Just diagnosed

wholfmeister said:

Be British!

"Keep Calm and Carry On."  Don't let your mind race too far ahead! You need to keep a level head these next few months...lots of appointments, new doctors, new words, decisions...you need to stay in the moment and not think dark thoughts.  There is every reason to believe you will have a joyful Christmas!  Most of us are not immediate candidates for surgery.  Most of us have three to six rounds of chemo before surgery.  It makes it much easier for the surgeon and it's your best chance for survival.

I have not had to deal with ascites, so I can't advise you there.  But lots of women can Tell you their experiences with it.  We are all familiar with the dizzying fear and worry you are going through.  Just breathe, and ask questions.  You are going to see a better day!

Hi I had a 4" tumor on  my left ovary & probably had 6+ drains of ascites - my first was 8 liters  I was always given a loclocal- numbing injection  in my side bwehore the y inserted the drain tube I have a high pain tolerence - don't mnd needles found it kind of interesting - not only did I need it done , I wanted it done because of the discomfort & the internal pressure  incresed my stroke-related incontenence.   Once the drain is inserted- you just lay there & visit & watch them change bags & bottles.

After the 8 liters - I had a couple more fairky big drains before until the chemo started working  - thenh only 1 or 2 more before tx was done.

As I saikd for me It wasn't a big deal - plus the liquid gave my gyne Onc patology info as to my particular cancer cells  for TTx

decisions.

Re surgery my doc wanted to treat the tumors & ashrink them as much as possible  thereby reducing the amount of tissue damage wheres he cut tumors out.  the best thing fore me aout this site was seeing that my Tx's pretty much matched  every one elses - & I was getting standard Tx for Ov Ca.

I started with a CA # of 4,000. before surgery & chemo.  after my postr surgery chemo I hit 16-

Apr 1 was my one-year anniversary of NED (nio evidence of disease.   cA # runs in the 30 rrange & I go every 3 months for check up.

As with bything new - the first time is the worst even though it sounds bad - it really isn't .  it was certainly woth it to relieve the pressure & discomfort.

Any more questions - come back & ask I've learned knowledge & understanding is power and that no amount of worry will change anything

right mow the year odiof Tx & surgeryt is becoming just an old memory.

Susan P  from southern Alberta Canada & TX & WY

PS on your next post pls sign offwith your first name so we know what to call you.

Hi May41,

I agree with the advice not to think too far ahead. I am an RN. My mother died of peritoneal cancer which is closely related to ovarian cancer. My sister was diagnosed with Stage 4 ovarian cancer in 2011. She is doing remarkably well.

There are a few things that can make all the difference in your outcome. One is your physician being a gynecologic oncologist. Solid research shows outcomes are much better with gynecologic oncologists. Patients who undergo extensive debulking surgery and intraperitoneal rather than IV chemotherapy have much longer overall survival. Another is being treated at a non-profit specialty center such as a university affiliated medical center rather than a for-profit community hospital or cancer center. The specific cell type is another factor as is your own resiliance.

Do not assume the worst. My sister's cancer was supposed to be untreatable but she had a 27 month remission after intraperitoneal chemotherapy which followed debulking surgery. She is doing very well, four years later even though the last two chemo courses were not effective. She is going to be evaluated soon at one of the top two cancer hospitals in the country, MD Anderson in Houston, Texas, where they have specialists in low grade papillary serous ovarian cancer.

Google your doctor. Learn about his /her credentials, board certification, quality of the medical school attended. Again, much better outcomes with gynecologic oncologists. The Leapfrog group rates hospitals across the country on measures that really make a difference in patient outcomes. You can rely on their ratings.

When you are ready, learn everything you can about your cancer. You will make many friends on this journey. You will find strength, support and love at the most unexpected times. Cancer humbles us but it does not defeat us. It helps us learn what is most dear.

There is a long adventure ahead of you. Much love surrounds you. Remember that.

May41 said:

Thank you

For your kind responses.

had the tap yesterday. 2 1/2 liters.  Had hoped for more, but.

piece of cake. Silly to have worried but maybe its better to focus on littles and the large will take care of itself? 

Waiting now now for first chemo appnt.  

 

Am am swinging between calm, mature, and

when in danger

or in doubt

run in circles, scream and shout

please, what coping mechanism worked for you?

May41, I cannot comment on ovarian cancer, I am a visitor from the Uterine board, but I wanted to assure you everything you are feeling is perfectly natural.  Trying to wrap your head around a diagnosis of cancer and what lies ahead is overwhelming. 

Please try to take a breath.  If you are having problems sleeping ask for something to help.  I do agree the anticipating procedures and future are nerve wracking.  Many of us have gone through many of the things you will face in your future and are confident when we tell you, "you will be ok".  Unfortunately, it is easy for someone to say it  to you than you having to live it, so please know you will surprise yourself with how strong you will find you really are.