Fat belly? No. Ovarian Cancer belly (pt 2)

[TwitterQueen1]

The story of my ovarian cancer discovery is here

This is such an important health issue - there's a reason why OC is called the 'silent killer'. I really want more women to be aware of what few symptoms there are (I wasn't).

This is my story. I hope it's a long one.

Elephants if you had any kind of lump a scan would certainly show it. But if you have anything like diabetes for example, or a hormone imbalance, then a scan won't show anything - you would need blood tests for that. I assume you've had bloods done?

Curtains I was there 1977-1981. Fantastic city. Happy days.

I have had blood tests done but all came back okay except oestrogen iirc. The GP keeps telling me all my symptoms could be stress which doesn't help. I'm now on ADs and she is sure I'm peri-menapausal. I'm just confused by the pain and weight gain. Thank you. I wish you well.

Can anyone point me to any papers/articles on the impact of positive pelvic/abdominal washings after surgery - I'm finding it really tricky sourcing any info. TIA

Saw the consultant today and she has stopped my Avastin for a couple of weeks. The concern is that my neuropathy has worsened and they don't know if this is a hangover from the paclitaxel and carbo or whether it's being made worse by the Avastin I had 3 weeks ago.

Obviously I'm hoping it's not the Avastin because if it is, I will have to stop it. And that will be me out of the trial and off the drug that lengthens the time before the cancer comes back again.

The consultant was very careful to say 'When' it comes back, not 'if'. I was OK at the appt. I'm not OK now.

I'm so sorry, today sounds like it has been absolutely brutal. It's not fair that you're going through this. Keeping my fingers crossed that you get good news about the Avastin. In the meantime, please take care of yourself- have a good long soak in the bath with some upbeat music and some cake.

Dear TQ I’m not very good about giving words of comfort but I am thinking of you . and lots of virtual hand holding from here

I just wanted to say I've been reading your threads and think you are coping amazingly well and are raising awareness of this cancer.

I had my own scare a couple of years ago - went to the doctor with sharp pain that came and went and bloating, though mine was only minor. I thought it was an ulcer. GP took it very seriously indeed and got me into hospital for all kinds of scans and tests. No-one said the C word but it dawned on me one day after googling my symptoms that it could be. In my case it turned out to be pretty extensive endometriosis and an ovarian cyst which was causing the pain. I had a laparoscopy and the cyst removed and have been much better since. My endometriosis is pretty severe in spread but largely symptom free since the op. I've lost twenty odd pounds in weight (on purpose!) in the last year as well which seems to help, as does being more active. Though when the endometriosis symptoms started I was running three times a week and the pain stopped me, which is why I put weight on in the first place, so I am very much keeping am eye on things and also stuff like stress levels.

Also sorry to hear you are having a rough time of it today Twitter. All the best to you.

Thanks folks. You lot always make me feel better.
I don't disagree with the consultant's decision. If I couldn't walk I would be devastated and the state of my toenails is debilitating because I can't wear shoes. It's all about quality of life. But I need a few more years yet please.

Hearing Dogs for the Deaf aren't coming up with the goods though. Highly unlikely to be any dog requiring a holiday chez TQ1 before March. I think another trip to the Dogs' Trust is in order.

Has anyone tried those expensive fit flops? I've got cheapie £4 sliders from Tesco right now. They're great but I can't get a good stride on IYKWIM.

Now having major wobbles about CT scan on Friday. The last one was 4th August, which was a month after the filleting (aka debulking / hysterectomy). This was NED (no evidence of disease) but now I'm scared. I have no reason to be because I feel OK apart from the neuropathy but ovarian cancer is so shitty because it grows and grows without letting you know it's there.

I've always worked on the principle that if there's something wrong with you it will hurt. I know now that this is not the case. How is it that something so deadly causes no pain (except for when it's too late)?

