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Original poster

Obese but with pretty normal legs / arms etc but very fat, enormous belly ***Ovarian cancer diagnosis - title edited by MNHQ at OP's request***

984 replies

TwitterQueen1 · 27/02/2017 15:00

Hi
I'd be glad of any advice or personal experiences here. I am around 4 stone overweight, so definitely obese. Most of it is on my stomach though, which now looks like I'm 11 months pregnant with triplets. I'm in my 50s so this is not a possibility. It's very painful and I am short of breath when I walk etc.

I've put on a lot of weight in a short period - 10lbs in 2 months.

Six months ago I was bodyboarding in the sea, walking every day and doing an exercise class every week. Now it's a struggle to do anything.

I'm having bloods done on Friday but any ideas / comments? Am I just unlucky to pile it all on in one place?

OP posts:
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Original poster
TwitterQueen1 · 26/07/2017 16:44

Thank you for the reassurance all Flowers. I do feel better today - and curtains you're right. Stage 4 of nothing is nothing.

I am writing my letter of complaint today, about how my treatment plan was not managed at all. It was made clear to me yesterday that the surgical team would welcome this - they seem to be powerless in the face of internal politics and decision-making by other teams.

OP posts:
flyright · 28/07/2017 16:58

Sounds like a good plan. I think people caught up in ridiculous systems welcome those affected complaining about the impact it has in them. A nice spot of letter writing can also be quite cathartic I find if I get the balance of measured reason and sarcasm right

Pennina · 28/07/2017 19:07

Hi TQ, just checking in to say hello and see how you are. Hope you've a nice weekend planned. Bit gloomy here but supposed to be sunnier on Sunday so hope to do a bit of gardening. Much love Pxx

Pennina · 28/07/2017 19:08

I also noticed that this thread is almost full. I hope you are able to start a new thread and link it so that we can stay in touch with you. Xx

hairymuffet · 29/07/2017 00:09

Hopefully the last few cells will be nuked into oblivion! !

Original poster
TwitterQueen1 · 30/07/2017 16:29

Hi Penn and all
I'm having a chilled week or so. The worst of the hysterectomy discomfort has passed though I'm being very careful and not doing too much at all.

I feel like a glass or two of red wine today, so I guess my body is feeling better too. Wine

And my hair is growing back! Shame it will all go again once the next lot of chemo kicks in but it's reassuring that it has happened so quickly - my last taxol was 7 June.

This period of respite is definitely going to help over the next few months. I feel like I can breath again.

OP posts:
derxa · 30/07/2017 17:37

Good luck Flowers I have read your thread and your sense of humour shines through. I've had BC and none of it was fun but black humour always helps.

BarchesterFlowers · 30/07/2017 19:25

That's brilliant TQ. That you are feeling so much better three weeks on, and your hair and Wine.

Really positive after all you have had to endure. Just think where you will be in a year's time 🥜💐🍷

LavenderRains · 01/08/2017 07:24

Fab news that you are feeling better! FlowersWine

danTDM · 01/08/2017 10:04

Flowers Wine much love xxx

mustbemad71 · 01/08/2017 21:03

So pleased to hear your latest update TQ - onwards and upwards! CakeWineFlowers

Tralalalalz · 01/08/2017 22:16

I am pleased you are feeling better. I used to work with a lady who was 10 years post treatment for Ovarian cancer and no sign of it returning. Here's hoping you've a similar story to tell.

Tralalalalz · 01/08/2017 22:17

I should say, 10 years post treatment for stage 4 Ovarian cancer

flyright · 01/08/2017 22:32

Good to hear things feel a little easier. Hope you managed to enjoy a glass or two. I'm sure a robust Malbec is fortifying.

Original poster
TwitterQueen1 · 04/08/2017 13:41

My consultant says I can't restart chemo yet - the wound from the hysterectomy has not healed sufficiently in one place (lower abdomen). And she doubts it'll be OK in 2 weeks' time. Sad

I'm a bit upset about this tbh - I was looking forward to getting stuck back into chemo, thinking it would be one step nearer to the potential end of treatment. I'm now worrying that the cancer will come back of course, even though she said a few weeks won't make any difference and the wound is more impt right now.

