Just An Update on HG Serous Ovarian Cancer

Posted by jenelleseaman @jenelleseaman, Sep 18 9:36am

Just to let everyone know that the cancer has returned yet again. I had a PET scan last week after three months, and it has returned with a vengeance, both in the abdomen and possibly the chest cavity.
I am having a FNA biopsy under ultrasound tomorrow of a lymph node near my left clavicle to see what it is. I’m told that ovarian cancer does not usually spread that far, but that I have never followed the rules.
I’m going to be commencing chemotherapy for the ninth time soon. The dates have not been organised yet; my oncologist wants to find out the results of the biopsy. I’m also dealing with sarcoidosis which has made life a little more interesting.
I’m also up to the next drug, Gemcitabine is its name in Australia. There are several protocols for its use, and I don’t know which I will be using.
Something else that is of note- I have been asked to contribute my story at an Oncology Conference in November, which I am excited about.
I’m sorry that the cancer is back yet again. It’s not unexpected. I’m now ready to face whatever comes. When I was told of the results my oncologist said it’s very concerning, but also said that for the last 15 years I haven’t just done well, I have been exceptional!
With God’s blessing I hope to stay that way.
These daffodils were a gift from the girls in my Year 12 Chemistry class. They gave them to me on Daffodil Day with a very special card that they each signed with a personal message.

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

amywells | @amywells | Sep 19 7:59am

You’ve been a true inspiration for me. I’ll be rooting for you as you embark on the next round of treatment. Please keep us posted on which drug protocol they use and how that goes for you. 🩷

inquirer | @inquirer | Sep 19 8:58am

Wishing you the best in fighting this. Is surgical removal an option? Once I learned that chemo doesn't kill cancer stem cells, surgical removal is my preference for first line of defense.

Helen, Volunteer Mentor | @naturegirl5 | Sep 19 9:02am

@jenelleseaman You have a caring cancer care team especially with your oncologist who provided such an encouraging message using the word "exceptional". May I also add "stellar"? We (and I definitely include myself in this "we") hope that we do not experience recurrences, new cancers, and metastases and yet we are not totally surprised when that happens. Fifteen years living with high grade serous cancer is outstanding.

As you ready yourself for your ninth foray into chemotherapy I wish you continuing renewal of body and spirit. As we in the Northern Hemisphere enter into Autumn, Australia enters Spring. The lovely gift of daffodils bring to mind early days of Spring. So fitting. What a beautiful gift from your Chemistry 12 students.

Will you keep me posted on when the chemotherapy is scheduled and on your progress?

korinja | @korinja | Sep 19 9:10am

Jenelle,

Sending you prayers and positive energy as you continue this battle. You are an inspiration to so many. If anyone has got this, it is you. Cheers from Phoenix, AZ. < 3

lindamartin | @lindamartin | Sep 19 11:32am

Hugs and prayers.

jenelleseaman | @jenelleseaman | Sep 19 12:25pm

I have had the surgery option in the past. In 2021 I ended up having two major surgeries one after the other due to complications. The second was a Whipples procedure which was really drastic and, in a way, I’m still recovering from!
The problem with surgery is that the recovery takes such a long time and the amount of scar tissue from the surgeries means that my guts are like concrete. I have an incisional hernia that I have no intention of letting anyone fix!
The biopsy today was not successful in finding any cancer cells even though the radiologist tried 6 times. I go back to my oncologist next week to see what should happen next. Apparently this drug is a weekly one, but there are two options. Wait and see …

heather2025 | @heather2025 | Sep 20 3:55pm

Spending you positive thoughts and prayers.

shivey | @shivey | Sep 22 5:20am

Sending every best wish to you and you sound terrifically positive.. love and a hug x

angcomeau | @angcomeau | Sep 22 10:36am

Hello, I too share the high grade serous carcinoma ovarian cancer. I’m on my 6th type of chemo which is a clinical trial this time. I had tried another clinical trial in 2024 without luck. I was most recently on Elahere with Avastin, and it worked for a while. Elahere gave me vision issues. When it stopped working, I moved to an Antibody Drug Conjugate drug trial for HER2 positive women. My CA125 has gone from 301 to 84 after 3 infusions. Gemcitabene is one drug I have not tried. Thank you for sharing your story and giving me hope. This is my 4th year in this journey. One question I have for you, is do you exercise, and if so, how much?

jenelleseaman | @jenelleseaman | Sep 22 11:36am

For the past six years my CA125 has not been above 9! The only way my oncologist can tell if I have cancer is by doing a PET scan.
As far as exercise goes, I used to do a lot of walking. Because of the Whipples procedure I don’t do as much as I used to. I don’t have the stamina that I had before then. I have kept teaching though, which keeps me moving.
The school that I teach at is extremely flexible and supportive. If I need to see a doctor or go to the hospital I can be released from my teaching duties. The school is a ministry of my church. I have been teaching there since 1986!
I hope this answers your question.

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