I am a little discouraged that it is so difficult to find others with low grade ovarian cancer, but I've read through some of the other posts and keep going. Today I woke up in the middle of ther night with pain radiating from my left hip area and pray it goes away soon! I don't know about anyone else, but when the cancer reoccured in 2014, I went through a normal day of work and then developed pain in my abdomen and ended up in ER. Therefore, I must admit to having a little bit of a panic internally (I never worry anyone else unless I really need help). Every little ache and pain triggers a bit of, "is this it, are we progressing to the next level". I'm just hoping and praying it's all going to go away like most little aches and pains. I have a trip coming up and I just want to relax and have fun!
Otherwise, my treatment of fulvestrant and Kisqali continue to stabilize the cancer. This makes 6 months which is celebrated! Fatigue, joint pain, swelling from lymphodema, low immune system, and hip/pelvic pain is what I cope with daily.
Are symptoms of pain, fatigue, and abdominal stomach issues the symptoms for the typical decline? I would imagine so.
I stay very upbeat with my family and my friends. I can relate to some others who comment about others feeling they are so strong or asking them to talk with someone else that needs support. I have no problems doing that and feel useful (I just retired as a school counselor for 25 years so I have a bit of experience talking about tough things.) But, sharing my struggles and having others understand is especially hard because of my attitude and faith. I get the, "you look so good" comment often. No one would realize the symptoms I deal with or the heart felt weighty prayers spoken through the day. I guess to some extent, I wouldn't want it any other way. It allows me to live, go places with my husband, visit my kids, laugh with friends, without getting "stuck" on the hard part of this cancer. Plus, this cancer for me comes after a long line of trials- stroke @ 18 that paralyzed my right side, learned to walk, talk, and speak all over again, 4 open heart surgeries, ablations, pacemaker, and ovarian cancer in 02, reoccuring in 2014 to the fight now. I can't complain, I've been blessed, but it's a heavy load at times. That's why I was just trying to find someone with Low Grade Stage 4. 🙂
Hi, @leann - Unfortunate that it's been challenging finding many others with low-grade ovarian cancer, but glad it's been useful to read through some of the other posts. Hoping that @chowmama2 @pat417 @susu2@falconfly@travelgirl will return and offer some perspective on your question of "Are symptoms of pain, fatigue, and abdominal stomach issues the symptoms for the typical decline?"
Unfortunately my ovarian cancer was discovered at Stage 3C and now it has metasticized to a small spot in my abdomen (not attached to an organ) and I am having chemo again. I had no symptoms for the first occurrence,just a suspicious doctor. BE GLAD IT HAS BEEN FOUND THIS EARLY IN YOU. Get treatment. 🌹
Unfortunately my ovarian cancer was discovered at Stage 3C and now it has metasticized to a small spot in my abdomen (not attached to an organ) and I am having chemo again. I had no symptoms for the first occurrence,just a suspicious doctor. BE GLAD IT HAS BEEN FOUND THIS EARLY IN YOU. Get treatment. 🌹
Hi @susu2susu2 , I'm glad it's not attached to organs and you're able to try chemo. It was Stage 3C at original diagnosis for me, however, since 2014 its it's been Stage 4. I ended up in ER over painful stomach issues and that's when they found it reoccured. I'm constantly in treatment since then. I certainly wish you well.
Hi, @leann - Unfortunate that it's been challenging finding many others with low-grade ovarian cancer, but glad it's been useful to read through some of the other posts. Hoping that @chowmama2 @pat417 @susu2@falconfly@travelgirl will return and offer some perspective on your question of "Are symptoms of pain, fatigue, and abdominal stomach issues the symptoms for the typical decline?"
I hadn’ read your earlier posts when I read this.You have had a long haul. I’m not clear about what “low grade cancer” is -if it is Stage 4, how can it be low grade? My main symptom now is fatigue. Still trying to get out,have friends, be active. My daughters are on the other coast! I have an attentive husband and a great local cancer center for treatment, I live near Seattle.
