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Just An Update on HG Serous Ovarian Cancer
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.
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@jenelleseaman Thank you for sharing that your next scan will be coming up soon and when your chemotherapy will likely begin.
I think it's an honor to be asked to talk about your patient experience at an Oncology Conference. It's so important for any provider involved in cancer care to hear the experiences of those of us who have lived with cancer. I hope you have a good reception and you receive some intriguing questions from your audience.
Do you get nervous when you talk in front of such a group? Considering that your profession is teaching I'm guessing you are comfortable particularly since you will know many people in the audience.
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1 ReactionI am fine talking to students. I get nervous talking to a large group of adults! Knowing people sometimes makes it harder! However, saying that, I am the expert on the subject in the room! I'll let you know how I go!
I got the results from the next PET scan. The sarcoidosis in my chest is “stable”, but the spots in my abdomen have grown or are new. The oncologist still wants to wait and watch. He wants me to do another PET scan in February 2026. Then decide what’s next.
He says he’s 99% sure that the cancer is back, but he’s also not sure if the sarcoidosis has spread to my abdomen. They can’t biopsy the spots easily because they are too deep. I’ve had a couple of biopsies in the chest, and they have both confirmed sarcoidosis.
So, I get Christmas without chemotherapy!
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3 Reactions@jenelleseaman You've shared here that you've had chemotherapy nine times and so I'm thinking the recent results from the PET scan are not too surprising for you. You have also shared the confidence you have in your oncologist and your cancer care team. So, feeling upbeat at Christmas and with chemotherapy in December is most certainly a blessing. You have a support system in several parts of your life including the lovely girls in Chemistry 12 who gave you the daffodils on Daffodil Day showing how much they care and appreciate you.
Will you have time off from teaching around Christmas and New Year's Day? When I worked in the school system we usually had two weeks off from school.