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Hi everyone,

My name is Dilara, and I'm an ovarian cancer survivor from Turkey. I was diagnosed with a Stage IA ovarian dysgerminoma when I was 18 years old. I had surgery in 2011 to remove my right ovary and fallopian tube along with lymph nodes and my omentum. Thankfully, I've been cancer-free ever since.

The problem is that I never really understood what happened to my body afterward. Everything happened so fast, I was very young, and my family was dealing with a lot at the time. My mom was doing her best, but she doesn't remember many of the medical details, and I never had anyone explain the long-term effects to me.

Over the years I developed early menopause, and I haven't had a period in almost four years. I now have osteoporosis, chronic pain, fatigue, and I'm very underweight. I'm being followed by endocrinology and a bone specialist, and I finally have my first appointment with a gynecologist at Mount Sinai Hospital this September.

To be honest, I'm scared.

I feel like I'm starting from the beginning, trying to understand what happened to my body after cancer. I have so many questions about hormones, menopause, bone health, chronic pain, fertility, and what my future looks like.

I'm not looking for medical advice to replace my doctors, but I would really appreciate hearing from anyone who has gone through something similar.

• Did anyone else experience menopause at a young age after ovarian cancer?
• How did you manage osteoporosis and bone pain?
• Have you found anything that helped with your quality of life alongside your medical treatment?
• Are there questions you wish you had asked your specialists?
• Are there any survivor resources, support groups, books, or organizations that helped you understand everything better?

I think more than anything, I just need people who understand what this feels like. It's been a lonely journey, and I would be incredibly grateful for any guidance or shared experiences.

Thank you so much for reading. ❤️

Hi Brenda,

Thank you so much for taking the time to reply and for sharing your experience with me. I really appreciate your kindness and your suggestions.

I honestly never had anyone explain the long-term effects of my cancer treatment and early menopause to me, so hearing from other women who understand means a lot. I will definitely speak with my doctors about hormone replacement therapy and ask more questions about my bone health and treatment options.

Thank you as well for mentioning the resources and sexual health information. I'm still trying to learn and understand everything that has happened to my body over the past 15 years, and your response made me feel a little less alone in this journey.

Wishing you all the best, and thank you again for your support. ❤️

Dilara

Hi @Laragbulut and welcome to OVdialogue. While we are always saddened to hear of anyone's diagnosis and their continued challenges, I am thankful for you that you have been cancer free since your initial diagnosis.

I cannot speak to going into early menopause as I was already through menopause when I was diagnosed (at age 58). I was however diagnosed with osteopenia in my early 50's. My Mum has osteoporosis and so I went for bone density scans every other year until I was diagnosed with osteopenia 5 years ago and then it moved to annually. Similar to @brendalee I take Calcium and D3 daily plus I lift weights. Nothing too intense however it is also something worth exploring relative to bone density/health. My osteopenia has remained 'stable' even post my chemotherapy which I was pleased with. I do not have bone pain similar to what you have described. I would definitely speak to your bone specialist about necessary vitamins plus anything you can do physically to help build bone strength.

With regard to hormone therapy, it's definitely worth a discussion with your specialist.

If you haven't registered already, you may want to join the July "Teal Tea" for younger people with ovarian cancer. You can find the link on the main page of this site OR under the EVENTS tab above. I'm sure the women who attend this group would likely have a lot of information they could share with you.

In addition, there's an organization in Toronto called "The Menopause Foundation of Canada". See the link below. I have NOT utilized them however perhaps there is some information in here that would be of use? I'm a patient at Princess Margaret Hospital. I am seen by a doctor in their Sexual Health Clinic. I needed a referral and I'm not sure if you have to be a patient at PMH however that's also worth discussing with your specialist as they treat women specifically those who have had been diagnosed/treated for cancer.

https://menopausefoundationcanada.ca/about-menopause-foundation-of-canada/

I hope some of the above is helpful. Please continue to ask questions of your doctors as well as this group. I'm hoping your specialists can provide some information to help you. With regard to OVd the Teal Sisters here will do our best to help as much as possible. 

#Healthandwellness

@Laragbulut lots of questions here.  There are probably some young OC sisters in this group that can also give you some guidance.  I went thru menopause from my chemo treatment and then thru my surgery.  So far I haven't really discussed osteo with my doctor even though I probably should.  Bone pain, I have heard Claritin helps, I have never tried this.  But again do we want to have to rely on Claritin  everyday?  So far biggest thing that help me, is moving my body, exercising even if it's just walking.  Also keeping myself busy reading,puzzling,art, hanging with good friends, travel,etc… I know there are sexual health clinics that help with menopause symptoms,and there have been newly opened menopause clinics too.  Sorry I don't feel like I am much help.  But I wish you luck and I hope your doctors will have answers for you.🙏🏻🫂👊