Hi TQ,

Re Fit flops - I have only ever had the toe post sandals (and can't wear those for long as they give me blisters on my toe). I might have pair somewhere that I would gladly pass on (size 39 I expect). Will have look!
Alternatively, would a pair of adventure/walking sandals help? I have a pair with an adjustable strap on the front part of the foot (so you could ease your foot in without hurting your toe). Make is Mephisto - be warned, they are not stylish but they are sturdy and maybe you could wear thermal socks with them in this cold weather (you will definitely be the best dressed woman around..)
Just another thought, but would UGG boots be cosy and comfortable, especially if you sized up? Soft on your feet, and probably would help the soles feel better.
As far as Friday is concerned, you have, as you have said yourself, no real reason to be scared. Just hold onto that. I'm sure it is ghastly for you, but you have been doing so well. and feel well. That must mean something. All fingers crossed here for you.

i second the ugg boots - or cheapy copy cat stylee

i have health issues and they are fab

chin up tq xx sending best wishes :)

Sorry TQ, sounds like a rough day. Hopefully this is just a blip and you'll be back on the meds soon. Completely understandable to be nervous about the CT scan after all you've been through in such a short time - do you have an appointment to get the results?

Have everything crossed for you and sending

Thanks Gonegrey I can't wear toe post sandals either ... I don't understand how others do it!

Yes, I'll try Uggs or similar I think. T K Max here I come. Quite funny - my oncologist doesn't like feet either and was very sympathetic! She said she'd never go to a chiropodist and understood my general pissed-offness and fear that if I do go, they'll do something horrid like take the nails off altogether, which isn't really necessary.

TQ just checking in to say I do hope all goes well today, and also that your feet/toes are less painful . Lots of UGG type boots in Black Friday online sales (John Lewis have a promotion) .

thanks GG I hope you don't mind the familiarity there - from GoneGrey down to GG . It meant a lot that you remembered actually as I am finding it a lonely business now the 'novelty' value has worn off for everyone.
again, which I prefer. They do the cannula near the inner elbow, which I find so much easier to take. Also, you're lying down and there's no hanging around like there is when you're 'inside'. I kept my hat, coats and gloves on right from arrival to scan because it's so flipping cold out there tonight!

I'll get the results on 4th Dec, when they decide whether or not I can continue with the Avastin.

Enough about me... Tell me what YOU think about me ... HA HA old joke. How are you?

Oh dear, some text seems to have disappeared. it should be something along the lines of 'I prefer the mobile unit ... again, which I prefer...

Hi twitter I popped round for some cake but you were out!
You are right sadly, having cancer is lonely, and I suppose once people have done the ' how awful, I'm so sorry, keep fighting blah blah blah' they go back to normal life.
I don't blame them it just is how it is, and of course you just want to protect your nearest and dearest as much as possible.
But a stranger is thinking if you, and wishing you well.

Areyouready what a shame! there was a piece with your name on it! lying through my teeth as I finished the cake off for breakfast

I'll take you with me next time - virtually - I've got to the stage where I need some friends to come with me.

That's a deal, so long as I don't have see your feet 🤢

Hi TQ, I'm more of a lurker than poster on MN these days, but I've followed your threads from the start. Best wishes for the scan results next week. And for finding comfy shoes!

Hello TQ I'm sorry you don't yet have the results, and that the wait goes on. That is so tough. I do feel for you.
You were kind enough to ask after me, I think my left foot would rival yours - the plaster is off but my lower leg and foot look disgusting after a few weeks healing in a plaster cast. I was caught out yesterday evening when I was just entering Oxford Circus tube station when all the drama kicked off. No way could I run, as instructed by the police, but - like many others - I was locked into an office building for a hour. All well thankfully. We certainly live in trying times these days, on top of all the health challenges so many face. I do admire your stoicism. I hope the little sunshine of this wintery weekend has reached your home. Lots more cake is called for! Take care GG x

Oh my goodnes GG! that must have been so scary! Cake is not enough in those situations. A few good strong gins instead I think. I've never been caught up in a situation lik that (thankfully) though I do remember all the IRA scares in the 70s.

I think I've found some boots btw. I thought I was going to be reduced to UGGs and an awful price tag of around £160 or so [gulp] but the aperture to get your foot in is very small and I just couldn't even get them on. But then I went into Animal and got something similar for £34! I haven't tried them in earnest yet but they're warmer than my sliders at any rate.

Hello TQ - just been thinking of you. All the best for the scan results on Monday.

Glad things seem to be efficient there, my mum had a scan in October, it took 4 weeks to write the report and she has just been told she has to wait until the beginning of January for the results as that's the earliest appointment. Not what you need!

I have everything crossed for you.

Tx curtains. Am convinced it's going to be bad news but i have no reason to think so. I'm hoping that I will at least get the go ahead to have the Avastin on Wednesday.

I would like to think that your mum can't get an earlier appointment as there is no need for one....