@amywells Welcome to our Gynecological Cancers Support Group. I also 73-years-old and would like to be around for awhile too! From your description you've had a tough year. I'm relieved to know that you are doing OK. Do you the so-called good days and bad days? What do you do for yourself when you are feeling anxious or down?
Hi @joannedb and welcome to Connect.
We have a small group of women sharing about ovarian cancer on Connect. Allow me to introduce you to @mfell@gill@jfc4@libbysmom and @mohavegal. I'm also including @hopeful33250 in this discussion. While she doesn't have ovarian cancer, she is one of our mentors in the Cancer group and a great support.
When were you diagnosed with cancer Joanne? How are you doing today?
Hi to all…I’ve been quietly following this discussion since I discovered Mayo Clinic Connect a couple months ago. I was diagnosed with OC Stage 3b in February of 2024. I had a total hysterectomy with debulking and a two inch resection of colon, followed by six cycles of platinum based chemo that ended in August. So far doing okay though living with the expected roller coaster of emotions, especially just before labs are checked. I have so much appreciation for all of you who share your worries, questions and words of experience, encouragement, and wisdom. I’m 73 and just want to be around for eventual grandchildren!
I am @cipnsue. I strongly encourage you to become your advocate. Know the type of Ovarian Cancer you have - I am Stage 1C of Clear Cell Ovarian Cancer. Use resources such as: Ocrahope (the national OC org) and sharecancersupport.org and the Clearity Foundation to educate yourself on OC. These groups also have support groups and educational videos available for OC gynoncs. With my last cancer I was given a list of chemos to choose from and I went to the Clearity Foundation who helped me get molecular profiling (which requires a tissue sample from surgery). They sent it to 3 labs and came back with gemcitabine. I had carbo/taxol the first 2xs and it did not work and during the 2nd cancer I went into anaphylactic shock. Put on your armor of knowledge and go girl!
Thank you! What's your name? Wow - three times, but you're still doing OK? Yes, I'm seeing a gynecologic oncologist next week, and absolutely all the symptoms you describe - the bloating is the most difficult, I look pregnant, and the pressure is terrible. Pelvic pain like bad menstrual cramps. Peeing CONSTANTLY, and not always able to stop the flow in time. I get hungry, but am definitely eating less, yet gaining weight. I've put on 4-5 pounds this month, but I'm guessing that's the ascites. Mostly I'm terrified of what lies ahead. I don't handle pain well, and I know there's a lot of it in store for me. Has this forum been helpful to you?
This is a good beginning forum. I encourage you to check out Share - https://www.sharecancersupport.org/
They have all kinds of info a support groups. Also, the Clearity Foundation - https://www.clearityfoundation.org/. Groups are usually led by qualified therapists. Also, free counseling is available and decision making help too. I was Stage 1C Clear Cell Epithelial Cancer. Know the type of cancer you have. There's a good question list to ask the doctor at https://www.cancer.org/cancer/types/ovarian-cancer/detection-diagnosis-staging/talking-with-doctor.html. You are your best advocate. Become knowledgeable, connect with a support group, do your homework. I am in Colorado and connected with the Colorado Ovarian Cancer Alliance. Ocrahope is the national alliance.
Thank you! What's your name? Wow - three times, but you're still doing OK? Yes, I'm seeing a gynecologic oncologist next week, and absolutely all the symptoms you describe - the bloating is the most difficult, I look pregnant, and the pressure is terrible. Pelvic pain like bad menstrual cramps. Peeing CONSTANTLY, and not always able to stop the flow in time. I get hungry, but am definitely eating less, yet gaining weight. I've put on 4-5 pounds this month, but I'm guessing that's the ascites. Mostly I'm terrified of what lies ahead. I don't handle pain well, and I know there's a lot of it in store for me. Has this forum been helpful to you?
Hi, I'm Ruth, and just got results from my CT Scan that says peritoneal, omental and serosal carcinomatosis most likely ovarian origin. I can't get in to see oncologist for another 2 weeks. I'm stunned. Scared. Husband and I still trying to process this information... glad to reach out to anyone who knows what this is like. Internet information is grim
Ruth,
I have had Ovarian Cancer 3 times. I taught 3re year medical students about Ovarian Cancer. The first thing to do is get a CA125 blood test. The oncologist you see needs to be a gynecologic oncologist (gynecologist). Are you have any symptoms? Bloating, Pelvic or Abdominal Pain, Urinating frequently, Difficulty eating or feeling full quickly?
Hi, I'm Ruth, and just got results from my CT Scan that says peritoneal, omental and serosal carcinomatosis most likely ovarian origin. I can't get in to see oncologist for another 2 weeks. I'm stunned. Scared. Husband and I still trying to process this information... glad to reach out to anyone who knows what this is like. Internet information is grim
Hello @jazzel and welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect. Being scared is very understandable, and a great reason to reach out to others for support. Glad you've joined.
Members such as @cbaird and @hoffie have shared there experience with ovarian cancer and may be able to share more with you on their respective symptoms.
I worked at the NMC and you are in good hands.
Be positive in pursing the recommendations.
I am not a nurse but a retired therapist, so medically
I cannot recommend.
