Coping with ovarian & peritoneal cancer

@carol1024
I am 3A HGSOC. Total hysterectomy in May. Chemo finished end of October.
I was told to get off all supplements except Iron and B12. Reasoning was some supplements interfere with chemo and also if there’s a reaction/issue, they want to make sure it’s not coming from a supplement.
I lost the vast majority of my hair just before cycle 2. My hair was long, thick, and curly. I totally love my baldness and actually look quite good without hair. It has started to come back but I will definitely keep it close cropped. The thing I missed most was my eyebrows. I am pretty good at drawing them in and it makes such a difference. Get a cute pair of earrings, too.
Best wishes for you. Chin up, keep the faith !

I was diagnosed stage 3
After 3rd treatment or (cycle)Feb 2. I will have
Ct scans, if tumors have shrunk then possibly surgery
Which would a big happy birthday to me March 3
Wait & see.
This morning a dear friend is taking me to get my hair cut
Short & Sassy!!!

@ford1929
Hello, Ski Rossi,

Helen tagged me as I also live in Vermont, ~an hour away from UVM and met with an excellent and very helpful GYN Oncologist there, Elise Everett, who, at the time (mid-pandemic) encouraged me to travel to Mayo for surgeries that could better meet my needs as we understood them then, in a reasonable time-frame. My diagnosis was different than yours and my pathway through cancer has been different. I have continued periodic surveillance at Mayo Rochester for continuity, but have been invited to return to UVM if a recurrence is detected and further treatment is needed. I would not hesitate to do so.

In reading the thread thus far, I am struck yet again with how powerful this group is as a resource, both for valuable information and for invaluable validation of your experience and support to cope. I hope that this community is helping to hold you together as it has me when I needed it most.

I understand weepy. You've been hit by the proverbial cancer bus! Anyone's system can handle only so much in any particular moment and this IS huge, even though you have support, have begun gathering information, have responded with incredible productivity, have a plan (for now) and are doing what you can.

Please let me know if there are ways I can add my local support to that of the online community!

Gynosaur

@carol1024
A face of hope and determination. I love your strategy!

How beautiful, Carol.

Thank you for sharing this with us!!!

I am wishing you continued power and total healing.

Gynosaur

I’m 3 and a half years since my stage 3 ovarian/peritoneal diagnosis. I love this Mayo support community. We all share similar journeys. For me I had chemo, surgery, chemo. Short remission then continued chemo on and off for three years now. Thank goodness I have been able to continue my normal life style. I’m 82 so we’re not talking marathons. I give retreats, travel and visit with friends, etc. I treasure hope, not that I will always be great, but that I will make it through and experience joy.

@sistermarcy
This sounds like what my diagnosis is going to look like
But I'll take it. This is a lot better diagnosis than what I started out with.
At first they were saying no surgery, and now it's a possibility of surgery in March
Have to see what my CT Scans says February 10tth
I do agreement with you, this Mayo support group is awesome, everyone gives me so much
encouragement and understanding.

@ford1929 You have such a positive attitude! It will take you far. As for surgery, just remember these doctors bring their own prejudices to the surgery decision. Some value quality of life over quantity; others are the opposite. You can see where you are in February and what is suggested. My surgeon was very cautious about surgery; she seemed afraid I would need a colostomy and bowel resection, etc. as part of my surgery and was not eager to operate because of the effect it would have on my quality of life. At the end of seven rounds, I asked her to give me a chance by operating and she finally decided to, but luckily her reluctance paid off, much of the cancer was gone, and none of the scary stuff came to pass. (I will note, however, she had several additional surgeons in the operating room to deal with the complications caused by peritoneal cancer—i.e. in my case the need for a colon doctor, a liver doctor, etc). Your job right now is to get through the chemo, but remember you always will have options when it is finished. Hugs!

My doctor has shared all the negative sides of surgery, possible colostomy bag, more chemo. Surgery all depends on my scans. I’m aware I will probably not have surgery in March. But it was a lifeline for me to hang onto. I just want these tumors out so I can alleviate the pain and move on with my life. But I have resigned to the fact this will take time. I have a team of Drs all watching my case closely.
Had 2nd Chemo treatment yesterday. And now off for Acupuncture to ward off the nausea.
Have an appt with a Naturopathic Dr Jan30 and she works with my oncology group
Looking forward to see what other supplements I can take
As my WBC are a little low so want to boost those #
I do take vit C but I did read B6 & B12 could help.
Have a great day ladies 😊

@jenelleseaman
You are amazing
I was also no guarantees the cancer will not return after surgery but remain hopeful
Good for you that you can continue to teach.
You are inspiration

Diagnosed stage 3