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Chemo_Princess
Chemo_Princess Member Posts: 105
edited March 2014 in Ovarian Cancer #1
Hello everyone, I'm new to this board. I was diagnosed with stage 3C ovarian cancer in April 2009. I'm only 31 years old--was 30 when diagnosed. I would love to chat with someone my age who is going thru this. Blessings to all of you brave ladies! ~Natalie

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  • msfanciful
    msfanciful Member Posts: 559
    #2
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    Hello Natalie,
    Sorry that
    Hello Natalie,

    Sorry that you have to even be on this board, especially at such a young age. I myself am 53 (and thankful to be here), so I can't imagine being so young and dealing with this cancer, it's a bugger to handle at my age.

    Unfortunately, I keep hearing more and more of ovarian cancer patients who are getting younger and younger. What's going on?

    I would like to know though; are you currently in remission or in treatment at this time?

    We will still be glad to be your friends because this cancer treats us all the same, so we are all in the same boat.

    Keep in touch,

    Sharon
  • nancy591
    nancy591 Member Posts: 1,027 Member
    #3
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    age at diagnosis
    Hi Natalie,

    I was diagnosed Sept. 08 with stage IV ovarian cancer at the age of 40. Yes that is 10 more years of freedom then you had but I can definately related. I have two young kids at home. I realize that ovarian cancer is mostly a post menopausal disease. When I was first diagnosed it was important for me to connect with other young woman. I especially wanted to meet other women with young kids. I went onto the breast cancer board to meet that need. If you really want to meet women in the under 40 club visit the breast cancer board. It is a very busy board and the women there were wonderful. While we can relate with the complications and meds used the women on the breast board may be able to meet other needs you may have. I am so sorry to hear of your diagnosis. What treatments and surgery have you had thus far? How are you handling things?
  • mopar
    mopar Member Posts: 1,972 Member
    #4
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    WELCOME, NATALIE!
    So sorry we must meet this way, but thank God we have this website to share and support eachother. I'm way over your age, but can relate anyway. And I'm sure there will be others your age that can share with you regarding issues of having cancer in your 30's. Sending lots of prayers and hugs your way in the meantime!

    (((HUGS)))
    Monika
  • BonnieR
    BonnieR Member Posts: 1,526 Member
    #5
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    Love the Picture
    Welcome Princess Natalie,

    Tough way to meet new people but you'll find you can't find a better group ladies. I'm way over your age ~ there is a young survivors group on here but I think it is a variety of cancers. Although I know we have had young survivors on here too. In the meantime you well find the ladies here can answer most of the questions. Hugs ♥ Prayers Bonnie
  • Chemo_Princess
    Chemo_Princess Member Posts: 105
    #6
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    You ladies are awesome!
    Thanks for the support!! I will check out the other boards. A little about my treatment thus far-I had surgery in April 2009 followed by 6 cycles of chemo--the killer bad ip chemo, cisplatin, taxol and I don't remember the other one. It was awful. But I am so thankful to be alive!!! Unfortunately my cancer is very agressive and I still have a tumor. I am currently on Avastin. It's a breeze compaired to what I've already been thru. Only thing is it made my blood pressure go thru the roof so now I'm on bp meds. Also I had a blood clot in my lung that was picked up during one of my ct scans (God was looking after me!) so I'm also on blood thinners. My doctor put me on an anti-depressant right after I was diagnosed. I am so glad. Otherwise I would not be able to handle this. So overall I'm handling things well. I had been on the fence for years about my religion but my cancer made me realize that yes, there is a God and he loves me very much. So I got baptized in July 2009. Bald head and all :-) My family, friends and faith have really helped me get thru this.
    So did any of you lose your finger nails? I did and it was worse than losing my hair. Also--I am SO EXHAUSTED all of the time. Medication helps but it's frustrating at times.
    Blessings to all of you! ~Natalie
  • Tina Brown
    Tina Brown Member Posts: 1,036 Member
    #7
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    Chemo_Princess said:

    You ladies are awesome!
    Thanks for the support!! I will check out the other boards. A little about my treatment thus far-I had surgery in April 2009 followed by 6 cycles of chemo--the killer bad ip chemo, cisplatin, taxol and I don't remember the other one. It was awful. But I am so thankful to be alive!!! Unfortunately my cancer is very agressive and I still have a tumor. I am currently on Avastin. It's a breeze compaired to what I've already been thru. Only thing is it made my blood pressure go thru the roof so now I'm on bp meds. Also I had a blood clot in my lung that was picked up during one of my ct scans (God was looking after me!) so I'm also on blood thinners. My doctor put me on an anti-depressant right after I was diagnosed. I am so glad. Otherwise I would not be able to handle this. So overall I'm handling things well. I had been on the fence for years about my religion but my cancer made me realize that yes, there is a God and he loves me very much. So I got baptized in July 2009. Bald head and all :-) My family, friends and faith have really helped me get thru this.
    So did any of you lose your finger nails? I did and it was worse than losing my hair. Also--I am SO EXHAUSTED all of the time. Medication helps but it's frustrating at times.
    Blessings to all of you! ~Natalie