Yes, @susu2 it has been a long haul. That's ok, I'm new to the Mayo Connect so Im a little awkward on how this works. Yes, I was diagnosed in 2002 with borderline ovarian cancer Had debulking surgery then monitored. I thought all was well until 2014. it reoccured as low grade stage 3C- terrible abdomen pain, went to ER weather they found another tumor. They did surgery again, went through radiation. Low grade Is a rare form of ovarian cancer, typically slower to grow, but resistant to many typical treatments. Then in 2015 it had spread through my lymph nodes, stage 4. I went on letrzole then, but last year it stopped working. Then my current meds- Kisqali and fulvestrant. So, that's my story. Yes, sure I'd like to stay in touch. Glad you're pushing throug the fatigue enjoying life! I have 2 boys, one's married living near Chicago while fis wife completes grad school. The other is in KC for now, but he's my traveler. Fatigue gets me too, I also have swelling and pain from lymphodema on my left side and effects from a previous stroke on the right. The meds have my joints ache too. But, I stil get out and do therapy dog work, -visit ny kids, travel with my husband, etc. I run back and forth to Mayo for my heart and cancer issues. Well, take care and thanks for making contact. I sure wish you the best!
Jackie, Alumna Mentor | @travelgirl | Feb 22, 2019
@leannn Sorry first off for the delayed response. I was on a work trip..
I really cannot honestly say if that how a decline happens/ I personally think it is all in our state of mind. I was diagnosed with 2 primary cancers with in a week of each other. Plus, I had H-plyori going on at the same time. I was exhausted a lot. I had surgery to remove the colon cancer. Which again left me exhausted. I think when I am given anesthesia, it exhausts me. The lymphoma I have is an early stage. So it really doesn't propose issues. So they claim. But I do find myself tired if I don't get a least 8 to 9 hours. Also, for months my stomach ached. Especially when I was a constant nervous wreck over the diagnosis.
Take a deep breath, I had too. One of my DR's recommended yoga to me. Starting that, really helped clear my mind. Plus it calmed me down and my symptoms started to fade. Give your second surgery time so you can heal.
Another thing you may want to look into is Livestrong.org. They help cancers patients in may ways with all kinds of resources. One program they offer for free is a 12 week fitness class through the YMCA. This really helped me too regain my strength..
Try to stay busy. Don't read anything online outside of Mayo connect It will make you feel worse off.
By the time I got through really about my 2 cancers.. Let me tell you, my brain started hurting, and I swore I was getting a brain tumor.. I think researching online compounds the issues.
Keep us posted and I am certain others with come forward just like you.
When is your next Dr's appointment? I would bring up your concerns with your DR and see what he has to about you joining a yoga class and teh live strong free exercise program?
@travelgirl Hi, I too just returned from traveling, so sorry for my slow response. Wow, 2 diagnoses within a week must have been overwhelming. I like your spirit! I do agree, a resilient state of mind and hope goes a long way! I just retired from school counseling due to the high crisis stress and the side effects and wanted to proactively take some steps to be healthier and happier. I set some goals, one being certified as an animal therapy team with my dog, Marshall, which I did. We're seeing kids weekly when I'm in town and love it! The rest of the time, I'm finding how to "stay busy" in a good way.
I have to fight my urge to get online to research to find the next option if these meds stop working, especially when I start feeling new symptoms or something feels off. But you're right, it never leaves me in a good place. I end up doing it all over again with the docs once a change is needed so I really don't need that extra stress. I find myself wanting to ask questions that doctors or researchers just can't answer at this point. I need to remember what my first oncologist said when I asked him about statistics, "What does it matter, you happen to be "one" and no one knows where your "one" will be on the charts." lol, I can so understand your brain hurting! Sometimes it's paralyzing and I just throw the thought of it behind me!
Thank you for the link! I'm definitely going to check out the exercise and look into yoga. I previously adapted (had a stroke at 18 years and have right side weakness with arm/leg) a bit of yoga at home.
My next appointment is the end of March for labs & treatment and my scans to check on the status of the cancer is the end of April. I was really blessed last week, my counts were so low I was told we may have to skip treatment, but they shot up this time. I'm saying it's the sunshine in Florida 😉 on my trip and prayers that gave a boost to the ol' immune system! That way if they bottom out again, it's a great excuse for another sun and sand vacation. lol 🙂
Hey, thanks so much, Jackie. I really appreciate your time to share your journey and advice.
