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Related: Culture Forums, Support ForumsHey, want some good news?
I think I'm beating my ovarian cancer!
I was sick for way too long and my doctor did colon checks, bladder scans and 2 different Pap tests.
I stopped having my periods so they decided my pain and symptoms were menopause. Yay, congratulations and my primary physician actually clapped and cheered for me. Ha.
Was still in awful pain and gaining weight hand over fist while I couldn't really eat very much before becoming too full and suffering digestive issues. Finally the pain became more than I could bear this last July while I had my sweet little granddaughters here for a couple of weeks and when they went home I tried to get in to see my doctor again. I couldn't get out of bed was suffering so much. He was on vacation and his PA was over booked but said she thought I should go to the ER on Monday (this was a Wednesday) when they're not too busy and the good staff is back on call. I did.
Within a half hour I had a CAT scan with contrast and a diagnosis of metastatic ovarian cancer awaiting a biopsy. I was rushed to a hospital in Austin where I spent 5 nights and 6 days. They sucked 25lbs of cancer juice out of my abdomen. I was very sick.
That was months ago now and I had 4 rounds of chemo 20 days apart and then a major surgery where my omentum, gall bladder, appendix, uterus, ovaries, uterus, fallopian tubes and cervix we're removed November the 18th... i thought I could cook thanksgiving dinner for the family after that. 😂
Anyhoo! Back on chemo the 9th of December and today at chemo they said the 30th of this month may be my last dose before I go on maintenance chemo pills (depending on my scan, but it is likely!) and I can get on with living again!
I'm just so darn happy and wanted to share the good news! It looks like my hard fought battle is going to pay off and I'm getting to live longer! I'm just so happy!
MLAA
(18,711 posts)Fantastic!!!!
I'm so happy! I'm only in 50's and this shouldn't be a thing. Even though it was.
Thank you! 🥰
MotownPgh
(397 posts)ovarian cancer survivor. 💙
wnylib
(25,006 posts)help you remain happy and upbeat.
My mother had ovarian cancer in her 50s. It was pretty extensive. She had surgery and chemo. Lived to age 90.
I can relate to your happiness from my own experience. I had cervical cancer in my 40s. Before the diagnosis, I had some irregular bleeding that I thought was just due to menopause. I had not had a PAP test for several years, partly because I didn't have health coverage for a while. When I got a new job with good coverage, I had a complete physical as a baseline. The PAP test from that physical was positive so the GP referred me to an OBGYN.
Biopsies by the OBGYN showed very early cancer, carcinoma in situ. He did outpatient surgery in his office. I waited for the lab report on whether all of the cancerous cells were removed. When I got the news of no more cancer cells present, I celebrated with friends. Follow up testing at 6 month intervals for a year, then once a year. No return of the cancer.
Wishing you a good prognosis. Positive attitude and a support network are helpful, so I hope you have them available, from family, friends, medical staff, or a local cancer support group if there is one in your area.
yorkster
(2,566 posts)Thanks for keeping us apprised.
herding cats
(19,650 posts)Tell women you know I; their early 50's this is a possibility. Even if their physician isn't aware.
LeftInTX
(31,161 posts)What an ordeal!
herding cats
(19,650 posts)I'm doing great! Whew! I won't lie, I have fought hard and was scared.
It's looking ok now, though!
Srkdqltr
(7,825 posts)herding cats
(19,650 posts)Tell the women you know in their 50's to ask for a scan if they experience my symptoms. It could have saved me much suffering and extended my life by decades if id have known.
multigraincracker
(34,529 posts)Thank goodness. Hope you are feeling a lot better.
herding cats
(19,650 posts)It's not allowed by insurance unless you fight for it and your doctors want to pretend it away as normal menopausal symptoms. Pain isn't a normal menopausal symptom and neither is abdominal bloating and weight gain. Fight for your health and advocate for your health. It'll save you and those you love false treatments.
pandr32
(12,365 posts)I hope you will get stronger and happier every day.
herding cats
(19,650 posts)I'm living again now.
pandr32
(12,365 posts)magicarpet
(17,209 posts)Alerts others to be aware.
