Stage 1a and scared

Your message sounds familiar. I was diagnosed with a "low growth potential malignancy" ten years ago this September, and at 37 had a full hysterectomy et.al. No chemo, but it took me months to get back to work and a good year to feel normal. I don't know the exact stage of the cancer, either, because I was terrified to ask - me, the vocal one in the family. Look, no one can guarantee anything, and feeling "cured" won't protect you any more than believing that cancer happens to other people protected you before. Besides, you've changed, but don't know how yet. Concentrate on being a survivor - that is powerful. Something big challenged you, you won and you are stronger - new challeges are guaranteed to appear. My experience is that being a long-term survivor is not passive (like a "cured" patient), but active - and it takes work. Survivors deal with new emotions and thoughts - I have this incredible ability to predict a disaster around every turn (ever see that movie about the tidal wave - I've got my escape route planned), and every once in awhile I see a Mom with her kids and break into tears. Just part of the new package. At the same time, I've accomplished things I never expected BC. In a nutshell - be a survivor and don't worry about being "cured".

agale said:

Thank you for responding. I am in the process of getting a second opinion. I will talk with my doctors about the possibility of further treatment based on the outcome.

I did go to an OVCA support group, but all the women were stage III or IV, and several were in the midst of very difficult recurrences. I found it depressing and removed from my current situation. Fortunately, I have an excellent support group I've been involved with since my husband's death, and those people have been wonderful.

Regarding my symptoms -- my gyn had been following me for a simple ovarian cyst for a number of years. At my last routine checkup, I mentioned that I felt an occasional "twinge" in the area of the left ovary. Ultrasound revealed that the cyst had become complex and larger. He immediately sent me to an outstanding university hospital and a nationally-renowned gynecological oncologist. I am indeed fortunate that he was so careful and observant. I'm also glad I didn't hesitate to mention the "twinge" -- always listen to and honor what your body tells you.

The different symptoms women have are amazing! Isn't that amazing-you must have known subconciously that something more was wrong.

I find the support group that I've been going to, while composed mostly of Stage 3 and 4 survivors, to be a positive experience, and I've encouraged my fried who had Stage 3 to come. They're really the only ones who I felt really know the fear I have.

I'm glad you're going to get a 2nd opinion. It should give you some peace of mind.

My husband's cousin has had some suspicious symptoms. I may try encouraging her (again) to get a 2nd opinion. So many women have their complaints discounted until they are really deep into ovarian, it's a shame.

hi agale. I am a 10 year suvivor of stage 111c ovarian cancer. Had a comlete hysterectomy and a colostomy(later reversed) and believe me I was scared to death. Had six chemo treatments and have been fine ever since. I still go to my oncologist once ayear and get a ca 125 hopefully they will come out with a better test soon. I still get apprehensive about a recurrance even though it has been 10 years, but I try to stay positiveand I still belong to a support group mostly to give hope and encouragement to newly diagnosed women and assure them this is not an automatic death sentence. you are so fortunate to have been diagnosed at such an early stage. Must have had a very good Dr.