Results are in, now what???

[ineedtohavefaith]

Thanks for all of the prayers, they were MUCH needed! OK here it is stage 2C serous OVCA thats all I remember...they did say that my lymph nodes & omentum were negative, but the petioneal wash had cells...next stop chemo in a few weeks when I am stronger...My surgeon said thank god for the ovarian torsion that caused the pain...she sounded optomistic...but the chemo doc, not so much, I felt like I should go pre-pay my funeral after talking to him. I know I have a fight ahead of me, but I am just getting started...and I am NO QUITTER! Any thoughts on this dignosis??? Good, bad? All info WELCOME!!! :o) My BEST to everyone,
Denise

[ineedtohavefaith]

What has me really freaking out is that the one tumor/cyst had ruptured, I just can't get THAT part out of my mind...every little thing...swelling in my ankle, a new twinge, etc...has me thinking...is it the cancer??? But I CANNOT & WILL NOT dwell on it, I can't...I have to try to live a "normal" life...it's not about the "quanity"...it's about the "quality"...as for now. I have been stuck in my house way too long...after the fight to get my sneakers on, LOL I am going to take my dog for a short walk & enjoy the warmth of the sun for a bit!!!! Thanks for the love & support...also here is a poem that one of my friends sent to me:

Cancer I did not give you the right,
To invade my body and take a bite.
This is my body and with all my might,
I will prevail with one hell of a fight.
To the cancer inside, I will battle and kill.
...For that is my body's God given will.
To my cancer, these words I do send.
Your life is short and near the end....

[Flicka0459]

Denise,

I know you just want this done and move on.  But you need time to let yourself heal.  Over the next few months you are going to have a million questions.  This forum will answer a lot of those questions.  Your doctor is going to throw so much stuff at you it'll make your head spin, but don't get too discouraged.  Do your own research and stay on top of your doctor with any questions you have.

You do however need to let yourself feel what you feel. You are very fortunate that they caught it at this early stage.  Your chances are really good, plus it sounds like you have a really good attitude.  Sometimes you'll get in a funk and that's ok.  You'll have to ride that funk for a little bit, but get out of it as soon as you can, attitude is key.  I know easier said than done, but you have a bunch of women here who are rooting for you and we will all say prayers for you.  Lisa

[marie3B]

When you get the pathology/histology report see what grade your cancer is.  Grade 2 or 3 respond much better to chemo than the slow growing grade 1 (like mine).  I have a friend here in Peoria that was diganosed with serous ovca stade 3c.  She had surgery and they got all visible cancer and she is free of cancer and healthy after over 5 years. No recurrences.  On this site you will hear more of the less sucessful stories than the successful ones.  People having a hard time have more of a need for support, and are more likely to show up here. We do have some women willing to stay here and encourage women with their sucess.  We need them!  There are some out there that don't get a recurrence.  I wish you an easy chemo journey and a recurrence-free life.  Marie

[gah_70]

I, too, waited almost a month to start chemo because my surgery was so large (44 cm tumor), they thought it best to let me heal a bit before going into chemo.  That wasn't a bad plan because I was better able to handle the issues that come along with chemo. I'm sorry your Onc wasn't more positive, but I guess he's seen a lot in his career and doesn't want to set anyone up for disappointment just in case. But you are not every other patient and your attitude means a lot.  The others are right that finding it at stage 2 means you have a pretty good shot at getting this thing under control. Never thought ovarian torsion was a good thing, but in your case, it seems it was. So, take the time until chemo to start preparing yourself, and take the time to heal.

Lots of prayers heading your way.

Gail

[Jane39]

Good New Denise!!! You should try and give your self a bit more time to heal, myself personally had surgery on 3/29/06 and started chemo around mid May  2006.  Two weeks post-op doesn't sound like alot of time, but I understand about wanted to jump in and get started killing any remaining cells :)
I am glad your oncologist didn't sugar coat anything, but on the other hand, he needs to allow the "bright side"-(if there is such a thing with Ovarian Cancer) and give you full encouragment, to me you made it sound like a horrible conversation, and it was filled with negativity.  You need to have a good team behind you, friends, family and especially your medical and nursing staff.  Will keep you in my prayers.  Jane

[ineedtohavefaith]

Thanks for all of your comments & thoughts...the oncologist wants to wait a few wks before starting chemo...I had surgery on 9/24...I feel almost ready to start now!!! He was surprised to find out that I did know a little bit about the agents to be used being Platinum based (I learned that here shhhh)  But is it OK to wait after surgery...I mean weeks??? I am just over 2 wks post op now...I went through alot with "Instant surgical menopause" but I feel good now, just a little sore...
Ready to fight, Denise

[helenl89]

we are here to help you through this. You will have tons of questions, write everything down as soon as you think of it. There is no such thing as a stupid question, when you are fighting the beast. We will get you throught this

[lei2193]

The last thing you have to be is to be a quitter.  I won't claim to be an expert but let me just share with you my Mom's journey so far & hope it will give you some idea & positive thoughts that after the initial shock, there's still good things up ahead.  My Mom has been diagnosed w/ Clear Cell Stage 2C last June 30 after debulking surgery w/ Ca125 of 1321 pre-surgery.  She was scheduled by her gyn/onco for 9 chemo sessions (carboplatin/paclitaxel).  Just before she had her 4th chemo last Friday, her Ca125 is now down to 9.75 & she'll just have 6 chemos instead of the planned 9.  With determination, positive outlook and change in lifestyle and of course love from the family, you can also overcome it.  

My prayers are with you.

Leah

[junamgen]

Totally agree with Kevin.  75% OVCA was dx at stage 3 or 4, yours is 2C.  Which means it is still early.  You have very high chance to get it cured I believe compare to stage 3 and 4.  after treatment of chemo.  Maybe find a nearby cancer supporting center to join, You have people who really can help you when u have difficult time while on chemo.

I'm sure u will go through and time goes faster than u thought

jun

[kcd86]

It is good news that your omentum and lymph nodes were all clear.Well your surgeon was not wrong by saying it was a good thing you did get a early warning, which is why your nodes and omentum were clear  Since your peritonieal washing has "cells", it is absolutely prudent to have chemo the thought being to get those cells any any other ones that may be lingering. Your oncologist is obviously by the way you said he laid it out for you not sugar coating the big picture. It is good to be educated on the path you have to take so there are no suprises and you are mentally prepared for the long haul.
This web site has some very knowledgeable and helpfull women on it that have been thru what you are and will be going thru.
I wish you all the best.
Take care
Kevin