New member with ovarian ca

Welcome, I was diagnosed with ovca in Dec 02 and finished treatments in July. I go for a checkup on Feb 12th to see how I am doing. When did you start the 2nd round, what type of treatments? I am not going through the same thing but am here to listen and talk if you want. Bonnie

NJSuzyQ said:

Hi Monika,
I had surgery June 11 2003 and that's when I found out I had Ovarian Cancer. I went throught 6 rounds of Taxol. I had my last Chemo on Oct. 27-2003, and I'm in remission. It's an eye opener and you think of life different. Thanks for your time. Sue

Hi Monika
I too am new to this website and so very thankful that it exists.I too was diagnosised with ovarian cancer on June 25, 2003, Stage 2 (involvement in both ovaries but fortunately only there).I was totally shocked and received 6 bouts of carbo/taxol. All went well but I have neuroplasty in both feet and my hair is gradually returning. My most recent CA125 is 11 and I am rejoicing and thankful for everyday. Good luck to everyone who visits this site and thank God that it is available.

mirtle said:

Hi.
I was originally diagnosed in 1993 with stage IV OVCA. Had six rounds of taxol/cisplatin and was in remission for nine years. I have been on chemo since January 02, first Doxil and then taxol/carbo. Now I'm going on Etopcide (sp). I am considered "stable". I am living proof that all of these drugs work. And just because mine came back doesn't necessarily mean that yours will. A positive attitude is the most important thing to keep. I wake up each morning and thank God I am awake for another day. Concentrate on each day as it comes and enjoy it. Good luck to you!!

I was diagnosed in 2001 with stage IV ovca. I also had six rounds of taxol. I just had a reoccurrence and they removed my omentum (sp). I am, however, having a hard time being positive. My husband is having a difficult time too and has a hard time dealing with me not being positive. I feel that when my friends and family call me they expect me to be cheerful and when I don't sound cheerful they don't really know what to say. thanks

gorget said:

Hi,
I too am a new member to this site. I was diagnosed in Sept 03 with Stage 3B OVCA. I survived my first bout with cancer (1985 - germ cell type), but am having a hard time dealing with the treatment I am getting (taxotere/carbo). I've been through 6 cycles, and am now heading towards #7. My CA125 is at 87 and appears to be plateauing there. Doxil was suggested - another 4-6 cycles, if I go to that protocol.
I went through what sincere went through - everyone expects you to be chipper and happy without any idea of what you are going through. I am able to work (1/2 days) and that has helped considerably - remaining active keeps the mind and body occupied. Unfortunately, I am on a downhill slide again, being less happy and falling into crying jags. I'm hoping I'll lift back up soon as this is too much for me.
Sorry to have jabbered on....glad this site exists and I'm not alone in this fight. Thanks.

Welcome Georgette,

I tell you...you gotta be a tough cookie to go through what we all have and are still going through.

I was Dx in Sept of 2002 and I finished my 9 Taxol/Carbo treatments and I have 3 more of 12 Taxol maintenance chemo.

I, like you was having a terrible time coping with all this disease heaps on us. In spite of my faith I still was depressed. My Onc suggested Paxil and what a difference it has made. I feel almost human again. If I were you I would let the doctor know what problems you are having and see if it might be right for you.

My doctor said quality of life is his main goal and if that helps, we go for it.

Anyway, glad you have joined us. I will look for your posts.

hess said:

I was diagnosed in 2001 with stage IV ovca. I also had six rounds of taxol. I just had a reoccurrence and they removed my omentum (sp). I am, however, having a hard time being positive. My husband is having a difficult time too and has a hard time dealing with me not being positive. I feel that when my friends and family call me they expect me to be cheerful and when I don't sound cheerful they don't really know what to say. thanks

