Very Scared.

[mariebean]

Hi, I am 27 and just diagnosed with stage 1 grade 2 ovarian cancer.  My staging is "incomplete" but I am being treated as a 1c in terms of chemo (6 courses).  I am really quite scared.  I went into surgery thinking I had a benign dermoid tumor and woke up in post op to very different news.  My gynecological oncologist removed my right ovary and fallopian tube but kept my uterus and left ovary/tube.  He said everything looked healthy and there were the biopsies of my left ovary, nodes, abdominal wall and washings were all negative.  My questions are many, but the two main ones are....in terms of having a hysterectomy I feel like I am gambling with my life for wanting to have children.  My doctor feels that a radical hysterectomy is not warranted at this stage, but I am curious if anyone else has had this situation before. The fear in me tells me to have one immediately, but the logical side of me agrees with the doctor.  Any opinions or similar situations??  In addition, how do you live with knowing that you have cancer.  I know I am not alone, but I am sincerely devastated.  I can't get it out of my mind and I am afraid that I won't ever be able to wake up happy again.  I could really use some guidance.  

[asuprpixie]

I am in a very similar situation.  I am 35 years old with absolutely no family history of cancer.  I went to my doctor for pain and was told that I had a tumor.  My left ovary was removed with the tumor on June 2nd.  10 days later after having a biopsy completed...I am told that I have ovarian cancer.  I will have a hysterectomy in a week followed by chemotherapy.  Unlike you, my oncologist says that I should have a full hysterectomy and not play with my life.  I am being treated right now as Stage Ic but he will not know for sure until my surgery.  I have also been tested for tumor found on my liver.  My doctor is confident it is not cancerous.  I will know Monday or Tuesday.  The most devastating of all of this RIGHT NOW is the fact that I will not be able to conceive a child.  I know that adoption is an option.  I am only now starting to "cope" with this diagnosis so I don't have any great guidance but I can reassure you that you are not alone.  

Prayers and blessings to you

[SimplyStar]

No one can guarantee that a surgical hysto will get everything, with a dx of stage one, your chances are very good,  the same goes for a partial removal of the ovary and tube, there are no guarantees with Ovarain cancer.  I know the reason so many your age want to take the chance of having children, this is something you really need to think out very carefully. You both could be the lucky ones that go into a complete recovery, with check ups every so often, and have your children, however you also kind of have a dagger hanging over your head,  did any cells get "loose" during any of the surgery?  if so you still could have a recurrance and not be as clear as you want to be. the chemo they have today is very good for stage 1, and a good onoc/gyn surgeon will do the best for you to "get it all",  there are women on here that have had all that you both describe, no two people are alike, so listen carefully to what they say, do some research and  then make up your minds as to what you can do.  the main thing is  to get to the problems fast and take care of it however you decide and don't be afraid.  Once you have made up your minds as to what to do, relax and take it from there, chemo can be rough on some and others breeze right through it. But it is the one thing you must do to conquor this.  Good Luck

[Texas Grannie]

I know how very frightened you are. Are you alone or do you live with family or near family? Having Stage 1 is very good. I was stage 3 and here I am years later still alive. I see myself as the little bunny that just keeps going. That was to make you laugh, but you probably didn't even think of laughing. There is not much to laugh about when you are so worried. Being young and not having children is another worry, but if you will find something beautiful every day, don't watch the news, and find someone who will listen to you, your day will go easier. You can also find someone who needs to talk and listen to them. Hold your loved ones tight and determine to worry tomorrow and always enjoy today. Today will never come again. Tomorrow will be here soon enough. I put myself in God's care. He is always there for me. Texas Granny

[onniebay]

I know how you both feel.  I went through infertility treatments for years (probably one of the reasons I got ovarian cancer).  We adopted our little boy a year before I was diagonsed.  I love my son more than life itself.  I've talked to people that have had both bio children and adopted.  They say there is no difference.  

I wake up everyday and thank God I could not have bio children.  If I had been able to conceive, I would not have my son.

