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.

By the way, I got a standing ovation after my patient experience presentation. There were quite a few tears, and I was told that I was the best speaker at the conference. I got quite a few questions at the end. Someone wanted to know if I had gone through all that, how did I manage to look so well?!
It was a wonderful day that I think they will remember for a long time.

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Profile picture for alohman08 @alohman08

@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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@alohman08 My new students in Chemistry asked the person looking after my lesson where was I? It was nice to hear that they missed me!
I have definitely had more than my share of chemotherapy, but I still have things to do, so I will keep fighting.

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Profile picture for jenelleseaman @jenelleseaman

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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@jenelleseaman
You are a warrior, through and through, and an inspiration to every soul that you meet. I am praying for you and sending you healing energy on this next round. Keep us posted. 💪🏾💙

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Profile picture for jenelleseaman @jenelleseaman

By the way, I got a standing ovation after my patient experience presentation. There were quite a few tears, and I was told that I was the best speaker at the conference. I got quite a few questions at the end. Someone wanted to know if I had gone through all that, how did I manage to look so well?!
It was a wonderful day that I think they will remember for a long time.

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@jenelleseaman What a lovely tribute to your resiliency and good health! Isn't it wonderful to be so appreciated?

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Profile picture for Helen, Volunteer Mentor @naturegirl5

@jenelleseaman What a lovely tribute to your resiliency and good health! Isn't it wonderful to be so appreciated?

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@naturegirl5 I’m taking them on a day excursion to the Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation tomorrow. I get to spend all day with them, and learn about nuclear chemistry and how it impacts our society. They are going to really enjoy the day! So am I!!

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Profile picture for jenelleseaman @jenelleseaman

@naturegirl5 I’m taking them on a day excursion to the Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation tomorrow. I get to spend all day with them, and learn about nuclear chemistry and how it impacts our society. They are going to really enjoy the day! So am I!!

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@jenelleseaman Oh, a field trip! that does sound fun for your students and for you!!

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Profile picture for jenelleseaman @jenelleseaman

@alohman08 My new students in Chemistry asked the person looking after my lesson where was I? It was nice to hear that they missed me!
I have definitely had more than my share of chemotherapy, but I still have things to do, so I will keep fighting.

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@jenelleseaman you are an inspiration Jenelle 👏and obviously greatly loved and admired by your students. ❤️

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Here’s a photo of!

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I’m finally starting chemotherapy again! This time it’s topotecan. Infusions for days 1,2 and 3 and then 18 days break; repeat! I start on 4th March, and hopefully finish by 19th June. I’ve not had this drug before, so don’t know what to expect except for all the side effects listed on the internet. Wait and see!

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Profile picture for jenelleseaman @jenelleseaman

I’m finally starting chemotherapy again! This time it’s topotecan. Infusions for days 1,2 and 3 and then 18 days break; repeat! I start on 4th March, and hopefully finish by 19th June. I’ve not had this drug before, so don’t know what to expect except for all the side effects listed on the internet. Wait and see!

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@jenelleseaman I haven't had chemotherapy however I'm familiar with many of the options from what we all share here on Connect. Topotecan is a new one for me.

I did a search on Connect and found a few mentions. Here is a good explanation by one of our Alumni Mentors.

Here on Connect topotecan is mentioned for small cell lung cancer:

-- https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/small-cell-lung-cancer-1/

Yes, I suppose it's wait and see! Hoping someone else will jump in with their experiences.

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