Prayers for you and hopeful positive reports on your MRI.
chaired
These were my symptoms before diagnosis: bloating, indigestion, constipation, and other signs. It was a CT scan that confirmed ovarian cancer. Had chemotherapy, then surgery. Now on my third round of chemo. Unfortunately this cancer spreads and comes back, even after removal of ovaries and uterus
I’ve only had an ultrasound done, and from that I was told where it was and that it was pretty large, my biggest fear is that it has spread. Thank you for sharing your symptoms with me. I keep telling myself not to worry but it’s all I think about.
Have a pretty big mass on my ovary, getting referred to NMC to get an MRI done, went to get blood drawn for CA125 test. I’m really scared it could be ovarian cancer (Surgeon who referred me thinks it’s ovarian cancer) I’m really bloated, have abdominal discomfort as well as nausea. I would appreciate it if Anyone with ovarian cancer could share their symptoms/diagnosis/treatment. I’m really scared
These were my symptoms before diagnosis: bloating, indigestion, constipation, and other signs. It was a CT scan that confirmed ovarian cancer. Had chemotherapy, then surgery. Now on my third round of chemo. Unfortunately this cancer spreads and comes back, even after removal of ovaries and uterus
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@amywells Welcome to our Gynecological Cancers Support Group. I also 73-years-old and would like to be around for awhile too! From your description you've had a tough year. I'm relieved to know that you are doing OK. Do you the so-called good days and bad days? What do you do for yourself when you are feeling anxious or down?
Hi to all…I’ve been quietly following this discussion since I discovered Mayo Clinic Connect a couple months ago. I was diagnosed with OC Stage 3b in February of 2024. I had a total hysterectomy with debulking and a two inch resection of colon, followed by six cycles of platinum based chemo that ended in August. So far doing okay though living with the expected roller coaster of emotions, especially just before labs are checked. I have so much appreciation for all of you who share your worries, questions and words of experience, encouragement, and wisdom. I’m 73 and just want to be around for eventual grandchildren!
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
2 ReactionsI am @cipnsue. I strongly encourage you to become your advocate. Know the type of Ovarian Cancer you have - I am Stage 1C of Clear Cell Ovarian Cancer. Use resources such as: Ocrahope (the national OC org) and sharecancersupport.org and the Clearity Foundation to educate yourself on OC. These groups also have support groups and educational videos available for OC gynoncs. With my last cancer I was given a list of chemos to choose from and I went to the Clearity Foundation who helped me get molecular profiling (which requires a tissue sample from surgery). They sent it to 3 labs and came back with gemcitabine. I had carbo/taxol the first 2xs and it did not work and during the 2nd cancer I went into anaphylactic shock. Put on your armor of knowledge and go girl!
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
2 ReactionsThis is a good beginning forum. I encourage you to check out Share - https://www.sharecancersupport.org/
They have all kinds of info a support groups. Also, the Clearity Foundation - https://www.clearityfoundation.org/. Groups are usually led by qualified therapists. Also, free counseling is available and decision making help too. I was Stage 1C Clear Cell Epithelial Cancer. Know the type of cancer you have. There's a good question list to ask the doctor at https://www.cancer.org/cancer/types/ovarian-cancer/detection-diagnosis-staging/talking-with-doctor.html. You are your best advocate. Become knowledgeable, connect with a support group, do your homework. I am in Colorado and connected with the Colorado Ovarian Cancer Alliance. Ocrahope is the national alliance.
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
1 ReactionThank you! What's your name? Wow - three times, but you're still doing OK? Yes, I'm seeing a gynecologic oncologist next week, and absolutely all the symptoms you describe - the bloating is the most difficult, I look pregnant, and the pressure is terrible. Pelvic pain like bad menstrual cramps. Peeing CONSTANTLY, and not always able to stop the flow in time. I get hungry, but am definitely eating less, yet gaining weight. I've put on 4-5 pounds this month, but I'm guessing that's the ascites. Mostly I'm terrified of what lies ahead. I don't handle pain well, and I know there's a lot of it in store for me. Has this forum been helpful to you?
Ruth,
I have had Ovarian Cancer 3 times. I taught 3re year medical students about Ovarian Cancer. The first thing to do is get a CA125 blood test. The oncologist you see needs to be a gynecologic oncologist (gynecologist). Are you have any symptoms? Bloating, Pelvic or Abdominal Pain, Urinating frequently, Difficulty eating or feeling full quickly?
Hi, I'm Ruth, and just got results from my CT Scan that says peritoneal, omental and serosal carcinomatosis most likely ovarian origin. I can't get in to see oncologist for another 2 weeks. I'm stunned. Scared. Husband and I still trying to process this information... glad to reach out to anyone who knows what this is like. Internet information is grim
Jazzel,
I worked at the NMC and you are in good hands.
Be positive in pursing the recommendations.
I am not a nurse but a retired therapist, so medically
I cannot recommend.
Prayers for you and hopeful positive reports on your MRI.
chaired
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
2 ReactionsI’ve only had an ultrasound done, and from that I was told where it was and that it was pretty large, my biggest fear is that it has spread. Thank you for sharing your symptoms with me. I keep telling myself not to worry but it’s all I think about.
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
1 ReactionThese were my symptoms before diagnosis: bloating, indigestion, constipation, and other signs. It was a CT scan that confirmed ovarian cancer. Had chemotherapy, then surgery. Now on my third round of chemo. Unfortunately this cancer spreads and comes back, even after removal of ovaries and uterus
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
2 Reactions