncologists in the field nationally.  UCLA or Cedars are highly recommended too.  i will dig out the name of the doctor at UCLA who is consulting on my case too.  

    In April 2013 I was diagnosed Stage IIIC, second opinion said Stage IVa because of the para aortic involvement and distance from the tumors.  Either way the treatment regime didn't change.  I had a softball sized tumor in my uterus, 81 percent uterine involvement, a walnut sized tumor on my right ovary, cancer in my cervix and three lymph nodes.  All pelvic lymph nodes were removed along with TAH and omentum.  

    Hang tough and fight hard.  Stay strong.

  • It happened to Me
    It happened to Me Member Posts: 206 Member
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    AWK said:

    Hi!

    So sorry you joined the club but happy that you found this group.  These women give me so much enouragement!  I live in the San Fernando Valley and am treated at the Leavey Cancer Center in Northridge.  My lead doctor there is Dr. Juan Alcantarr or any of his partners.  Their practice is ranked in the top 100 nationally. The team is affiliated with UCLA.  You definitely want a second opinion.  You will find that almost all of us have been treated aggressively with chemo and radiation (in many cases).  I got a second opinion at the City of Hope in Pasadena Dr. Christina Yeon, my initial diagnosis was from Dr. W. Michael Lin (gyno onc surgeon) who joined City of Hope in the last year.  Dr.  Robert  Morgan  at the Duarte campus  is one of the top gyno oncologists in the field nationally.  UCLA or Cedars are highly recommended too.  i will dig out the name of the doctor at UCLA who is consulting on my case too.  

    In April 2013 I was diagnosed Stage IIIC, second opinion said Stage IVa because of the para aortic involvement and distance from the tumors.  Either way the treatment regime didn't change.  I had a softball sized tumor in my uterus, 81 percent uterine involvement, a walnut sized tumor on my right ovary, cancer in my cervix and three lymph nodes.  All pelvic lymph nodes were removed along with TAH and omentum.  

    Hang tough and fight hard.  Stay strong.

    Welcome to the Group of Peach Sisters

    I was diagnosed with UPSC June, 2013, complete hysterectomy July, 2013 and path report said it was Stage IIIa.  My reg. gyn only saw endometrial cancer  on the original path report (and thought only hyst. and maybe radiation), so it was a complete shock to find out it was an aggressive cancer and I'd probably have chemo. based on path reports.  So, they found a little tumor in the uterus, found some on the left ovary, a pea sized tumor on the back of my pelvis and some on the paracolic gutter and positive pelvic wash.  My gyn. onc didn't feel radiation would benefit me.   I ended up having 6 rounds of carbo./taxel beginning August, 2013 and ended Jan. 2, 2014.  

    I just had my 1 year post treatment check-up and I am No Evidence of Disease (NED).    I'm surprised that your doctor is not at least doing radiation or chemo. even at Stage I with this aggressive of cancer, but I also know that different doctors have different protocols.  I'm glad you are going for a second opinion.

    This is a great group of women to bounce things off of, to gather information, to laugh with and cry with and everything in between. 

    Keep us posted.  We are here for you.

    Jeanette