Diagnosis today ovarian cancer - suggestions for things I need to ask.

[kentuckygirl]

I just found this website, I had a complete hysterectomy last Thursday.  Reasons for hysterectomy was fibroid tumors, polyps in my uterus & cists on my overies (I'm 48).  Never any thoughts or reason to think ovarian cancer, my gyno told me she would take out my ovaries just because of my age & benign cysts.  Yesterday I got the call that the pathologist found malignant ovarian cancer, but my gyno has not actually seen the report herself yet.  I'm seeing my gyno tomorrow for my post-opt check up & to schedule an appointment with an oncologist.  Where do I go from here?  Any suggestions on questions I should ask?  I've been reading info on the internet & I'm getting worried.  I don't know if I should tell my family now or wait until I see the oncologist.

[kentuckygirl]

I'm in Louisville, they are referring me to an oncologist in the Norton Womens Pavillion Cancer Center.  Now that I've settled down a bit from the initial shock, I'm going to the oncologist with a good attitude & hoping its stage 1 & won't require much more than getting my appedix taken out & some biopsies.  I've heard good things about the Norton Cancer Center, so we'll see what happens... Thanks everyone for encouragement & prayers.

[wubbie3]

Hang in there.... Us KY ladies have to stick together! I'm in the central part of the state... where are you from?
I'll offer any support I can give... even if you just need a person to vent to.
Thoughts and prayers...
~Marianne

[kentuckygirl]

Just went to the Gyno & got results of pathology.  I think it was 10 names long but from what I can conclude I had a mucinous borderline malignant tumor.  My gyno took blood for a CA125 & set up an appointment this week with an oncologist.  Apparently since the appendix is the first place this type of cancer spreads they will take out my appendix & do biopsies & go from there.  Thanks for the advice on telling my family, I have two boys 19 & 21, I went ahead & told them because I wanted them to feel confident in what I told them in the future.  One thing has been bothering me .......... does anyone know if having it removed by laparascopy (I feel like the tumor was drug through my body) could spread the cancer cells? (especially since it was a mucinous type tumor)

[suzsen]

So sorry to hear of your diagnosis.  From what you say it sounds like it may be Stage 1 (earliest stage) or 2, since they didn't know about it until they did pathology on the ovary. If it had spread a lot the gyno probably would have seen something during your surgery.  If it is Stage 1 that would be great news, as ovca is actually highly treatable in its early stages.  Be sure to ask about the staging at your appointment.

[NikkiPoo]

I agree with everyone, tell your family and let them be there for you. I know my sons (15 & 22) would be furious if I kept something like that from them. I wish you the best & I know that you will get wonderful advise here.

[brthbbs]

Telling my family was the best thing I could have done prior to surgery--even my family members who aren't really close to me rallied around me and each other and I had an enormous support system.  Plus, when they told others, I found out later, I was put on a large number of prayer lists which I think can only help.  Chemo is scary and dibilating and isolating.  Keep posted here and find yourself a good cancer support group.  I resisted going to the Wellness Community (cancer support) but then later found it essential that when I cried and raged about my symptoms it helped to have everyone else in the room nod in agreement.
The next parts are going to be hard but it may help to know we're all here and through it and you can do it too.

[newlifegal]

I echo everyone's good advice.  I was diagnosed last summer and finished treatment in November for stage IIIc.  One thing that I would do differently would be to arm myself with as much positive information as I could.  I was so frightened by the statistics that I refused to read up on the disease during my treatment because I was convinced that it would only throw me into more anxiety and fear.  I believe I suffered needlessly because I didn't have a good perspective on my illness.  You have already taken a good first step by finding this website.  These women will support and encourage you because they are walking down the same path.  I wish you all the best.

Blessings,
Christa

[kathy o]

I am so close to my family that there was no way I could not tell them, it was scarier for them not knowing I think....

[crazykaren1]

I too am sorry for all of the things you are having to suddenly cope with. My thoughts mirror others. What wonderful wisdom and support on this web site eh? I think suffering alone and apart from your family makes everything that much harder. Having your famiy informed and being able to answer their questions to the best of your knowledge can be really healing and you might even find a great deal of support there that you didn't even know existed.

