Thanks @HumphreysCorner for starting a new thread.
I feel like a real old-timer now - does anyone else who's been around a long time have a slight heartsink feeling every time a new thread starts? It just reminds me of how long I've now been living with cancer.
My intro: dg ovarian cancer May 2019, no previous symptoms, fortunately investigations for suspected kidney stone led to discovery, so I was then only stage 2 although the tumour was a carcinosarcoma; "rare and aggressive" so grade 3.
Had debulking surgery; adieu uterus, ovaries, fallopian tubes, cervix, omentum and a bit of bowel. Then chemo, carboplatin and paclitaxel. Made a good recovery, had six good months, then a CT scan (I don't secrete CA125 so scans necessary) showed a tiny lung nodule which turned out to be a metastasis. It was removed in September 20, started chemo again (carbo/Caelyx) in November and finished end of March this year. Had a clear scan and have just started maintenance oral chemo, a PARP-inhibitor, niraparib.
I'm 67, live with (female) DP, wonderful family on both sides, lucky me.
There are several newbies I haven't said hello to yet (and please forgive if I had, but have forgotten!) So welcome and commiserations to you all:
@SecretWitch that does seem a long wait for surgery, have you tried raising it with anyone?
@sunflowerdaisies how did you get on with the surgeon on Friday? Ouch ouch at very idea of biopsy - gentle handhold from me.
@Lougle it's so hard waiting for investigations and results; hope this thread will help you manage your natural anxiety.
@twointhemorning you're in the same boat as I was two years ago. It's really good you're having the surgery so soon, although of course you're thinking, gosh it must be really serious if there's a big rush. My op was eight hours, I think, and I spent nine nights in hospital afterwards, but the surgeons were amazing - my scar is the neatest ever - and the care was excellent. I do hope you have the same experience. Do feel free to ask any questions, or PM if you want.
@NogbagTheBag I thought I might have said hi on the last thread, but can't see that I did, so hi anyway!
@Littlestelephant glad you are home, wishing you a good recovery now. Take it easy and I hope you can manage pain.
@Acinonyx2 that's some flipping persistent allergic reaction you're having, poor you. Really crap that it means rads are postponed.
@LizdeFlores feeling exhausted is depressing and annoying, I find, especially when you think it's high time you were perking up. Sending sympathy and a virtual hug.
@thereisonlyoneofme have you got the new motor yet? Please tell me it's a totally bling model, a gold Masarati perhaps?? Am v impressed by your grand extravagance! Come to think of it, the amount I'm shelling out on counselling could usefully be put into a "luxury purchases" pot . .
@TopOfTheCliff you have so much on your plate, dealing with your DF's death, helping your DM; and I'm really sorry about your DC's relapse. Hope he/she can get good treatment and support. You absolutely need time for yourself and every distraction and comfort you can think of. Your friend going on about your hair is astonishing; she can't have realised she was doing exactly what you'd asked her not to but it would have made me just want to terminate the meeting immediately. And people constantly saying "You look so well!" is a weird one too; I get that a lot and find it bloody irritating; for me it's not like I feel they're saying "If you've really got cancer you should be looking ill", more like "You look so well, the treatment must be working and you'll be fine", which is stupid on two counts: a) having OC actually doesn't change one's outward appearance, and b) I could be growing another tumour already, and almost certainly will at some point.
@MrsPnut sorry you are finding it hard being a baldy, I do sympathise (also please forgive me if that term is hurtful for you). You did really well to go out unhatted the other day and I hope the adjustment gets easier.
@PhannyPharts hope you get through last EC with as few side-effect horrors as possible. So true that it's the treatment that causes all the problems (in a way). I won't deny carbo/pacli was hard going for me, but my worst problems were resulting from bowel surgery rather than the drugs. Three of of my six rounds were delayed because of low neutrophils which was v annoying, and generally I had a week of feeling pretty rough after each one, but I did have good times as well. Wishing you as smooth a passage as possible.
@Llioed sorry to hear it's definitely lymphoma - I guess you probably expected that but . . hope you get the treatment plan soon and feel OK about whatever they suggest, whether it's watch and wait or otherwise.
@AlbertCampion I quite understand you feeling sad and slightly guilty about your DSis having to be monitored because of the possible genetic link, but you know it's not your "fault", and mammograms will hopefully detect any issues for her very early. But am crossing fingers she will be fine.
Sending waves, good wishes and love to all - apols if I've missed any big news.