@travelgirl Hi, I too just returned from traveling, so sorry for my slow response. Wow, 2 diagnoses within a week must have been overwhelming. I like your spirit! I do agree, a resilient state of mind and hope goes a long way! I just retired from school counseling due to the high crisis stress and the side effects and wanted to proactively take some steps to be healthier and happier. I set some goals, one being certified as an animal therapy team with my dog, Marshall, which I did. We're seeing kids weekly when I'm in town and love it! The rest of the time, I'm finding how to "stay busy" in a good way.
I have to fight my urge to get online to research to find the next option if these meds stop working, especially when I start feeling new symptoms or something feels off. But you're right, it never leaves me in a good place. I end up doing it all over again with the docs once a change is needed so I really don't need that extra stress. I find myself wanting to ask questions that doctors or researchers just can't answer at this point. I need to remember what my first oncologist said when I asked him about statistics, "What does it matter, you happen to be "one" and no one knows where your "one" will be on the charts." lol, I can so understand your brain hurting! Sometimes it's paralyzing and I just throw the thought of it behind me!
Thank you for the link! I'm definitely going to check out the exercise and look into yoga. I previously adapted (had a stroke at 18 years and have right side weakness with arm/leg) a bit of yoga at home.
My next appointment is the end of March for labs & treatment and my scans to check on the status of the cancer is the end of April. I was really blessed last week, my counts were so low I was told we may have to skip treatment, but they shot up this time. I'm saying it's the sunshine in Florida 😉 on my trip and prayers that gave a boost to the ol' immune system! That way if they bottom out again, it's a great excuse for another sun and sand vacation. lol 🙂
Hey, thanks so much, Jackie. I really appreciate your time to share your journey and advice.
Leann: Glad you got to travel-a perk-up. I have had 2 infusions with just Carboplatin no Taxol. They give me anti-nausea drips first and I have had no nausea and no loss of appetite but my brain power is slipping. I keep forgetting names/words and can’t do complex processes (I have a sweater knitting project going and can’t seem to process the directions!). As mentioned before I do not have good balance all of a sudden so have gotten a walker but have not used it yet as I usually have my husband to hang on to. Trying to come to terms with being a changed (old) person. Often tired. Well... onward. Susu2
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Hi, @leann - Unfortunate that it's been challenging finding many others with low-grade ovarian cancer, but glad it's been useful to read through some of the other posts. Hoping that @chowmama2 @pat417 @susu2 @falconfly @travelgirl will return and offer some perspective on your question of "Are symptoms of pain, fatigue, and abdominal stomach issues the symptoms for the typical decline?"
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1 ReactionUnfortunately my ovarian cancer was discovered at Stage 3C and now it has metasticized to a small spot in my abdomen (not attached to an organ) and I am having chemo again. I had no symptoms for the first occurrence,just a suspicious doctor. BE GLAD IT HAS BEEN FOUND THIS EARLY IN YOU. Get treatment. 🌹
Hi @susu2susu2 , I'm glad it's not attached to organs and you're able to try chemo. It was Stage 3C at original diagnosis for me, however, since 2014 its it's been Stage 4. I ended up in ER over painful stomach issues and that's when they found it reoccured. I'm constantly in treatment since then. I certainly wish you well.
Let’s stay in touch..How did it happen that you didn’t have surgery at first diagnosis?
Thank you @lisalucier, it would help to hear some perspective if there are some commonalities as to what to expect.
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1 ReactionI hadn’ read your earlier posts when I read this.You have had a long haul. I’m not clear about what “low grade cancer” is -if it is Stage 4, how can it be low grade? My main symptom now is fatigue. Still trying to get out,have friends, be active. My daughters are on the other coast! I have an attentive husband and a great local cancer center for treatment, I live near Seattle.
Yes, @susu2 it has been a long haul. That's ok, I'm new to the Mayo Connect so Im a little awkward on how this works. Yes, I was diagnosed in 2002 with borderline ovarian cancer Had debulking surgery then monitored. I thought all was well until 2014. it reoccured as low grade stage 3C- terrible abdomen pain, went to ER weather they found another tumor. They did surgery again, went through radiation. Low grade Is a rare form of ovarian cancer, typically slower to grow, but resistant to many typical treatments. Then in 2015 it had spread through my lymph nodes, stage 4. I went on letrzole then, but last year it stopped working. Then my current meds- Kisqali and fulvestrant. So, that's my story. Yes, sure I'd like to stay in touch. Glad you're pushing throug the fatigue enjoying life! I have 2 boys, one's married living near Chicago while fis wife completes grad school. The other is in KC for now, but he's my traveler. Fatigue gets me too, I also have swelling and pain from lymphodema on my left side and effects from a previous stroke on the right. The meds have my joints ache too. But, I stil get out and do therapy dog work, -visit ny kids, travel with my husband, etc. I run back and forth to Mayo for my heart and cancer issues. Well, take care and thanks for making contact. I sure wish you the best!