You'll be in my prayers. Karen

[kathy o]

Hi,
It is probably so overwhelming to you right now,I am sorry that this is happening to you. Hopefully it was in a early stage and they got most of it. Things hopefully should move pretty fast for you now that you have been diagnosed and they can determine the best treatment options. Put on your Boxing Gloves because you are in a fight now like the rest of us to beat this!!! I really did not even know what questions to ask because I was in shock, but I had good Drs. who take their time and are patient with me as I hope yours are. Good Luck with the Staging and keep us near.
Kathy

[Spicegirl]

Kentuckygirl - I am so sorry you are having to face this.  Please know that we are all here for you.  You mentioned about telling your kids.  I strongly encourage you to tell them.  We mothers seem to think that we need to protect them, but they are so much stronger than we think.  And they will definitely sense that something is wrong.  Let them be there for you - your bond will only grow stronger through this.  My mom went through ovca a number of years ago and my dad told us nothing - it was so much harder when we saw her at her worst.  
By your age, I suspect that your children are young adults and they should be treated that way.  My deepest prayers will be with you and I know God will give you the strength for those difficult times, and for those difficult moments when you have to share this with your family.  Lots of love, hugs and kisses to you.  Spicegirl

[gah_70]

Hi Kentuckygirl.  I

[dian07]

Hello....so sorry you have to go through this.....when I was first diagnosed I wondered if I should tell my family....I told my husband but decided not to tell my kids...that was a mistake.  Because I misled him then, my 19 year old son has trouble believing me when I tell him things are okay...we all needed to hang on to eachother to survive this in one piece.  My family is where I found safety and strength.....they helped me fight fiercly to regain what this disease was trying to take from me. I am the tower of strength and peace in this family...it was hard to bend, to give up that control...but, when I did ..my family surrounded me with support..anything they could do to lessen my burdens..they each became towers in their own right...it was amazing.  They needed that...to feel they too were involved and part of the cure....they sacrificed without anyone asking...I hid nothing from any of them..in doing so they realized not only what I was experiencing but that I trusted them with my soul...we are by far not a perfect family because of that experience...but we are an incredibly strong family and we each know eachother's heart and soul....please reconsider...involve your family..trust that they too are strong inside..they want to help..give them that opportunity, and show them that you do trust them to be able to be there for you...afterall, they trust you enough to know you will be there for them.
Please stay in touch...the women here are knowledgable, compassionate. and wise beyond their years.
Peace be with you.
dian

[Rebel Spirit]

I am so sorry to hear of your dx of ovca. I was diagnosed with ovca on March 9th during a TAH BSO. You will want to ask your doctor about followup treatment using chemo and possibly radiation. Find out which chemo agents will be used and what side effects to watch for. Some side effects require an immediate call to your doctor. If you work, you will need to contact your employer as you will probably need more time off than you originally anticipated. The effects of chemo are cumulative meaning the side effects get worse as you go. I don't mean to scare you, just prepare you. This is not an easy journey to travel, but we are here with you. You don't have to do this alone. Be sure you have a caregiver prepared to help you with daily tasks until you are able to do them yourself. Have someone to go to the doctor and treatments with you. It helps to have someone help you remember questions and the answers you get to them. Don't be afraid to write down your questions to the doctor and the answers. If you are taking chemo, you will probably lose your hair. You may want to consider getting a wig before you do. I chose not to wear wigs, I use hats and scarves when I go out. I find my bald head gets cold easily. I shaved my head when my hair started coming out. I found watching it come out depressing. So to turn it into a good experience, I donated my hair to Locks of Love. A good place to get the wigs and hats is www.headcovers.com.

I really am  not trying to scare you, I know you are already terrified. But please remember we are here for you. The other women on this forum have kept me sane during the weeks leading up to my surgery and certainly after. I took my 3rd chemo yesterday. They answered my questions, shared their experiences, encouraged me and prayed for me. It really made a difference!

[Gatsby]

Welcome to the site.  I can only offer my support and prayers, however there are many wonderful women here who will have more answers for you.  Godspeed
~Tascha