Cancer Diagnosis

[Anonymous]

Hi everyone,

I am still here, but I have not read the forums in over a month.

So, here is what is going on (I will keep it short and sweet):

Had my annual well woman exam last month.  GYN noticed large cyst/pelvic mass near right ovary.  Ultrasound, blood markers, and CT scan ordered.  All inconslusive.  Referred to GYN ONC at MD Anderson (I live near Houston).   Best place to be for a possible cancer diagnosis, IMHO

Had surgery at MD Anderson on 10/27 - diagnosis ovarian cancer.  Recovering well at home.  Started chemotherapy on 11/11.  I will have 6 cycles of carbo/taxol three weeks apart.  FIrst treament went well.

I am staying positive, as it is the only way I can be in this situation.  For the women out there, I had NO symptoms:  bloating, gas, constipation, diarrhea, increased frequency of urination, pelvic discomfort, fatigue.  NOTHING  I am otherwise very healthy:  healthy weight, healthy diet, no chronic illness.

So, keep me in your thoughts and prayers.

I don't usually post in the middle of the night, but the thunderstorm woke up Scout (my golden retriever) and he jumped up on my bed and curled up next to me...oh, and woke me up. 

[BungalowMo]

Scout..... sending you MUCH positive energy and prayers!! 

"You are my flesh, and flesh will obey"...Todd R. 1980/Healing

[haulingthescoreup]

Scout, I'm so sorry to read this! Ovarian CA is very sneaky, that's for sure.

Take good care of yourself, and I'm glad you're at MD Anderson. One of the best places to be, that's for sure.

[Jazzzy]

Hi Scout,

Hang in there. I'm glad you went for your check-up. I'm a nurse, and I see too many things go undiagnosed because we're all too busy to take care of ourselves...and because (even with good insurance) a visit to the doctor can still be expensive.

And, you're right. There aren't always symptoms.

Be strong... 

[Imhotrodcrazy]

Scout,

I will say a special prayer for you each night until you are totally healed.  Have faith.

[MsKiwi]

I will send up prayers, I will send up glows.......whatever it takes to send some healing powers. My best thoughts are with you.

[Anonymous]

{{Hugs}} to you, Scout! Prayers and positive thoughts are coming your way.

[Anonymous]

Thanks everyone for your kind words...

I am a positive person in general, and I refuse to go the personal pity party route.  I have remained positive so far, and I know that my mindset will impact the outcome of this diagnosis. 

I have been through all of the range of emotions: why me?, this is not fair, anger, etc.  I have accepted the diagnosis, but that does not mean that I will give in to the cancer.  I intend to fight with every fiber of my being to overcome this and live a very long life.  This is just a wake up call on that journey.

Thanks again.  I will check in every so often...

[wmarat]

Stay positive, ovarian Ca is treatable with pretty good survival rate.

[Anonymous]

Update:

Thanks, wmarat.  I am staying positive. 

Well, I have been through 2 rounds of chemo, so far.  Not as bad as I had thought it would be.  I must stop reading about chemo on the internet.  My bad. Six hours from IV stick to finish.  Taxol/Carbo combination.  Feel great day of chemo and day after, third day is a different story - major joint pain that does not go away with meds.  I have not had any nausea, just joint pain and fatigue.  But, it only lasts for 3 or 4 days, and then I feel stronger.  Only four more rounds of chemo to go...

I am going back to work next week (Dec 14th), after seven weeks off.  Do I remember how to do my job???  I am excited and a bit nervous.  I really don't want to field questions from all of my coworkers.  My family, friends, and those close to me know of the OVCA, but I really don't want to have to explain it to everyone I work with.  After seven weeks off, I know there will be questions.  And, the wig, of course, will raise a few eyebrows.  I am a federal employee, and my coworkers have donated leave to me though the leave donation program.  One less thing to worry about.

Just wanted to check in.  Happy Holidays to everyone.

Scout