How do you deal?

nycgirl
nycgirl Member Posts: 18
edited March 2014 in Ovarian Cancer #1
About a year ago I was told that I have a cyst. I went to the doctor because of pain. He told me that he thought it might be some thing besides a cyst. He gives a CA125 and some other tests and tell me to wait. My CA 125 came back 13, I guess that is why he said wait. Any way I am now having more problems and now a different doctor tells me that she thinks that it is ovarian cancer. She gave me some tests and now I have to wait to get the result. I can't handle this. I am trying to think positive and to keep myself busy, but it's hard. How did you ladies handle it? I have prayed so much that I feel like God is tired of hearing from me.

Comments

  • groundeffect
    groundeffect Member Posts: 639 Member
    I didn't know I had ovarian cancer until after my hysterectomy was done, and it's my understanding that a doctor can't really diagnose it until the ovary itself is tested, so you can hold out hope until that is done.

    I was diagnosed with uterine cancer prior to the hysterectomy, so I had time to contemplate that before finding out about the ovarian. I'd like to say it was a surprise, but I'd had problems on that side when I was in my twenties, and always felt that I could tell when I was ovulating with that ovary. My oncologist confirmed it was that ovary that had cancer.

    Keep praying, but remember it's not going to be an immediate death sentence, even if you are diagnosed with ovarian. I know a number of women who are living long after being diagnosed, and I plan on living a long time, too!
  • Marty05
    Marty05 Member Posts: 13
    First of all, the waiting is the hardest part. No matter what the results are, not knowing is the most difficult. Know that you are not alone with your feelings. There is nothing wrong with talking about things with other people...this is a good place to start. Find comfort in the strength of others. Wrap your family and loved ones around you and let yourself eat off of their love for you. Continue to think positively. When I found out about my cancer at 21 years old, I didn't know what to do. It IS hard. Here's what I did...I ate as much chocolate as I could get my hands on. I watched upbeat comedies, and I studied for school harder than I ever had in the past. When I knew I had to face the reality of my situation, I bought a calendar and kept track of everything (especially all of the doctor appointments). I transferred myself outside of myself...it was like I was on the outside looking in. It was like I was taking care of a person with cancer rather than being the one with cancer. It helped. The nights seemed so much longer, but praying made the time go by. Don't worry about God...he has time to listen to you...I am sure He wants to help you maintain your strength in any way He can. What Groundeffect said is true, you really have no idea about ovarian cancer until the ovary itself is tested. That is reason to have faith and hope in itself. Let us know how you are doing.
    I will pray for you (that way, we can double up on God!)
  • Marty05
    Marty05 Member Posts: 13
    First of all, the waiting is the hardest part. No matter what the results are, not knowing is the most difficult. Know that you are not alone with your feelings. There is nothing wrong with talking about things with other people...this is a good place to start. Find comfort in the strength of others. Wrap your family and loved ones around you and let yourself eat off of their love for you. Continue to think positively. When I found out about my cancer at 21 years old, I didn't know what to do. It IS hard. Here's what I did...I ate as much chocolate as I could get my hands on. I watched upbeat comedies, and I studied for school harder than I ever had in the past. When I knew I had to face the reality of my situation, I bought a calendar and kept track of everything (especially all of the doctor appointments). I transferred myself outside of myself...it was like I was on the outside looking in. It was like I was taking care of a person with cancer rather than being the one with cancer. It helped. The nights seemed so much longer, but praying made the time go by. Don't worry about God...he has time to listen to you...I am sure He wants to help you maintain your strength in any way He can. What Groundeffect said is true, you really have no idea about ovarian cancer until the ovary itself is tested. That is reason to have faith and hope in itself. Let us know how you are doing.
    I will pray for you (that way, we can double up on God!)
  • mopar
    mopar Member Posts: 1,972 Member
    So sorry you are dealing with all of this, but you have come to the right place. Like Groundeffect I too did not know I had ovarian cancer until my hysterctomy. I was just going to have a uterine fibroid removed. So, I consider myself blessed that it was caught early. I won't go into my treatments, etc. The main thing I wanted to say is that I agree with the other posts. Just take one day at a time. And, if need be, one MOMENT at a time. Don't feel you are 'bothering' the Lord. Those that wait on Him 'shall be renewed in their strength'. Leaning on Him is exactly what he wants you to do. As supportive as friends and family may be, sometimes it is difficult for them to deal with, to know what to say or do. That's when I relied on the Lord the most. But I also prayed for their peace as well.
    Follow up with your doctor. Your blood levels sound good, but again that is just a screening. Don't let them bounce you around - 'it is cancer', 'it isn't cancer', etc. Be sure you get your questions answered (I also take a journal with me to my visits)and let them know if you need more information to ease your mind.

    Keep us informed. In the meantime, you and your family are in my prayers. My favorite scripture is Psalm 91. Read it if you get a few moments. It's one of the many scriptures that remind us how He cares for us and has complete control. Till later . . .
    May His Peace be in your heart and surround you.
    Monika