I need hope for Level 4 cancer diagnosed last week

[jessica46]

Hello,

I am new to the forum and I'm wondering if anyone has any positive experiences with Level 4 Ovarian cancer being cured or going into remission?  I had an emergency hysterectomy (except for my uterus) to remove a cancerous lump from my ovary.The surgeon said I was in critical condition. I feel much better now but the doctor said there are some black cancer spots in my lung and in my stomach. So I will be receiving chemotherapy next week for 6 sessions. It will include carboplatin and taxol.

I feel scared because I'm reading conflicting information. Some say that OC has an 80% success rate and can be cleared. Others sites are pessimistic and make me feel depressed about my outcome. I want to enter chemotherapy with a positive mindset and an attitude that I can overcome this and come out with a normal CA125 after 6 sessions of chemo. My CA125 test before surgery was 980. But that has been lowered since the removal of the lump.

Any knowledge or ideas about this would be appreciated. Thank you.

Jessica

[SimplyStar]

explain please, did they not remove the uterus?  Stage 4  means that the cancer has spread outside of the ovaries , yes,   Are you here in the states?  each person is different, 80%  is pretty high for stage 4, but it has happened.  

[lucymullis]

I am so sorry you have this diagnosis but glad you found us here.  My suggestion is for you to try and not read information, if you can do it.   All the statistics are outdated.  Try your best to focus on what you do have control over...eating well and getting rest.  I do know women that have stage 4 cancer and have been in remission, so it is possible.  Where are you getting your care?  Do you have support from your family?  Ask us any questions you have and realize that you are still "new" to this diagnosis and all the emotions you are experiencing are understandable.

[doicat]

Jessica:

Take a deep breath...calm down.  I am near your age and have just completed my 2nd chemo treatment of carbo/taxol.  I, big time, agree with Lucy that you need to stop looking at the statistics etc. that you have found.  You've just gotten through surgery...put the brakes on your racing mind and instead focus on things you do have control of.  First, getting healthy and recovering from the surgery, second, really take a look at who your doctors are.  You really need to feel as good as you can about having the best Onc/Gyn you can find in your area.  If there are none then get yourself to a well respected Cancer hospital.  

I can tell you that the women in this forum are sooo helpful and supportive.  They are here to help you through this.  

I so feel for you!  Was in the exact same place 2 months ago.  Statistics are just that...you are young and that really makes a difference in this cancer.  Hang in there and don't let the diagnosis overwhelm you!  You can do this...you just need time to digest this.

Doicat  

[PinkTissue]

Don't read too much into the statisitcs. They are just numbers and they are outdated. While having stage 4 ovarian cancer is serious, there is always hope.

My mum (now 63) was diagnozed with stage 4 ovarian cancer last December. At the time of diagnosis, the cancer has spread throughout the stomach and even to the liver. She completed her cancer treatment in Apr this year and is currently in remission. A few months after her last treatment, she went to the streets and engaged in street singing for charity. I have documented my mum's cancer journey at
http://www.diaryquirkylady.com

The treatment is tough and there are times where you would be overwhelmed. If you are feeling depressed, there is no shame in admitting that and getting anti-depressants.

Go!Go!Go! I would be cheering you all the way.

[crecco]

Please like the others have said, try not to pay much attention to the statistics. While stage IV is not curable, it can be treated like a chronic disease.
  I was dx at stage IV in Nov 2005, and m doing quite well actually. Though I have never really been in remission and probably never will be, I am doing much better than I ever thought I would. Yes I still have visible signs of cancer, but chemo has been able to keep everything steady. I have been on chemo since I was dx. I know that does not sound like something everyone would want to do, it has worked out fine for me. I have accepted the fact that I will have chemo for the rest of my life if I plan on sticking around and that has made it a lot easier. I am not sick all of the time, in fact I feel better now than I did when I was dx.
  I am not going to tell you that it will be smooth sailing ahead. It is going to be a long hard fight. But what does help to make it easier is your will and determination.
  also stop reading all of the info you are looking up on the internet. All that will do is depress you and scare the hell out of you. Each of us is different as is our cancers. You must keep hoping and keep believing.
  I wish you luck and please keep us informed as to how you are getting along.
   Chris