General Chat

I am an ovarian cancer survivor. I was diagnosed with stage 4 ovarian cancer in 2001, and was told I was unlikely to survive more than a further 6 months. Fortunately, I responded really well to chemotherapy, so the consultant agreed to operate, and followed up with more chemo. After 5 years, I was given the all clear, and am still fit and well - no further treatment.
I feel so very fortunate, and would like to say to others who are diagnosed with this awful disease : stay strong and positive, and never give up hope - it can be beaten!
Lynda xx

Brilliant Lynda :-D

There was an item on BBC Breakfast this morning, with a similar story.

Hi Lynda, l love hearing of people that have beaten this awful cancer.
I lost my sister to ovarian cancer and she was only 48 so anyone with symptoms please go for the blood test.

If youdon't mind telling Lynda.How did you findyou had it?

Having been a bit off colour and breathless,my cousin dropped dead and was found to have had ovarian cancer which,it seems,had caused a clot in her lung.

Yes, Mummo. You do need to pester your doctor if you have suspicious symptoms. My doctor didn't realise what was going on - thought it was "just the menopause" or cystitis. He finally sent me to hospital with a suspected appendicitis, then they did the necessary tests! But, GPs are much more aware these days, so, yes, go to the doctors if at all suspicious.

Sharron, if at all suspicious, please go to your doctor. Many people have bloating and find it difficult to eat due to a feeling of fullness, have the need to pass water frequently, but not the burning pain of cystitis. It's often so vague, though, and does mimic the symptoms of the menopause.
The blood test - known as the CA125 test,was not automatically offered when I had my trouble, as it can be positive for many gyneacological disorders, but together with a CT scan was very conclusive for me.
It was finally a pain like the worst ever monthly pain that got my doctor moving! Appendicitis indeed!!

Brilliant, thank you so much for sharing this with us.

Thank you Lynda.

It is not me but I was wondering what my cousin had missed. I know she was on HRT so I was wondering if that had masked something.

I think she had a growth the size of an orange.

So sorry to hear of your sister, Mummo, and your cousin, Sharron. The two women I was in Addenbrooks hospital with for the operation didn't survive the 5 years. It's said only 1 in 3 survive the 5 years - I feel so lucky.

Every month should be "Cancer Awareness" month..........

So if in doubt...............get it checked out!!

Sooner, rather that later.

Well done you Lynda!

<3