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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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4 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.
@naturegirl5 Being in the southern hemisphere this is our summer holiday so the Christmas holidays are about 8 weeks long!
School finishes tomorrow, and doesn’t start until the end of January next year.
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1 Reaction@jenelleseaman That's a nice long summer holiday. I hope you have a wonderful holiday season.
By the way, I'm way up north on the south shore of Lake Superior in the northern hemisphere and when I drove home this evening it was -15 (that's centigrade). I don't know what the wind chill added to the air temperature but it's cold!
@naturegirl5 Tomorrow the temperature here is expected to reach 40 degree Celsius, 104 F. A bit of a difference!
@jenelleseaman A bit!! That's way too warm for me. 😂
Hi All! Just checking in. I have had a blood test and a PET scan in the last week, with the oncologist visit yesterday.
Not sure if the enlarged lymph nodes are sarcoidosis or HGS ovarian cancer. I have had multiple biopsies in the past that have all ended up being sarcoidosis, but they can’t biopsy every node. However, there is increased evidence of disease in the peritoneal cavity around my bowel, called the serosa. The oncologist says this is definitely the cancer returned.
He is concerned that it will lead to multiple bowel obstructions so has advised more chemotherapy. This will be my ninth time having chemotherapy! Topotecan is the drug of choice this time. Three week cycles, with treatment days 1, 2, and 3 … then 18 days rest.
I will start on 4th March, and hopefully finish on 19th June. The last time I had chemo I had to have 9 cycles, so I may have to continue beyond that date.
I have had a break from chemotherapy for almost a year, which has been great. Particularly not having any treatment over Christmas was wonderful. Not looking forward to what is ahead, but I’m willing to say yes to whatever God has in store. When the oncologist reminded me that I was first diagnosed in August 2010, and that I am a troublemaker, I knew that I was in trouble!
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5 Reactions@jenelleseaman You sound like a real warrior !! Sending love and prayers to you and lots of strength to keep on fighting this monster !!
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