stage II ovarian cancer in remission

[froglady555]

I have read many stories from woman who were staged at III or IV for ovarian cancer.  Would like to hear from woman who were staged as II and how are they doing.

[LizT08]

I sent you an email.  Check your inbox in the upper right corner of Medhelp.

[froglady555]

Yeah I noticed that too.  Are you an animal lover?  I have three dogs and a man made pond out back with fish and frogs.  I took the name frog lady because i love frogs!

I have found it difficult lately listening to the t.v. ads and statistics regarding OC.  What do you do to cope? It sounds like you stay very active.

I am so glad we started talking to each other. It sounds like we have a lot in common.

liz

[LizT08]

I would love to do kickboxing but haven't joined back at the gym because of my husband's job insecurity.  We do have road bikes and I bike a couple hours a week and also jog/walk as well.  I am not taking any medications except supplements.  I just had my vitamin D tested and that was pretty low so the doctor has increased my intake of Vitamin D.  Maybe that will help.  I just know that my system no longer works as it did before surgery.  Whether it's from the chemo or hysterectomy - I don't know.  I'm not a large person so the 10 - 15 lbs. makes a big difference to me.  

For fun we used to travel but that is cut back this year.  My husband and I are both pretty active so we bike and just get outside.  Unfortunately, we also both like to eat and drink too.  I really am cutting back on both. ;-)  

I noticed the irony too - we are both Liz's and I am just one year older than you and the same stage.  

[froglady555]

I feel pretty good.  I was diagnosed with sarcoidosis two months ago so I get really tired from that.  It is an autoimmune disease which could have happened secondary to chemo.  However, many people also have it who did not have chemo.  I also get many hot flashes, about 2-3 an hour, but I just try to ignore them.

I do kickboxing to help with my weight.  Are you taking any medications now that is making it hard to lose weight?

What do you do for fun?

[LizT08]

I feel very good now.  I gained weight that I just can't get rid of even with increased exercising.  I have a bit of neuropathy and hot flashes but it's not bad.  My energy level seems very good considering it's only been 6 months since my last chemo.  

You are very lucky to have been caught that early.  How are you doing?

[froglady555]

I was diagnosed stage II because the cancer went to the fallopian tube.  The washings and everything else was negative.  I got treatment at the Dana Farber.  I live outside of Boston.  How are you feeling now?  

[LizT08]

The short version is that I was operated on first for a benign tumor on my left ovary. A couple months later I didn't feel right so they sent me back for another sonagram. Sure enough another tumor. The next surgery proved to show a tumor that had grown from the area near my missing ovary. After finding the malignacy everything was taken. No other spots were found except cells in the washings - hence IIc. I suppose since the tumor reached the wall the felt the ip would be good. I live near baltimore with a lot of good facilities. It was a tough protocol but I wanted to do whatever it took for first line treatment.  

How come yours was II and not stage I?

[froglady555]

I was curious why your doctor suggested IP chemo.  I was not sure if I should have gone that route too.  Please write back.  i would like to talk to you.

Liz

[froglady555]

I was diagnosed with stage II OC in May of 2007.  I had a hysterectomy and 6 rounds of Taxol and Carbo.  It will be one year in remission on Oct. 2008!!!  My cancer was found because I had a CAT scan for another reason.  The CAT scan showed an abnormality on the ovary and the radiologist said to have an ultrasound.  The ultrasound showed a complex cyst which turned out to be OC. Why did you decide to have IV/IP chemo? And what is your story?

Liz

[froglady555]

Love the tatoo!!!  Thanks for writing back.  I was thinking nobody was out there!!!  I am really happy you are doing well.  Thank God there has been some advances with this terrible disease.

[LizT08]

I was dx as stage two on 10/24/07. I did iv/ip Chemo and finished last march. So far so good but it is still early. I will get the results of my latest ca125 next week. What is your story?

[froglady555]

Thanks for writing back.  I guess there aren't many woman who are diagnosed with stage II ovarian cancer.  I am really glad you are doing well!!!

Liz

[crecco]

I do not recall any with stage II either. I was dx at stage IV in Nov 05 and am doing fine.
Maybe if there are any they will tell us how they are.
      Chris

[vegas2cr]

I didn't want to leave your question unanswered so....... most of the women here were diagnosed stage 3 or IV.  We have a few stage 1 but I don't think I have seen a stage 2.  I was diagnosed with stage IV 17 months ago and am doing well... maybe someone else will chime in...