Had another CT scan too. This was my 3rd - and the 1st time it didn't go into my arm! I was in the mobile unit today and it was so much better. No sitting around ( I was early and the 1st one in I think), they didn't cannulate me until I was actually lying down on the scanner.. I asked them (about 5 times I think Blush) to put the dye in slowly, which they did, and all went well.

OP posts:
Popchyk · 04/08/2017 19:13

Hi TQ,

Ta for the update. Sorry you are feeling a bit down about everything (not surprising given the huge stuff you have been through). It is perfectly okay to feel upset about chemo being delayed, though I understand why after the huge operation that you had. Flowers

Doing anything nice for the weekend? I will be gardening, dog walking and watching the athletics on the telly (oh the high octane life I lead).

gonegrey56 · 05/08/2017 08:31

Oh TQ I am sorry there is a delay. I was just checking in with you to see how the treatment is going, but I am certain your consultant will know what is best for you . Do hope the wound heals up soon, thinking of you . I would be impatient too.
But still glad the latest scan was less of an ordeal. How stoical you are.
Lots more Flowers for you x

Original poster
TwitterQueen1 · 05/08/2017 16:08

Tx for kind words..

Does anyone have any knowledge or experience of curcumin as an alternative therapy? Is anyone taking it? I've been reading a bit about it - here, for example and here and am thinking of taking it while I wait for the chemo.

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WhatWouldLeslieKnopeDo · 05/08/2017 17:39

Twitter I completely understand your frustration. My chemo was also delayed for longer than planned after my op, and not even because it hadn't healed just that the oncologist I happened to see that day wanted to be extra catious Hmm but a few extra weeks won't make any real difference. It's annoying when you just want to get back into routine though. But if it isn't healed properly and then the chemo further slows the healing you could end up being delayed much longer and with nasty complications.

I can't remember what drugs you're on exactly, but check with your oncologist before starting anything just in case. Curcumin was contraindicated with my capecitabine, but I don't know if it is with any other drugs.

I'm glad your CT went better this time. When will you get results? Good luck Flowers

Original poster
TwitterQueen1 · 05/08/2017 17:51

Thanks Leslie Smile
I'll check. Realistically I know the delay won't make any difference in the long-run, I guess I just want to be able to do something - anything - other than just sit and wait. Ho hum.

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WhatWouldLeslieKnopeDo · 05/08/2017 23:22

Now that I totally get. I even did some weird anti cancer guided meditation thing while I was waiting to start treatment last year. I knew it was total bollocks, but at least I felt I was doing something.

Some gentle exercise might help? Both physically in preparing you for treatment and reducing risk of recurrence, and mentally seems to be an outlet for some of that restlessness.

Isadora2007 · 05/08/2017 23:29

That urge to DO something is totally normal, so no wonder you're frustrated by the (albeit understandable) delay.
Can you choose a couple of things to do meantime that maybe won't be as easy once having the chemo? Like cinema trip or Chinese meal?

Control is such a horrible part of this awful cancer journey isn't it- that loss of control and the subsequent battle to feel at least a teeny bit in the driving seat. It's crap.

Hope your weekend is a good one. Rainy on and off here which is annoying as you can see how nice it could be...and then rain, again!!'

BarchesterFlowers · 06/08/2017 20:30

You have come such a long way TQ. Frustrating having to wait but at least you are healing well. Flowers. You are getting stronger every day.

I think you deserve a treat of some sort. Is there anything that you fancy doing that you can organise and fit in without too much bother?

Pennina · 15/08/2017 14:44

TQ, just thinking of you so thought I'd pop my head around the corner and say "hi". Hope all ok and that you are continuing to heal. Penn xx

flyright · 15/08/2017 15:27

Quick note to say hope you're not feeling too bad and wish your DD well for results day. Fingers crossed for everyone.