I am a 40yo mom of 2 little girls. I was followed for years for a cyst on my left ovary-thought to be dermoid. It started rapidly growing in the summer. Oncology was consulted and they deemed it benign based on my Ca125 and scans. On Oct5th o had it removed, along with my uterus for dysfunctional bleeding. I thought I was all done. On Oct16th my GP called at supper and blew my world apart. It was a grade 2 endometrioid adenocarcinoma. I had further surgery yesterday to remote my other ovary and partial omentectomy. I am currently a stage 1c, grade 2 and hoping I stay there. My oncologist says I need 6 cycles of carbo/taxol. During removal of the tumor it was ruptured as the surgeon believed it to be benign. My oncologist says chemo is needed due to this as well as the fact of it being grade 2.
I see so many with endometrioid have surgical treatment only. I am so angry my tumor was purposefully ruptured so my surgeon could complete laproscopicaly. Has anyone else dealt with a low stage that was advanced with rupture?
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I've been having symptoms for close to a year that have been gradually worsening over the last couple months. I was diagnosed with 2cm complex cyst on my right ovary in October - after I finally stopped ignoring the symptoms and went to the doctor.
The follow up ultrasound is showing 2 cysts. I've asked for a referral for a second opinion because my doctor is still not concerned. I asked about a voluntary hysterectomy as I'm close to menopause anyway and it's affecting my quality of life. She seemed amused by my audacity.
It is stories like yours that make me insist on not waiting despite the complete lack of concern from my doctor.
We have a guide available free of charge for women recently diagnosed with ovarian cancer. It is called By Your Side and you can order it online here: http://ovariancanada.org/living-with-ovarian-cancer/support-resources
What kind of support do you have around you? Are you able to ask for help from family members and/or friends?
Its so hard to not be bitter and angry and dwell on "if only". I made a conscious decision to not let those feelings take over. I needed my energy for the fight ahead. And for my 7 year old. Having young kids and going through treatment is a challenge. But kids are so resilient, and in a way their needs are often direct and immediate, so it kind of forces you to live in the present. It's great that your parents are so close, I'm sure they'll be a great support for you and your girls. Just as I am sure that you will also have the grace and courage to get through this and come out the other side.
I'm glad to hear your story as I wondered if chemo is too agressive in my case but it sounds like it's protocol for a rupture.
How are you coping now post treatments? Does life ever feel "back to normal"?
Unfortunately, my cancer is platinum resistant so my plan is to get back on the chemo and radiation train. But we're going to Disney first, and we're all so excited. I doubt we will ever return to pre cancer normal, but we will adjust to our new normal and will continue to find the joy in every single day. Be here now is the best advice. Nobody knows what the future holds, but I AM here NOW. And that in itself is such a wonderful gift.
It’s good to see a discussion about my type of ovarian cancer. I was diagnosed in November 2011 with the endometroid type. After my second abdominal surgery, my oncologists ultimately diagnosed me as stage IIIC endometrial adenocarcinoma of the uterus and stage IC endometroid adenocarcinoma of the ovary. From what I understand this kind accounts for only about 20 per cent of ovarian cancer cases and generally has a better prognosis than some of the other types,
Happy to meet a fellow "rare type"
@red1976 Our stories are quite similar. Before my surgery we knew that there was a mass on my right ovary and that my uterus was enlarged. However, my gynecologist thought there was only about a 20 or 25 per cent chance that it was cancer. The endometroid cancer came as a shock to both of us even though we were aware before the surgery that I had some potentially serious problems. My OBGYN did an excellent job considering the rather difficult circumstances. When the pathology report revealed cancer, he immediately referred me to an oncologist at the Tom Baker Centre where I underwent additional surgery and had chemotherapy treatment.
@Pumpkinpi I’ve been tested for Lynch Syndrome and the results came back negative. I was extremely relieved because from what I can discern being positive for the condition would have significantly increased my risk of being diagnosed with cancer again. Of course, for people with Lynch Syndrome their probability is especially high for colon cancer. I wish you good luck and I hope that your test results are negative too.
Did you to carbo/taxol? That's my protocol. I start Tuesday and I'm getting very nervous.
Also surgery is standard protocol - full abdominal hysterectomy which usually includes removal of all reproductive organs, cervix, omentum and possibly some lymph nodes. So you had this surgery in 2 stages as it was only after the first surgery they made the diagnosis of cancer. I doubt your age was a factor in the decision for the second surgery as much as the confirmation of the cancer diagnosis.
I hope your first treatment yesterday went OK. Let us know how you are doing.