28 and just had surgery for Ovarian Cancer

[hopetosurvive]

I am a 28 yr old college student (nursing). I found out Friday that I had cancer and had surgery to remove an ovary, and tube. I am scared going through Chemo and have no family support. I don't know what to expect and people are so vague. Just scared I guess, facing my own mortality!

[hopeshell]

Yeah...that wasn't very clear was it?  I have talked to her via PM so my post became clear to her, but not on the board.   Thanks for pointing that out.

I was trying to answer Jassi's question right before....Her gma had cervical cancer in her 30's and she wanted to know if it increased her ovca risk.  Since most cervical cancer is linked to a virus and not genetics, there is not a strong link between the two cancers from a genetic perspective.  She wondered if doctors would consider her high risk for ovca since her gma had the cervical cancer in her 30's.

I was trying to say...although there is a known breast cancer/ovarian cancer genetic link for a small number of women, most do not have a family history of ovca when diagnosed.  To my knowledge, there is not a genetic syndrome linking ovca with cervical cancer.  Hope that clears up my comment.  Sorry for the confusion.  :)
  

[dian07]

Are you talking cervical or ovarian cancer........I am confused.
Peace.
dian

[hopeshell]

To my knowledge, there is not an increased risk.  Cervical cancer is almost always caused by HPV rather than genetics.  For a very small number of women, there is a genetic link.  However, most (including myself) do not have any family history.  

[Jassi1103]

Hopeshell,

Do you know how much of a risk it becomes if you have a family member that had cervical cancer when she was young (30s)?

Jassi

[Jassi1103]

Hi There,

I'm sorry you are dealing with this!  I know about 95% what you are feeling right now.  I am just a year older and have been dealing with issues for two years now.  I, however, am still trying to get a DX.  Can you tell me what your symptoms were?  I wonder with our age, what got your doctors to actually look at you with the possibility of cancer?  I've gotten the run around from 6, yes 6, different doctors who think I am crazy yet, I have something inside of me making me physically sick and in pain.  My symptoms actually match Ovarian Cancer to the T, yet they say I am too young and are holding back on getting me further tests.    

If you need to talk or vent or continue to ask questions- there are many of us here for you.

Jassi

[hopeshell]

Hi there,

I am so sorry to hear of your dx.  You will definitely want to get your pathology report so you know the exact type of cancer you have.   Each type behaves differently.   As the others have mentioned, it is really important for you to see a gynecologic oncologist if you aren't already seeing one.   It is a very scary dx, but don't lose heart.   There are many of us on here who are in remission or considered cancer free.   You can and will make it through.   I'll be praying for you and welcome to the board!

Shelly

[shewrites]

I'm so sorry to see your post.  Since they removed just one ovary and tube, I take it you're staged at 1A and that they are hoping to preserve your fertility.  I was diagnosed after menopause, but I'm also a 1A, and I'm past the eight year mark with no sign of disease.  I did take chemo (my doctor is considered aggressive) and it wasn't too bad.  Losing my hair was my main trauma, actually.  (I didn't know I was that vain, but I guess I am.)  Here's hoping you can do as well -- and have children if you want them, too.    

Ask the doctor, the hospital, and the local branch of the American Cancer Society what services are available.  Ask for support from your friends, at your church and at work or school, too.  I'm sure you'll be able to build a support team to help get through this.  

We'll be here for you.  Please keep in touch.  

[kcd86]

I am sorry to hear , you are so young to have this tremendous stress hanging over your head. As dian07 said you have come to the right site.
I am curious what exactly did your pathology report show?
Are you seeing a GYN/Oncologist?
Studies have shown that treatment of ovarian cancer by nongynecologic oncologists and by low volume surgeons is associated with suboptimal surgical management. I would reccomend going to a large tiertiary hopsital where they see large volumes of patients.  This is not to make you worry even more but to make sure that the Dr who treats you has vast experience with diagnosing and treating various types of GYN / Onc issues The best advice you see all over these posts is you have to be your own advocate, be aggresive and stay on top of your phycicians. Get copies of all your tests/results as you are entitled to them. Post with any other questions you have this site has some very knowledgeable people on it. I wish you all the best.
Kevin
.

[dian07]

I can imagine how scared you are right now.  You have come to the right place.  
You are very young and that is in your favor.  I was diagnosed at 55 and chemo wasn't fun but I got through it......there are so many of us who survived chemo.  
I started my chemo 4 weeks after surgery.  That was five years ago.  
You throw out specific questions and I promise you will get specific answers.
Right now, you need to take a deep breath ..... you need a plan of action.....you and your oncology team will work together on this.  These people will be a team for you to reach out to with any and all problems and questions you have.  Don't ever be afraid to ask a question....there are no stupid questions.  
You need to advocate for yourself....don't let anyone put you off and don't you ever back down.....this is your future you are dealing with now.....so be tough, but allow yourself to accept the help and support you will need in the coming months.  
We will all be with you.  
Where do you live, anyway?
Please do stay in touch.
Peace.
dian