Newly diagnosed with ovarian cancer (OC) ~ looking for support

It’s such a difficult diagnosis to get - thoughts and prayers to you. You will experience a wide range of emotions throughout this journey, just remember that you are still you despite the changes you will go through. Wishing you all the best and lots of love and support.

I can relate. I am battling cervical cancer at Mayo Rochester. I am a VP at a large company and only told the need to knows. It’s turned my world upside down. I am staying in Rochester during the week for treatments and home on the weekends. You’re not alone. I was in Menopause and the clinic kept telling me my bleeding was hormone related. When my gut told me to go in, it was cancer.

@naturegirl5 Thank you for asking. I also perceive it as moving fast, so thank you for saying that. Fast, yet I want Friday to hurry up and get here. Anything that brings me closer to getting this cancer out of me. My Gyn/Onc called me again last evening, she had spoken to the Hematologist who was treating me prior for my blood clots. They both agreed that I should go back on Eliquis since clots are more common for cancer patients. So today, i started that again. I do not have a problem with it, but worry that I might bleed again. (I have been free from bleeding for about a week) . I also told her I would like to know the chemo she is thinking, and she told me, it is what I expected. I also asked about a port. She told me not to let that be a barrier, that I am young enough to just have regular IV if needed, in order to begin quickly. (I am not sure I mentioned, I am 53). Most days I am ok. I am still working, and feel relatively "normal". My sleep is not optimal, but not horrible. So my work is a great distraction. I also have a couple of friends that are helpful, and they are coming by thursday to help me organize my craft room. I told them I want order in at least one area of my life. So, overall, I would say I am doing well day to day. I like the Optimism with a plan concept. I have also been trying to replace worry with prayer. Every time a worry or negative thought comes to mind, I turn to prayer. I will lean on all of you. Thank you so much.

Sorry to hear that you are going through this. I found that the situation became less stressful after there was a plan in place, and I just had to show up and do it.

Regarding the chest port, I had two rounds of chemo through veins in my arms before I had a port implanted (I was 57). That was one round too many. The first round went fine, but chemo messes up your veins, so during the second round, they kept trying to stick needles in different places to start with, and then moved the needle into different veins twice during the infusion. Ugh. Starting chemo ASAP is probably good, even without a port, but I would recommend getting a port before the second round.

@irishgirl1313, such an encouraging first post. I look forward to learning more about you. Were you also diagnosed with ovarian cancer? What treatments have you had? How are you doing today?

@kristinfloyd, just thought I'd check in. How did things go on Friday? How are you doing?

@naturegirl5 Thank you for asking. I also perceive it as moving fast, so thank you for saying that. Fast, yet I want Friday to hurry up and get here. Anything that brings me closer to getting this cancer out of me. My Gyn/Onc called me again last evening, she had spoken to the Hematologist who was treating me prior for my blood clots. They both agreed that I should go back on Eliquis since clots are more common for cancer patients. So today, i started that again. I do not have a problem with it, but worry that I might bleed again. (I have been free from bleeding for about a week) . I also told her I would like to know the chemo she is thinking, and she told me, it is what I expected. I also asked about a port. She told me not to let that be a barrier, that I am young enough to just have regular IV if needed, in order to begin quickly. (I am not sure I mentioned, I am 53). Most days I am ok. I am still working, and feel relatively "normal". My sleep is not optimal, but not horrible. So my work is a great distraction. I also have a couple of friends that are helpful, and they are coming by thursday to help me organize my craft room. I told them I want order in at least one area of my life. So, overall, I would say I am doing well day to day. I like the Optimism with a plan concept. I have also been trying to replace worry with prayer. Every time a worry or negative thought comes to mind, I turn to prayer. I will lean on all of you. Thank you so much.

I am glad I found this support thread. I am also almost 53, may. Not sure where I am at yet. Went to the ER last Friday, a week ago for nausea and chest tightness. Dr came out to tell me I had a positive pregnancy test, hcg, abnormal blood work, and i had a partial hysterectomy 3 yrs ago. Mentioned that I had something serious in my reproductive system. Dr notes said follow up for ovarian pathology and malignancy. Told me to get a fire under my butt and be seen in 2 days, well being a friday and not having a pcp yet, I spent all day doing just that. Got a gyn/onc willing to take me without referral. Been a week and still no appt. This waiting is killing me, not knowing what is going on. Current symptoms are feeling full quickly, bloating, constipation, some nausea, and a pressure in my lower pelvic region. Any thoughts on this anyone. Im scared and very anxious and tired of waiting for an appt. Much much love to all who have been diagnosed and receiving treatment for all cancers.