Fat belly? No. Ovarian Cancer Belly (part 3) still going!

[TwitterQueen1]

This is the story of my ovarian cancer discovery and treatment from March 2017 to now. I hope it proves informative / interesting / thoughtful ... and most of all, perhaps make someone think 'actually I need to go the doctor about this and not just assume I've got a pelvic floor / weight problem'.

I am not having treatment - I was on an early phase trial with olaparib and cedirinab, which was going well but the doctors discovered brain mets in May, and after targeted radiotherapy there's not much else they can do.

I'm recently home after 3 weeks in hospital with pneumonia and sepsis so I cannot promise any exciting tales (except falling over). I moan a lot about steroid-induced diabetes.

Happy to hear any terrible (or good) jokes, rants, raves, anecdotes. I was/am a woolly hugger but can't do anything right now.

Here is part 1

Here is part 2

Thinking about you TQ. Another who has followed your story from the beginning

Dearest TQ, I have just this minute joined mumsnet to send you this note.

For four and a half years my mum also fought stage 3C Ovarian cancer, finally beating it in November last year by peacefully falling asleep on a beautiful sunny day at The Christie in Manchester. During 2018 and after mums passing I found comfort in your threads, sitting on the sidelines reading about you and the other ladies who are all battling with the curse of this vile disease just like my mum was, knowing she wasn’t alone is very cathartic.

If anyone ever needs a reality check then your threads do exactly that. Every person offers a perspective that is familiar yet mysterious, an anonymous community that shows that you are not alone, stories told that have no context except being rooted in bravery and fear all mushed together much like the psychological turmoil everyone affected by cancer seems to experience.

Your story echoes with dejavu, you could almost say textbook Ovarian cancer shit, from the trials that didnt work to the brain mets that magically appear just to screw you over a little bit more. The true horror was watching it slowly take away part of mum with every set back, on here you take it in your stride but I saw how horrific it could be and if it is textbook then I admire your bravery.

Thank you could never be enough, there are ladies here who would have gone insane without your support, there are family members just like me, lurking, who have followed closely the paths of so many here trying to comprehend what was happening to the person they love, knowing you are not alone.

Mums final moments were very peaceful, after one last kiss from me she left behind the tired out cancer ridden body just like a butterfly blooming from its cocoon, in that moment I knew everything was going to be alright.

X

Thinking of you TQ
@Wehttam that was so beautiful what you have said

I agree Josiewosie, beautifully put wehttam. Sorry to hear of your loss too wehttam.

I've followed TQ from the beginning- my physique was similar so her original post caught my eye. I'm so sad and angry. Bloody cancer.

Darling TQ hope you and your lovely daughters are being taken good care of, sending you love.

P

I hope you are comfortable and happy in the hospice, TQ, and spending precious time with your lovely daughters. You are a very strong woman and have handled this whole horrible situation with grace and dignity. You’re an inspiration to many.

Have you actually arrived at the hospice? It’s been a few days since you were referred.

If you don’t feel up to posting right now, I hope someone is reading out posts to you. And of course it goes without saying that if TQDD1, 2 or 3 appears on the thread, the welcome will surpass all others

Lurker here too. I hope you are settled and comfortable TQ, and spending quality time with your daughters.

Thank you for sharing your experience over these years so honestly and eloquently.

Thinking of you ❤️

TQ I have read all your threads but have never commented. They have really touched me. I lost someone close to me from ovarian cancer last year. I really don’t know what to say to but I am thinking of you and your daughters today with sadness xx

Sending peaceful thoughts from Ireland TQ and TQ DDs.
You have highlighted this rotten disease to a huge degree. You leave a legacy of women being much more aware of the symptoms and empowered to push for better care

Thinking of you every day TQ.

Hope you are all finding comfort & care in the hospice. Thinking of you & the courage shown.

Thank you for all your posts TQ.

Much love to you and your girls TQ. You are always in my thoughts. I hope you are as pain free as possible. X

Sending love TQ to you and your girls

Hello everyone
TQ friend IRL here 😊
TQ has not made it to the hospice but is still in hospital. In contact with one of her DD’s this morning and she is being well cared for by the lovely nurses.
X

@Shelovesmilktray thanks for updating the thread. TQ is in our hearts. We are the TQ crowd 😁

Thanks for the update. Glad she's being well looked after. Hope you're ok and got people around you too. I went through this with one of my best friends last month. My thoughts are with you all.x

Sending love and strength to TQ and all who are loving and supporting her.

You are one special person x

Tell her mumsnet sends unmumsnetty love

Thanks for the update, glad to hear that she's being looked after. Please send her all our love.

Thank you for the update
❤️ all my love with TQ ❤️

Hello everyone

I’m so very sorry to have to tell you that my friend Madeleine ( known to you all as TQ) passed away earlier today.

Her lovely DD’s are the same age as my DD. Madeleine and I were neighbours when our babies were tiny and we’ve been friends ever since for more than 25 years.

She was just as fab in real life as on Mumsnet - supportive, caring, intelligent, thoughtful, funny - and just brilliant company.

I will miss her. We all will.

X

I'm so sorry. RIP lovely lady. I'm glad she's now pain free, but it's horrible. Best wishes to you and her daughters and family.

💐 @Shelovesmilktray

And rest peacefully @TwitterQueen1

Look out for my friend who died from the after effects of cervical cancer treatment last month

💔💔

My condolences to her family.
Rest in peace, TwitterQueen.