@leannn Sorry first off for the delayed response. I was on a work trip..
I really cannot honestly say if that how a decline happens/ I personally think it is all in our state of mind. I was diagnosed with 2 primary cancers with in a week of each other. Plus, I had H-plyori going on at the same time. I was exhausted a lot. I had surgery to remove the colon cancer. Which again left me exhausted. I think when I am given anesthesia, it exhausts me. The lymphoma I have is an early stage. So it really doesn't propose issues. So they claim. But I do find myself tired if I don't get a least 8 to 9 hours. Also, for months my stomach ached. Especially when I was a constant nervous wreck over the diagnosis.
Take a deep breath, I had too. One of my DR's recommended yoga to me. Starting that, really helped clear my mind. Plus it calmed me down and my symptoms started to fade. Give your second surgery time so you can heal.
Another thing you may want to look into is Livestrong.org. They help cancers patients in may ways with all kinds of resources. One program they offer for free is a 12 week fitness class through the YMCA. This really helped me too regain my strength..
Here is a link to their site
https://www.livestrong.org/Try to stay busy. Don't read anything online outside of Mayo connect It will make you feel worse off.
By the time I got through really about my 2 cancers.. Let me tell you, my brain started hurting, and I swore I was getting a brain tumor.. I think researching online compounds the issues.
Keep us posted and I am certain others with come forward just like you.
When is your next Dr's appointment? I would bring up your concerns with your DR and see what he has to about you joining a yoga class and teh live strong free exercise program?
I wish you the best
Jackie
>
@travelgirl Hi, I too just returned from traveling, so sorry for my slow response. Wow, 2 diagnoses within a week must have been overwhelming. I like your spirit! I do agree, a resilient state of mind and hope goes a long way! I just retired from school counseling due to the high crisis stress and the side effects and wanted to proactively take some steps to be healthier and happier. I set some goals, one being certified as an animal therapy team with my dog, Marshall, which I did. We're seeing kids weekly when I'm in town and love it! The rest of the time, I'm finding how to "stay busy" in a good way.
I have to fight my urge to get online to research to find the next option if these meds stop working, especially when I start feeling new symptoms or something feels off. But you're right, it never leaves me in a good place. I end up doing it all over again with the docs once a change is needed so I really don't need that extra stress. I find myself wanting to ask questions that doctors or researchers just can't answer at this point. I need to remember what my first oncologist said when I asked him about statistics, "What does it matter, you happen to be "one" and no one knows where your "one" will be on the charts." lol, I can so understand your brain hurting! Sometimes it's paralyzing and I just throw the thought of it behind me!
Thank you for the link! I'm definitely going to check out the exercise and look into yoga. I previously adapted (had a stroke at 18 years and have right side weakness with arm/leg) a bit of yoga at home.
My next appointment is the end of March for labs & treatment and my scans to check on the status of the cancer is the end of April. I was really blessed last week, my counts were so low I was told we may have to skip treatment, but they shot up this time. I'm saying it's the sunshine in Florida 😉 on my trip and prayers that gave a boost to the ol' immune system! That way if they bottom out again, it's a great excuse for another sun and sand vacation. lol 🙂
Hey, thanks so much, Jackie. I really appreciate your time to share your journey and advice.
Best wishes and blessings!
Leann
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2 ReactionsLeann: Glad you got to travel-a perk-up. I have had 2 infusions with just Carboplatin no Taxol. They give me anti-nausea drips first and I have had no nausea and no loss of appetite but my brain power is slipping. I keep forgetting names/words and can’t do complex processes (I have a sweater knitting project going and can’t seem to process the directions!). As mentioned before I do not have good balance all of a sudden so have gotten a walker but have not used it yet as I usually have my husband to hang on to. Trying to come to terms with being a changed (old) person. Often tired. Well... onward. Susu2
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