Just An Update on HG Serous Ovarian Cancer

Posted by jenelleseaman @jenelleseaman, Sep 18, 2025

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.

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@naturegirl5 Here are some photos! It was a blessed day, and the weather was glorious. The groom is my nephew. I have known both of them since they were born.

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@jenelleseaman
What a gorgeous day! You look so beautiful! Thank you for sharing this happy experience with us. What a blessing!

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After 10 years my port has stopped working. It’s moved as well as growing tissue at the end. I’ve been told the best plan is removal and replacement. Not sure when. The next chemotherapy is in 2.5 weeks.
A bit of a shock, but I’m thankful that it lasted 10 years. It’s definitely made life a little easier !

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After 10 years my port has stopped working. It’s moved as well as growing tissue at the end. I’ve been told the best plan is removal and replacement. Not sure when. The next chemotherapy is in 2.5 weeks.
A bit of a shock, but I’m thankful that it lasted 10 years. It’s definitely made life a little easier !

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@jenelleseaman That's a long time for a port to be in place. You've written in the past about your excellent oncologist and the cancer care team. I am hoping that the port replacement occurs well before your next chemotherapy so that the infusion is comfortable for you.

@jenelleseaman You are such an inspiration for many of us here. Will you let me know when the port is replaced and how you are feeling?

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I am getting a replacement port tomorrow! It’s good, because it has a couple of weeks to heal before the next chemotherapy cycle.

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I am getting a replacement port tomorrow! It’s good, because it has a couple of weeks to heal before the next chemotherapy cycle.

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@jenelleseaman Good timing!! I just that your team would get this process of a new port going quickly. You have shared in the past about your excellent oncologist and your cancer care team and how grateful you are for their expertise and care for you.

Will you let me know how you’re feeling after the placement of the new port? And yes, healing time before your next chemotherapy cycle.

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I’m in pain because of some stitches at the base of my neck, pain meds are helping. I have 2 weeks to heal before the next chemotherapy cycle. I’m glad it’s done.

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Amazing that your port lasted so long…mine got infected after a year. Wishing you all the best with your next round of treatment. You are an inspiration!

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@lindybowers I was diagnosed with HGS ovarian cancer, stage 3c, in August 2010. I had taxol/carbo every 4 weeks. The infusions were very difficult each time, with my veins reacting to the taxol. I had to have the taxol diluted by saline and I could never get to the top speed. Consequently, the infusions were always longer than supposed to be.
It came back in 2014. It was in lymph nodes spread throughout from armpit to lower abdomen. That time I think I was in shock, and just existed! I had carboplatin only, every 3 weeks. The same thing happened in 2016, with only carbo.
The cancer was back straight away in 2017 and I was given weekly taxol. That gave me another 3 years. It came back in 2021, so I had weekly taxol again. The problem this time was that the cancer grew between cycles 3 and 6! I was advised that surgery was my only option.
July 2021 I went to hospital to have 3 lymph nodes removed. One of them was growing on the outside of the pancreas and through the wall of the small intestine. That was problematic! I ended up having to have a second surgery called a Whipples procedure which removed more than just the lymph node!
The cancer returned in 2022, 2023 and 2024. Each time I was given Caelyx/carboplatin. In 2024 I had to have 9 cycles because the cancer was still there after 6.
I was diagnosed with sarcoidosis in May 2025 and have had biopsies done to confirm that. It’s an autoimmune disease that behaves like cancer, but it’s not. My oncologist advised watch and wait until this year.
I’m on topotecan at the moment. The infusion is for 3 consecutive days, every 3 weeks. I’ve just completed the 4th cycle. That means I have had a total of 55 cycles so far, with no end to this regime in sight.
Throughout all that I have kept teaching. I have a reduced workload because of the chemotherapy though. Teaching has helped me stay sane and God has blessed me in ways that I thought would never be possible.
When people ask me how can they pray for me, I tell them I need courage. That’s why that quote meant so much.

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@jenelleseaman You are the hope I need. I want to print this out and show my oncologist. How are you doing? Today is June 24 2026. God love you for the determination and strength you have demonstrated. I start round 4 of Taxol/Carbo. Neuropathy is always present. 55 rounds of chemo is extraordinary. I'd like to stay in touch with you. Linda McParland My email is Lindybowers@aol.com. I live in New York on Long Island, xx

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I’m in pain because of some stitches at the base of my neck, pain meds are helping. I have 2 weeks to heal before the next chemotherapy cycle. I’m glad it’s done.

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@jenelleseaman Dearest Jenelle, Today, June 24, 2026, I came onto Mayo Clinic this morning to check in on you, and here you are in pain and still posting your journey to all of us. The bravest woman I have known. Your students have the most wonderful teacher possible. You demonstrate to them and to all reading this your ability for self advocacy, courage, and determination. We both have HGS carcinoma. I'm 76 and starting this journey since March 2026. I've copied your post you've written to me that outlines the years you have been challenged by this carcinoma. I'm going to be praying for you every morning at sunrise from Long Island, New York. Literally & physically, I am feeling the pain you are experiencing. God has been with you for all these 16 years. You're a strong woman and I hold you in the highest of esteem. May the pain subside, and true healing begin. Sending you much love and my deepest respect, Linda

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Such heartfelt communications- they bring comfort, I’m sure

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