Good luck to both of you.  

[mariebean]

Thank you all for your hope and insight.  Luckily, with your advice and encouragement as well as the support from my husband and  family things have been getting better and I woke up today without thinking of cancer!  I am getting a second opinion in terms of having the hysterectomy right now.  My doctor wants me to wait and make that decision after my chemo.   I'm listening to what everyone is saying as well as my doctor, and for me personally I do feel like I have something hanging over my head right now.  Maybe a hysterectomy is the right choice for me.  

[StillFighting]

In addition, how do you live with knowing that you have cancer.  you just do, you take one day at a time and live your life to the fullest. according to my Doctors My cancer had been growing for the better part of 10 years before they found it. I gave birth to a set of twins during that time frame. I think it was harder for me to get pregnant, but my kids are doing great.

Good luck to you and yours!!!

[StillFighting]

as far as this goes.....

in terms of having a hysterectomy I feel like I am gambling with my life for wanting to have children.

ya want kids? what are you waiting for?

[mariebean]

My doctor says I should wait 12 months after my chemo treatments if we decide to try to have children(which i start next week) because that time is the biggest chance for reoccurance.  Does this sound about right?  I am new to all of this, I know my doctor is excellent but I think opinions from people who have walked this path are very important as well.  

[StillFighting]

more than likely the 12 month wait is to ensure that all the chemo has left your system and wouldn't endanger the child....reoccurance on ovarian cancer can come back up to 5 years. or as soon as 2 months it all depends. Your Dr would know more about your type of cancer than we would. but yeah that sounds about right.

[lucymullis]

You both are very resourceful to be seeking out advice so early.  I had heard so many stories about chemo and found it to not be so bad. In fact, after a couple of rounds I was able to drive myself to it.  You will get meds to help you not get nausea.  To me the most important thing for you both now is to realize you will NOT always feel the fear and devastation you feel now.  I know that is hard to believe but I found it to be true.  August will be my 2 year anniversary and I get joy out of each day.  You may also be feeling very much out of control of things.  I decided I could control keeping my body as strong as possible and try to get good rest.
Ask me any questions at all.  I want to help.

[momofsandj]

I would suggest that before you have kids you get tested for the BRAC1 and 2 gene mutations -- if you know you might pass this on to your kids, you may feel differently about having versus adoption --- I have a bad gene, a biologic daughter and an adopted son --- I worry about my daughter's future all the time --they won't test her because she is too young -- I love both of my kids like they had both been born to me --- I wouldn't rush to have a complete hysterectomy, number 1 until you are tested for the gene, and number 2 because if there are cells loose anywhere it won't help and you won't have your own kids -- I feel like saying, "not that this is any of my business"  because these decisions are all so personal to each person but you asked....
Good luck and hang in there -- you'll get through it and have your whole life ahead of you to look forward too after these speed bump.....I know that sounds hokey but I've had cancer three times in five years, couldn't get into remission this time but what's left is tiny, and have finally figured out that I just have to get the most out of each day and stop trying to contol things I can't control.

[Brownie3321]

My story is pretty similar to yours and I want to let you know you can personally email me with questions, concerns, fears - whatever you want. I was dx stage 3C ovarian cancer in July 2007 - I was 27 years old. I went in thinking no cancer, woke up to them telling me they took EVERYTHING out and chemo was next. I think your chances are good being staged at 1, but I do want to say there are other options when dealing with the possibility of having kids. You can adopt, or you can find out more about having your eggs frozen. Believe me when I say, you don't want to be dealing with this years down the road in the other ovary - although I think your chances are great for getting rid of this disease first time around.
How do you deal with cancer? You JUST DO. It sounds crazy now, but you will get through this, I promise you that. You just deal with it day by day. Please email me if you want to talk more in depth. I can also offer you more advice, tips and general info you will want to know when dealing with this cancer at such a young age. My prayers and thoughts are with you. Much love, Deandra