English Community

Hi there,

Just joined up today - I'm the best friend and primary caregiver of a 63 year old who has a 25 cm mass on her right ovary that seems to be growing exponentially. It came out of nowhere and now she's in constant medical distress - can barely eat, breathe, sleep. She's had all the tests - CT scan, ultrasound, x-rays, bloodwork, and we met with the Gyne-Oncologist who says surgery will be 6-8 weeks from now. I'm scared of the deterioration I'm seeing everyday - no energy, can't sleep or eat barely at all, has no energy, struggles to breathe. I've reached out to patient relations at Health Sciences Centre (where we are in Winnipeg) to try and expedite things - but, at this point, we're open to anything....any suggestions....I'd appreciate any guidance or info from anyone at this point. Thank you!

Hello Glofriend,

   In reading about your friend's struggles, I can fully understand your concern. I am troubled that her health is declining and she still has to wait this amount of time for surgery. There might be other teal sisters who have a better understanding of this problem, but I am wondering why chemotherapy wasn't offered before surgery? I mention this because I had a 16 x 6 cm tumour which caused similar symptoms in me (not able to eat properly, fatigue, abdominal pain, sleep problems) and I was given chemo right away. I had 5 cycles; my tumour shrunk and I could function again. Then I had surgery and some follow up chemo. This approach was a game changer for me. 
   I wonder if this idea can be discussed with the oncologist? Do they use a cancer team approach with patients in Manitoba where patients are involved in the treatment plan and can advocate for themselves (or have others do so)? We don't have that model in BC where I am, but my GP advocated on my behalf re: getting tests done quickly, etc. 

 If she has breathing problems, she may have ascites around her lungs (fluid) and that can be drained. It is good that all these tests have been done, but you didn't mention an oncologist. Perhaps this is the missing step. Once I met mine, the treatment plan was implemented and right away. 

Please let us know how she is doing and I am sure that other knowledgeable sisters will offer their support and thoughts. 

Leslie 

Hi and welcome.  I have been here since March and must say all the teal sisters are lovely and knowledgeable.  I found my tumor in feb 2025 it was 15 x 12cm and had peritoneal deposits thru out my abdomen, as well as pleural effusions and large amount of ascites.  Looking back I felt was going to die if I didn't start getting help and treatment.  It took them 2 months to be able to say for sure it was an ovarian cancer even though we knew we just didn't get a positive biopsy until the 4th biopsy.  Once that it was identified we started with chemo first because the tumor was too large to operate on.  What my oncologist told me was that chemo first to shrink tumor and ascites, then maybe surgery after 3rd round of chemo but no guarantee they could do surgery.  I go for surgery tomorrow after 4 rounds.

have you meet with the oncologist yet?  That's what the next step would be after the gyne oncologist to tell you the plan.  Does the gyne oncologist have anymore procedures to do first?

I barely ate too, all I can say is small frequent snacks, meals. Lots of protein snacks. Ensure or boost, smoothies, etc.  Get some meds for nausea or reflux take them to help appetite. 

the hardest part was the making sure you are connected to the cancer clinic and waiting for those appointments.  I remember I kept telling myself "1 more week, 4 more days"….i just had to make it there.  I called to make sure the clinic had my referral.  Once I was connected with them everything has been quite smooth and coordinated.

hope that helps a little, and like I said the sisters are a wealth of knowledge.  I'm sure they will reply here for you with more information and support.  Good luck to your friend and you.  She is lucky to have you supporting her.

I'm so sorry about your friend.  This is a small suggestion that may or may not help.  Could your friend get her ascites drained ("tapped")? I got a lot of relief from that.  I was drained the day of my diagnosis, and it took several visits to the ER to find a doctor to set up another drain for me, but when it finally happened, it brought even more relief.

Is she fortunate enough to have a cancer patient navigator? They can be great advocates.

I hope that your friend gets treatment soon.  Please keep us posted.

Hello @Glofriend and welcome to the site and the group. I'm sure you're friend has been thanking you however on behalf of all the Teal Sisters on this site, THANK YOU for helping your friend. We find that sometimes having an advocate for us can be part of the challenge. I see some other's have weighed in with some good advice and information. The one item that is a constant is ADVOCACY. We find that using our voices (or yours, on behalf of your friend), can many times get the attention and support needed. 

I'm so sorry that your friend is experiencing such distress. If you and she are truly worried, is there an option to go to an ER in a hospital that is related to the Health Sciences Centre? I had to do that a few times (at the request of my oncologist) to get tests done quickly. I will admit the ER wait was lengthy (it was in the Toronto area) however in less than 24 hours I was able to get the tests required plus the medical support and answers needed. The Gyne-oncologist you met with might also have a location suggestion too. 

Please keep us posted. You are an angel for helping her. 

Hi @Glofriend I wanted to check in and see how you and your friend are doing? Have you been able to make any headway in having her surgery scheduled sooner? Let us know how you are both doing. I think about your friends situation often.

Hopefully getting the help your friend needs.🤗

Hi @Glofriend you and your friend have been on my mind so since your first post. I hope she is getting the support she needs. Please let us know how you are both doing. I do hope you've managed to get some forward momentum. Thinking of you both.