    Hi Natalie
    You have an amazing attitude to your illness. I was diagnosed Nov 09 and am currently on Carbo/taxol in 3 weekly cycles. Just had my 4th dose and I am exhausted. My cancer is actually Primary Peritoneal Cancer (the lining of the stomach) but everyone classes it the same as Ovarian because the tissues are the same type and respond the same to the chemo. I can't have surgery because I have no tumours - only cancer cells. It can't be cured but can just be managed or kept at bay by the chemo. I am 49, a little older than you.
    I too am on anti-depressants (My mum died last years to bowel cancer) which help I think. I have lost all of my hair - including eyelashes & brows but not finger nails. I cannot imagine what that must've been like - you must be so brave.
    You are not alone - there are some amazing ladies on this web site and it really helps logging on to read some of their stories and how they get their strength from each other.
    I love your cool wig - I must get one for myself sometime. I try not to take myself too seriously and often make "light" of my situation so a bright pink wig would be great for me. Love to hear from you soon, love Tina xxxxx
  • lindaprocopio
    lindaprocopio Member Posts: 1,980
    #8
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    Tina Brown said:

    Hi Natalie
    You have an amazing attitude to your illness. I was diagnosed Nov 09 and am currently on Carbo/taxol in 3 weekly cycles. Just had my 4th dose and I am exhausted. My cancer is actually Primary Peritoneal Cancer (the lining of the stomach) but everyone classes it the same as Ovarian because the tissues are the same type and respond the same to the chemo. I can't have surgery because I have no tumours - only cancer cells. It can't be cured but can just be managed or kept at bay by the chemo. I am 49, a little older than you.
    I too am on anti-depressants (My mum died last years to bowel cancer) which help I think. I have lost all of my hair - including eyelashes & brows but not finger nails. I cannot imagine what that must've been like - you must be so brave.
    You are not alone - there are some amazing ladies on this web site and it really helps logging on to read some of their stories and how they get their strength from each other.
    I love your cool wig - I must get one for myself sometime. I try not to take myself too seriously and often make "light" of my situation so a bright pink wig would be great for me. Love to hear from you soon, love Tina xxxxx

    Tina: I could see you in a silvery platinum or jet black wig.
    There are so many FUN wigs for young women. Check out some of these styles (although I don't know what the quality is like on these wigs but they sure look FUN!): http://www.voguewigs.com/forever-young-wigs.html

    (I could see you in the 'Paper Doll' wig.

    You can totally pull off the bald look, but you could also pull off some of these wild looks with your pretty face. I wish I could, but at 57, I'm afraid I'd look silly.
  • MK_4Dani
    MK_4Dani Member Posts: 314
    #9
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    Chemo_Princess said:

    You ladies are awesome!
    Thanks for the support!! I will check out the other boards. A little about my treatment thus far-I had surgery in April 2009 followed by 6 cycles of chemo--the killer bad ip chemo, cisplatin, taxol and I don't remember the other one. It was awful. But I am so thankful to be alive!!! Unfortunately my cancer is very agressive and I still have a tumor. I am currently on Avastin. It's a breeze compaired to what I've already been thru. Only thing is it made my blood pressure go thru the roof so now I'm on bp meds. Also I had a blood clot in my lung that was picked up during one of my ct scans (God was looking after me!) so I'm also on blood thinners. My doctor put me on an anti-depressant right after I was diagnosed. I am so glad. Otherwise I would not be able to handle this. So overall I'm handling things well. I had been on the fence for years about my religion but my cancer made me realize that yes, there is a God and he loves me very much. So I got baptized in July 2009. Bald head and all :-) My family, friends and faith have really helped me get thru this.
    So did any of you lose your finger nails? I did and it was worse than losing my hair. Also--I am SO EXHAUSTED all of the time. Medication helps but it's frustrating at times.
    Blessings to all of you! ~Natalie

    Sorry to meet this way
    Natalie,
    So sorry you have to be so young with OVCA. This is a great board for inspiration and support....so welcome! I finished chemo 3 weeks ago and I was also totally exhausted. I haven't lost my fingernails but they are disclored and feel very sensitve...like a bruise. The ONC nurses told me to use Tea Tree Oil (which really stinks) and I haven't lost one. Toenails are looking pretty bad too. Your faith, attitude and your hot wig tell me your are indeed a teal warrior and fighting hard. Do you have a teal wig:)?
    God bless you...I believe you are the youngest teal warrior.
    MK
  • Chemo_Princess
    Chemo_Princess Member Posts: 105
    #10
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    Wigs
    Thanks for posting the wig link! I love the one called 'go go girl'!!
    My pink wig is a Halloween wig. Picked it up for $6 on sale. It looks totally fake but it's still fun. I don't have a teal wig but if I ever see one I'll definitely buy it!! I live in Louisville Kentucky and there is a local wig shop that always has cool wigs on sale for $20. I quit smoking when I was diagnosed so I treat myself to wigs or shoes every once in a while :-)
    My hair has started growing back, it's almost long enough to put barettes in. I found some hot pink hair cement at Sally Beauty Supply. It's tons of fun and the color washes out. I encourage everyone to have fun with wigs and your new hair! Even those of you who are a bit older. Just pick up a blonde wig if your natural color is brown. It's amazing how a different color can make you feel. My natural color is dark brown, but I look great as a blonde! I'll have to post pictures of my wigs and of my new hair.
    Hope you all have a great night. Blessings! Natalie

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