strength

[zietho]

Hello, in December 2008 my wife was diagnosed with stage IV ovarian cancer. I am too scared to ask any questions. I just wanted to say how much I love her and how much I feel for every woman who must go through this. I wish you all the strength, prayers and hope that I can give.

[jane65]

That is so kind of you to say, I'm also staged 4B OVCA and have been treated for 2 1/2 years with first surgery, and then chemo.

My CA125 is slowly rising and is 50 now but my last scan was clear, so I'm not getting chemo at this time.

Please don't be afraid to ask questions of the ladies on the OVCA board, maybe we can help you with things you're concerned about. We're a group who've had a lot of experience with this chronic disease.

She's very lucky to have your support, and you by her side. Good luck to her.
Jane

[Annekathryn Goodman, M.D.]

Thank you for sharing you experiences
for Mary - you need to go to a clinic for a check up. If you lost your insurance, check into what the free care options are.
best wishes

[Mary48H]

Hi, I have symptoms that scare me. About a year and a half ago I was hit with what I can only describe as a horrible fatigue..I couldn't shake it. I began to be late for work because I was unable to wake up. This was not normal for me as I was always energetic. It was drastic. I still feel that way to this day. Since then I have been in the ER for digestive problems. I was told I had irritable bowel syndrome.  In the last 6 months I have been severely bloated and it will not go away no matter what I do. Pressure in my lower abdomen..low back ache, going to the bathroom alot...almost like being pregnant...that uncomfortable feeling you have when you are 9 months pregnant. None of my clothes fit anymore because my abdomen just keeps getting bigger...I always feel like I just ate a thanksgiving dinner, I always feel stuffed...even though i do not eat much anymore. I do not have any history of back problems at all, yet my lower back hurts..every once in a while I will get a strange stabbing pain in my side that takes my breath away...thankfully it is not all the time. I know something is wrong...women know their bodies. I am 48 years old and I had my tubes tied at 38 with my last child during a c-section. There is no possibility of pregnancy as I have not had a partner since my divorce in 2002. For the last week I have noticed an increase in the pressure.....again..after having 4 children...the only thing I can compare my symptoms to is it feels like I am 9 months pregnant. I am very uncomfortable/miserable and have no energy at all. I was laid off last July and lost my insurance. This is why I cannot go to the doctor right now. The last time I went was to the ER because my left arm/hand went numb and that was two months ago. It is still numb. They did a CAT scan of my head and all was well. Their opinion was something might be pressing on a nerve. What does this sound like to you? Does anyone have any suggestions as to where I could go for help? I was approved for some kind of Medically Needy Medicaid two weeks ago, but I believe I must pay a substantial portion first which I do not have....thanks :)

[zietho]

thank you Jane. I am in complete awe of her courage, and yours and the others on this site. I wish you very very well!