I was diagnosed with stage IV ovca in July 2003. I am 26 years old and very very confused since all of this has happened. I had 5 rounds of taxotere/carbo but my cancer did not respond. I now get topotecan 5x a week every 3 weeks. It is really starting to bother me that I can't do all the things i want to do.
I had sx in July to remove my ovaries,uterus,cervix,gall bladder, appendix, omentum, and also half my colon. I also had sx in dec to drain the pleural effusion in my right lung.
I am sore, and tired, and feel like hell. Everyone who is not sick tells me to be positive...but how do you do that? Can someone please explain how to maintain positive when every day is a challenge. When I look in the mirror, I see just a shadow. It's not me anymore. The big smile...the round cheeks and nice figure-they are gone. I am skinny, hollow, and frail. And sad...so sad to go through all this. More sad for my Mom and boyfriend to see me so sad. Please reply if you feel the same way. I need to know I'm not the only one struggling to believe that I will be okay...even if I don't survive this.

hess said:

I was diagnosed in 2001 with stage IV ovca. I also had six rounds of taxol. I just had a reoccurrence and they removed my omentum (sp). I am, however, having a hard time being positive. My husband is having a difficult time too and has a hard time dealing with me not being positive. I feel that when my friends and family call me they expect me to be cheerful and when I don't sound cheerful they don't really know what to say. thanks

Hello! I am so sorry you have to go through all of this again. I have an aquaintance who went through this ordeal THREE times in 10 years. She is in remission, has passed that blessed five year mark and is going strong!

If you need someone to talk to, I'd be more than happy to lend an ear, shoulder, or any type of comfort that I can.

Keep your chin up! I'm praying very hard for you.

I was diagnosed with Ovarian Cancer July, 2001, went through six taxol treatments and am cancer free - so far so good!

let me know what you need!

Gayla

rashton said:

I was diagnosed with stage IV ovca in July 2003. I am 26 years old and very very confused since all of this has happened. I had 5 rounds of taxotere/carbo but my cancer did not respond. I now get topotecan 5x a week every 3 weeks. It is really starting to bother me that I can't do all the things i want to do.
I had sx in July to remove my ovaries,uterus,cervix,gall bladder, appendix, omentum, and also half my colon. I also had sx in dec to drain the pleural effusion in my right lung.
I am sore, and tired, and feel like hell. Everyone who is not sick tells me to be positive...but how do you do that? Can someone please explain how to maintain positive when every day is a challenge. When I look in the mirror, I see just a shadow. It's not me anymore. The big smile...the round cheeks and nice figure-they are gone. I am skinny, hollow, and frail. And sad...so sad to go through all this. More sad for my Mom and boyfriend to see me so sad. Please reply if you feel the same way. I need to know I'm not the only one struggling to believe that I will be okay...even if I don't survive this.

Hello sumrlvr,
So sorry to hear you are having a difficult time with this. As you can see we all have our own ways of dealing with this, but rest assured that you are definitely not alone - we all are here for you.
Dealing with the sadness of it all is the most difficult part for me. I'm not a happy go lucky type smiling all day long - I tend to be more serious, but this has really taken a toll on me. Particularly since it's not the first time I've had to face this disease.
And yes, it seems to be that much more difficult for your loved ones to watch you being so sad. But you can't ignore it, and being able to let it out with someone on a regular basis (even if it's just here) is something that we all need. (My husband actually complained to me a week after my first treatment that he wished I'd be more chipper like I am to others - I told him that was unfair, that I needed SOMEONE to be there for me. And he is - in spades, thankfully.)
If you feel that a Paxil or Prozac is the way for you, perhaps that might help. I journal on a regular basis (daily intitially) and find that that helps me. Working part time also keeps me occupied, and I have wonderful, understanding colleagues too.
Don't lose faith, keep coming back to this site (I got very lost since my first posting, but have found my way back).
Know that you aren't alone, and that you have a support group here.
Take care.

Hi, I was diagnosed with Liomysarcoma of the uterus in Dec of 99. I have had radiation and chemo and 5 operations. I am doing some Herbs now. If anyone out there is interested get the book ( Cure for all Cancers) by Dr Hilda Clark! Great Book. I have no support from my husband, all he can think about is what he has gone through living with me for the past 5 yrs with cancer! I have a hard time dealing with this but I have a positive attitude despite putting up with his attitude, There is hope,Take Herbs, C>J>S