Hope you continue on the road to recovery and get to relax with these medical issues behind you.
Keep us posted.
herding cats
(19,650 posts)You mirror how I'm doing now so beautifully. Thank you! 🥰
sheshe2
(88,534 posts)You had a long painful time, but this news is great. You beat it!
Congratulations. Now you can spend more time with your sweet little granddaughters and get on with your life.
Hugs and
~
herding cats
(19,650 posts)I didn't talk about it because when I knew it was already stage 3C and my prognosis wasn't good at all. I didn't want to bring everyone I care about here down. I buckled down on my treatment and started writing my DU eulogy where I thanked everyone here who is a hero in their own way. Well, I'm gonna have to turn that into a "I love you darn people to the moon and back post" since I've shockingly beaten the odds! I'm so happy tonight, sheshe!
sheshe2
(88,534 posts)I am happy for you, hc. Continue with your happy dance, you deserve it.
Deuxcents
(20,366 posts)herding cats
(19,650 posts)I want to regain my energy and mental happiness!
Clouds Passing
(3,085 posts)herding cats
(19,650 posts)This is the second day I was out of the hospital and I was hitting the ground running! Nothing was going to stop me! I wanted to live!
I had an anaphylactic reaction to my chemo (twice in the same day to to different ones!) but came back the next day to try different flavors and keep on fighting.
I earned much respect from my infusion staff that day.
Clouds Passing
(3,085 posts)Im 12 years stage 4 bc survivor
herding cats
(19,650 posts)Fight and fight again. It's how we survive.
My heart to you! ❤️
Basso8vb
(513 posts)You're not just a survivor, you're a fighter!
Thanks for sharing this good news.
herding cats
(19,650 posts)People think survivor and fighter are things we folks living the battle hear all the time but we don't.
Thank you! They made me feel fierce!
MFM008
(20,016 posts)ancianita
(39,019 posts)Solly Mack
(93,312 posts)I'm very happy for you.
onecaliberal
(36,594 posts)KitFox
(121 posts)fought! I am so happy for you! Every single day going forward will be the most wonderful gift. Thank you for sharing your journey and how you persevered! You are an inspiration and i wish you every joy!😊🩷🩷🩷
awesomerwb1
(4,630 posts)elleng
(137,209 posts)3catwoman3
(25,835 posts)...diagnosis.
And how thrilling to now be able to give such a great report! Congratulations!
SharonAnn
(13,920 posts)It's almost unbelievable that you suffered for so long and they didn't do more thorough testing. Really!
You know your body, they don't.
evilhime
(337 posts)Delmette2.0
(4,282 posts)I don't know you at all, but in this day and attitudes this is great.
Next month I will be 5 years clear of colon cancer. I hope you will see the same success.
Hope22
(3,239 posts)You are doing amazing work! Love to you!💗💗🙏🏼
usonian
(15,058 posts)PittBlue
(4,395 posts)LetMyPeopleVote
(156,178 posts)This is great news
AKwannabe
(6,459 posts)Fuck cancer! You win!
question everything
(49,256 posts)And testing for CA-125 can assure you that you are doing well.
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diagnostics/17830-ca-125-blood-test
area51
(12,210 posts)LA Blue Bengal
(29 posts)Very happy for you and best wishes!
herding cats
(19,650 posts)Chemo makes me sleepy. I'm so sorry, especially since many of you responders are on my super hero list.
I'll be back and remember to talk to your loved ones about my symptoms, ok? We can help others.
Rhiannon12866
(225,495 posts)Get as much rest as you need and know that your friends here are sending those powerful DU vibes your way and hoping that you're completely well soon...
liberalla
(10,127 posts)You certainly fought hard and kicked some cancer-ass! Thank you for sharing your story - you're an inspiration!
mountain grammy
(27,433 posts)So happy for you!
electric_blue68
(19,083 posts)Four so far lucky: my sis, her old boss, a college friend still in touch, and a cousin late last year: all free!
