New member

Hello, my name is Bonnie. I had stage 3c ovarian cancer also, the cancer was everywhere - even in my liver. I was terribly sick after surgery and actually had fluid pumped from my abdomen on a regualar basis. I also had bowel problems actually had a blockage that put me in the hospital for another 2 weeks. Chemo isn't fun but it is worth it. I finished 8 doses of chemo July 17th and no signs of cancer todate. I will keep you in my prayers as I know prayers are what made the difference in my health.

Bonnie Rose

Hi Jane,

You've come to the right place, and I hope you get some comfort here!

I had constipation after my surgery, but I suspect it was largely due to the Vicodin, which is a blessing and a curse at the same time. Please try to keep with the regimen that the nurse suggests-she wants you to feel good, too.

I was terrified of chemo, but found little to be afraid of after the first session. Just be sure to drink lots of fluids the day before to get your veins plumped up-it really helps! I always felt well enough to drive myself to and from the treatments, and only "felt" the effects starting a couple of days after each treatment, and then it was just feeling tired. I would say, out of all the things I had done to me, that the chemo treatments were fairly innocuous.

I had ovarian stage 1C and uterine stage 1B, and had spent a week in a local hospital with a pulmonary embolism before going to a bigger hospital for my surgery.

It's all scary, but don't be afraid to admit it, and I hope you'll not be so afraid of the chemo! I'm sure you could find someone who has had the experience in your hometown who would be willing to tell you about it, if you wanted to talk to them. Perhaps the American Cancer Society could help, or you might jump into the chat room and see if you could start a discussion about it.

One thing I found very useful was doing "yoga breathing"-taking in deep breaths starting deep in my lungs and inflating them to the top, and then exhaling somewhat slowly. It has really helped me through all of this (believe me, I'm no yoga master).

Take some things to your chemo sessions-which tend to take almost a full day-to keep yourself busy, if you feel like it. I suggest something for music-a cd player or the like, a lunch and beverages you like (I had to ask if I could bring lunch, after discovering I would need it), slippers (so you can take your shoes or boots off), and reading materials. Maybe some of the others here can suggest some things, too. Make a day of it-your day!

I see you are new and wanted to welcome you to 'our' site. There are so many wonderful people to talk to and to help you here.
I too was dx with Stage IIIC Ovarian Cancer on 12-22-2000. I understand you terror and fear. It's an awful place to be. There is not much I can add to the answers you have recieved except I will keep you in my prayers and am also available to you should you need one on one support.
With Much Love..SWScott (Teri50)

HI!~ My name is Sherry! I am in remission my last treatment was 2001 in November!~As of now I am looking for assstance for check-up I have not been able to find anyone to help me find a place to check my blood count.
I live in Anaheim, Calif

I had terrible constipation after surgery and during/after chemo. Unfortunately, it gets worse with chemo. Also had terrible gas pains. Still have constipation. Believe it or not, what helped me the most was getting reflexology from a massage therapist the day after chemo. Reflexology is foot massage concentrated on "pressure points" on the feet that correspond to all your body's organs. It feels wonderful. It not only helped with my symptoms of constipation/gas, but helped me relax, breath better and recover more quickly. And, don't be afriad of chemo -- this was actually the easiest part of treatment for me. I was dx with Stage 1C ovarian in April 01 and have remained cancer free. Good luck -- let us know how you are doing. Stay strong.

Welcome Jane
We understand the nightmare that you are in. I was diagnosed 3C in 2006. Chemo sounds very scary, but in fact it can be the gateway to giving you back your life. We will help you each step of the way. There are several posters on this site that are just starting their chemo regiment like you. Constipation and diarrhea are common problems here and we discuss "poo" often. Hang on tight and please know that you will find friends and comfort here.
(((HUGS))) Maria

Jane...
Your story is so
Jane...

Your story is so familiar. I was diagnosed in Sept of 2009, also stage IIIc. I was in the hospital 16 days with my surgery, due to one complication after another. I had blood transfusions, TPN feedings (due to uncontrollable vomiting), etc. It was a nightmare.

Like you, I was still very, very sick when I came home and my doctor ordered home health care nurses twice a day.

Constipation was a given for me, for quite a while. I don't know if it contributed to it or not, but I had 8-10 inches of intestine removed during the debulking surgery. I know the pain meds make it much worse. I used Miralax twice a day and it worked quite well, plus I took a lot of stool softeners. Now that I am off the pain meds, I take two stool softeners daily and have had no bowel issues for quite some time.

I cried at the drop of a hat for weeks. Every day, I threw myself a pity party. Finally, I got past that and learned to focus on treatment and quality of life.

I had a terrible first session with the chemo, but after that, it was almost easy. Now I am finished with first line treatment and have signed up for a year of maintenance chemo. I recently ordered a tee shirt that says, "I love the smell of chemo in the morning". Don't be afraid of the chemo. Embrace it. It is the stuff that's going to keep you alive. Everything else is just small potatoes, believe me.

Carlene

nancy591 said:

original posting date is 2004
Does anyone know how this posting got bumped up? The original posting datge is 2004.

It looks like Susan Holly
It looks like Susan Holly bumped it/responded, then removed her comments.