New to Site - IP Port Advice?
Newly diagnosed in spring of this year. Surgery June 25 with complete hysterectomy. Cancer resided in right fallopian tube and right ovary only so pathology confirmed a Stage II. Heading to first chemo July 20 - so only 3 days from now. Anxious for sure. Early 60's and dr quite positive for my long term prognosis. Offering my the ability for an IP port to wash the abdomen for round 2-6. Has only used IP port on line? Want to hear more if so
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Sending our support to you for tomorrow
My journey started when I was diagnosed with High Grade Serous 3C in Feb 2020.
Had complete hysterectomy, debulking and osteomy in March followed by chemo Carbo/PAC combination from April to October. I didn’t have bad reactions to chemo and overall got through treatment with only minor hiccups. Osteomy was reversed in December.
I have had 2 checkups with the oncologist to be told all is well.
But I now get frequent heartburn after eating, pain in the abdomen either around liver and sometimes in the back between shoulder blades. My oncologist and GP do not want to do a CT scan saying I should take Tylenol for pain. I am wondering if anyone else is experiencing these types of pains and aches? Is it normal and could it be just anxiety?
It sounds like treatment has been successful so far, other than this issue that has begun to plague you post primary treatment. I can appreciate the anxiety that might cause but it is not unusual to have issues arise as your body goes through the healing process. If your GP., and most importantly your oncologist, don't believe your symptoms warrant a CT then I'm assuming your CA 125 is stable and /or your symptoms haven't persisted long enough to feel the issue more than temporary. So keep a journal each day of what you eat and do and when the symptoms appear. You may be able to tie it to a specific activity or food that sets it off. Regardless, the journal would be helpful to your medical care team in assessing the problem.
All of that said, did they rule out acid reflux? I suffer exactly the symptoms you mention from time to time and have for years. Cancer treatment did exacerbate it a bit but not enough to change how it's treated. Sometimes the pain is mild, other times quite severe, but always goes away over time. I take a daily prescribed medication for it which keeps the reflux under control. The only times now that I get a breakthrough attack is when I'm in chemo or I stupidly eat something I know I shouldn't.....like Mexican or any other really spicy food. I've also been told by a nutritionist to move my diet to a more low fibre one as high fibre foods can set off an attack for someone with acid reflux.
Hopefully this will disappear over time and is an outcome of healing from all of the surgery and treatment which really does take a toll on our bodies. As I mentioned, track the occurrences and if they continue to persist past three months then, were it me, I would raise it again with my oncologist. If he/she still believes it's not cancer related then perhaps a referral back to your GP or a GI specialist would be in order.
I really appreciate your reply and I like the idea of a journal. Heartburn was one of my symptoms just before diagnosis, although it’s not as severe now, I find it along with aches and pains worrisome. Someone previously mentioned researching reoccurrence. Any idea where I could find that information?
Yes, it is important to learn about recurrence, but I do caution you not to fixate on it. As long as you have a regular schedule of surveillance check ups, and you know the signs of recurrence to look for you should just focus on healing.
Where can you learn about recurrence? It depends on the questions you have. The OCC website is chalk full of information via sharing of stories, videos, booklets like By Your Side and Still By Your Side; especially in the Recurrence section at https://ovariancanada.org/Living-with-Ovarian-Cancer/Recurrence Their monthly speaker series can be useful depending on the topic of the month. The fall Symposium Nov 5/6 you would probably find quite valuable. You can get more information on these and other events on at https://ovariancanada.org/Events/Find-Local-Events
And, of course, reach out to our community here with questions or concerns. We can relate to your anxiety; both those who've never experienced recurrence, and those, like me, who've experienced multiple recurrences. I host a live online chat you might want join. It's every Thursday at 1pm ET and an opportunity to get immediate feedback from the ladies who've joined each week. All you need to do is sign in to OVdialogue as usual, and then click on the Discussion topic Teal Thursday.....to enter the chat room where you're welcome to participate or just observe based on your comfort level. Love to have you with us anytime.
Hope this all helps somewhat. Keep us posted on your progress. We'll be thinking of you and sending virtual hugs in support.
Yes this is very helpful and time permitting I will join the chat on Thursdays.
Hope you have wonderful Thanksgiving