Another friend on ?meds.
I've had one unlucky friend some years back. Sigh.
dai13sy
(504 posts)This is going to be a good year
summer_in_TX
(3,351 posts)So glad that you finally got the right diagnosis and treatment after being so very sick. I'm delighted for your good news!
Wicked Blue
(6,860 posts)Live long and prosper!
cate94
(2,918 posts)Thats fantastic! Im so happy for you!
SheltieLover
(60,703 posts)Grwat job, HerdingCats!
KS Toronado
(19,906 posts)Didn't even know you were sick, glad things are looking up !
JMCKUSICK
(655 posts)I'm thrilled for you HerdingCats.
murielm99
(31,563 posts)And, anyone would be scared.
BaronChocula
(2,530 posts)It was unexplainable. I couldn't figure out why. This must have been the reason.
yonder
(10,012 posts)An uplifting bit of personal news like this goes a long way in feeding everyone's positive wave machine so back at you with some healing vibes.
Thanks for sharing!
livetohike
(23,103 posts)cancer in the rear view mirror! 2025 will be a great year for you .
Emile
(31,291 posts)BumRushDaShow
(145,063 posts)I am glad to hear the good news about recovering from all of that.
Sending healing thoughts and big hugs.
lark
(24,393 posts)Woohoo!!
Fla Dem
(25,963 posts)So happy you're on the road to recovery. Seems as if those ovaries should have been checked earlier.
I had severe abdominal pain and cramps twice, and each time it was caused by a cyst on my ovary which then caused the fallopian tube to twist. That's actually what caused the pain; when the tube twisted. Both times resulted in removal of the tub and ovary. Was in my mid and late twenties.
All the best to you for a full recovery and happy life.
Trueblue Texan
(3,070 posts)They are making great strides in cancer treatment. I am an ovarian cancer survivor 7 years out! I still suffer the debilitating lack of energy due to chemo, but I'm alive and doing well. So happy for you!
BootinUp
(49,206 posts)dlk
(12,502 posts)Without a doubt, this is something to celebrate! Please keep us posted with your continued progress.
Figarosmom
(3,636 posts)Congrats. And live well. Do good things and love.
Purvis Lodge
(5 posts)Very impressed and so glad that you are such a strong advocate for your own health!
Wishing you an excellent and healthy 2025!
Phentex
(16,577 posts)Continued good healing to you!
sellitman
(11,690 posts)Great news.
barbtries
(30,034 posts)what a terrible time you've endured.
Onthefly
(569 posts)gademocrat7
(11,246 posts)Stay strong and take care. You rock, herding cats.🤗👏👏
HeartsCanHope
(765 posts)May you continue to heal and may you have many, many more years of health and happiness ahead. Will be thinking of you and sending healing vibes. Thank you for the good news! It made my day.
bernieb
(71 posts)The ER staff was competent. Sending you good energy for healing.
malaise
(279,415 posts)Rec
BlueSky3
(722 posts)you! May you live many more years in peace and joy.
BigmanPigman
(52,458 posts)It's fantastic news!!!!!
Niagara
(9,972 posts)It's terrific that you're sharing this good news!
alfredo
(60,154 posts)I am also cancer free. It has a nice ring to it.
I see you had no radiation. Good.
Stay healthy, and send a dozen roses or a dozen donuts to your oncologist, or the gang in infusion.
It was reported that as I was coming off sedationi I said,, Im so fucking high.
alfredo
(60,154 posts)I am also cancer free. It has a nice ring to it.
I see you had no radiation. Good.
Stay healthy, and send a dozen roses or a dozen donuts to your oncologist, or the gang in infusion.
When coming off sedation, I become a motormouth.
a kennedy
(32,472 posts)What the hell youve been through!!!! WOW. and this IS absolutely fantastic news. So happy for you, and it does make me feel better as well.
NewLarry
(66 posts)GREAT NEWS! So, what *did* you make for Thanksgiving?