Tfetterhoff

Hi there, Tfetterhoff! Welcome to WhatNext! Cancer is a crazy journey none of us planned but here we are. Welcome to the stage IV club too - scary as heck at first but less so as you go along.

I was stage IV at diagnosis but that was nearly 7 years ago now so I guess that's pretty good. Whatever, I'll take it. I'm happy to be here and happy to help you on your journey if I can. Sometimes even just knowing someone else has been there before you helps.

Some time ago, I recorded a series of videos for WhatNext about my cancer journey. You may find them helpful or perhaps interesting. I've included a link at the end of this message should you wish to check them out. My hair is longer now (but still pink!) and I have a new knee but not much else has changed since I recorded the videos.

WhatNext.com is a great place for everyone, from the newly diagnosed to those of us who've been living with cancer for some time - friends and loved ones too! While you're here at WhatNext.com, check out the questions and experiences of other folks here. You can find people who've had the same cancer, surgeries, chemotherapy and experiences should you wish. It's often reassuring to know others have been through what you're facing and thrived. I also recommend the PINBOARD - there are often humorous or uplifting posts that can make your day. Definitely worth checking out.

https://www.whatnext.com/video_pages/ovarian_cancer_videos_kalindria

In the meantime, I'm here if you have any questions or want to chat.

Hi Tfetterhoff, welcome to WhatNext. I am sorry you have experienced that “ oh no “ moment. I came to WhatNext in 2013 when diagnosed with stage IIIC ovarian cancer at the age of 66. . I needed to connect with other survivors and find out about the road ahead. I was welcomed warmly and by asking questions and reading information provided on the site I gained extra strength to go through the surgery and the chemo.

I read you experiences , thank you for sharing. I re ember well the fatigue, the loss of hair and the low white blood cell count That delayed my last chemo treatment twice. Today, many doctors are recommending a course of maintenance therapy going forward after frontline chemo. This was not even mentioned to me in 2013 since it was a new way of thinking among the medical community . With the advent of new drugs, PARP inhibitors, being part of this group, maintenance therapy is a common recommendation now. As with all the treatments, everyone is different and there is no such thing as one size fits all unfortunately.

Please take the opportunity to look through the information offered on the site. The site has grown greatly over the years. and we now have many blogs and videos. One video in particular may help you. The video is by a fellow ovarian cancer survivor. Kalindria was diagnosed stage IV in 2013 and is currently in treatment for a recurrence. Unfortunately recurrence for later stage ovarian cancer is an all too common event. I would like you to remember what I was told early on about cancer, and ovarian cancer in particular- 1. No one is born stamped with an expiration date. 2. People surprise everyday. My friend kalindria and I along with many, many other survivors are proof of this. Take care- wishing you better days and here to talk anytime on my wall.

Welcome to the WhatNext family! The WhatNext family is made up of people like you who are looking for help or looking to help others. To help you along your journey the WhatNext family has put together a Beginner's Guide to Cancer that I highly recommend you check-out here: http://bit.ly/10BQKCi. Also, please do not hesitate to reach out to others or ask for help.

Wishing you the best.

David
Founder, WhatNexter