I have ovarian cancer

Posted by joannedb @joannedb, Jul 1, 2016

Hi I'm Joanne. New to this group and I have Ovarian Cancer. Looking to connect with others with OVC.

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Gynecologic Cancers Support Group.

@odette, nice to hear from you. If I can help in any way, let me know, we are all in this together and it’s great to have another survivor to communicate with. I have been to a few Gyn retreats and we have several non profits that support Ovarian and GYN cancer that hold fundraisers and events in our area (Charlotte, NC). We keep in contact through private FB groups and support each other. It really helps to have someone that understands what we are going through.

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Thank you for your kind words. I have not attended any retreats or events as I live some distance from the locations where they are held. However, I do communicate with a few women on-line which is helpful. I will stay in touch, but like you, I limit my time these days with on-line forums. Hoping all goes well for you with this new trial.

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@odette

Thank you for your kind words. I have not attended any retreats or events as I live some distance from the locations where they are held. However, I do communicate with a few women on-line which is helpful. I will stay in touch, but like you, I limit my time these days with on-line forums. Hoping all goes well for you with this new trial.

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Hello All, I am new to this group and read many of your postings. I have stage 3C ovarian, which I hope is in remission. I spent the last six months at Mayo, AZ receiving very aggressive chemo treatment. I do the ordinary recommended therapy, no carbs, no sugar, exercise, meditation, massages, positive thinking. What I found to be very useful is that when the chemo was making me crazy, I would force myself to get on the treadmill for at least 20 minutes and the pain would dissipate!

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@starko

Hello All, I am new to this group and read many of your postings. I have stage 3C ovarian, which I hope is in remission. I spent the last six months at Mayo, AZ receiving very aggressive chemo treatment. I do the ordinary recommended therapy, no carbs, no sugar, exercise, meditation, massages, positive thinking. What I found to be very useful is that when the chemo was making me crazy, I would force myself to get on the treadmill for at least 20 minutes and the pain would dissipate!

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@starko, do you live locally near Mayo Arizona or did you travel there to have treatment? Does that mean you were away from home while having 6 months of aggressive chemo treatment?

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@colleenyoung

@starko, do you live locally near Mayo Arizona or did you travel there to have treatment? Does that mean you were away from home while having 6 months of aggressive chemo treatment?

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We live in Hawaii, but would not consider any clinic other than Mayo! We were in and out of Mayo, Arizona for six months.
Another question, please...
I just received a test result ( locally) of Cancer Antigen 15-3 35 U/ML <=25 U/ML, which means I am above the standard. Google tells me this test is used for breast cancer reoccurrence. Should I worry? Do not have results yet of CA 125 or HE4. Merci

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@starko

We live in Hawaii, but would not consider any clinic other than Mayo! We were in and out of Mayo, Arizona for six months.
Another question, please...
I just received a test result ( locally) of Cancer Antigen 15-3 35 U/ML <=25 U/ML, which means I am above the standard. Google tells me this test is used for breast cancer reoccurrence. Should I worry? Do not have results yet of CA 125 or HE4. Merci

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I'm going to say the impossible - don't worry. I know that is easier said than done. But as you said, you don't have all the results of your lab work yet. These indicators really require the interpretation of our oncologist to know what they mean for YOU.

According to the OncoLlink Patient Guide to Tumor Markers (https://www.oncolink.org/cancer-treatment/procedures-diagnostic-tests/blood-tests-tumor-diagnostic-tests/patient-guide-to-tumor-markers)
"CA 15-3 is used for monitoring breast cancer, lung, ovarian, endometrial, bladder, gastrointestinal. CA 15-3 can also be elevated due to conditions other than cancer such as liver disease (cirrhosis, hepatitis), lupus, sarcoid, tuberculosis, non-cancerous breast lesions.
(Note: 30% of patients have an elevated CA 15-3 for 30-90 days after treatment, so wait 2-3 months after starting new treatment to check.)"

Starko, when did you complete treatment?

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@colleenyoung

I'm going to say the impossible - don't worry. I know that is easier said than done. But as you said, you don't have all the results of your lab work yet. These indicators really require the interpretation of our oncologist to know what they mean for YOU.

According to the OncoLlink Patient Guide to Tumor Markers (https://www.oncolink.org/cancer-treatment/procedures-diagnostic-tests/blood-tests-tumor-diagnostic-tests/patient-guide-to-tumor-markers)
"CA 15-3 is used for monitoring breast cancer, lung, ovarian, endometrial, bladder, gastrointestinal. CA 15-3 can also be elevated due to conditions other than cancer such as liver disease (cirrhosis, hepatitis), lupus, sarcoid, tuberculosis, non-cancerous breast lesions.
(Note: 30% of patients have an elevated CA 15-3 for 30-90 days after treatment, so wait 2-3 months after starting new treatment to check.)"

Starko, when did you complete treatment?

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I had my last (and final) IV chemo two and a half weeks ago.

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@starko

I had my last (and final) IV chemo two and a half weeks ago.

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Keep us posted as you get all the results and an appointment with your oncologist, @starko.

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Hi, I just saw your message. It’s a scary cancer, as I’m sure everyone who has any form of cancer believes. I would like to talk to you and it is comforting to have someone who has the same cancer to talk with. I am out of chemo since Dev 2017. Still praying it doesn’t return every time I get my blood tests and Scan. Will find out Thursday May 9th.

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@rochellewisner

Hi, I just saw your message. It’s a scary cancer, as I’m sure everyone who has any form of cancer believes. I would like to talk to you and it is comforting to have someone who has the same cancer to talk with. I am out of chemo since Dev 2017. Still praying it doesn’t return every time I get my blood tests and Scan. Will find out Thursday May 9th.

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Good to hear from you! Let us know the results of Thursday.

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