Vixstew

Hi Vixstew, welcome to WhatNext. Thank you for sharing your experiences. I came to WhatNext in 2013 when I too was diagnosed with stage IIIC ovarian cancer. All of our experiences are individual but I remember well the fear and uncertainty I had at diagnosis. I encourage you to keep reaching out and interact with other survivors. Look the site over, ask questions and visit/ post on our pin board. WhatNext has grown in recent months and now offers many helpful blogs and videos. One of these videos is by kalindria, a fellow six year ovarian cancer survivor who is busy living life. All of us on WhatNext are here for information, advice , support and to help each other and we are all stronger together. You can talk to any of us on our walls. Wishing you better days ahead.

Welcome Vixstew,
I was diagnosed stage 3C in 2015 at the age of 57. I was in shock for quite a while. I had trouble focusing on simple problems. It does improve with time. In those days, we did debulking surgury first and then chemo. I had Taxol/Carboplatin like many others as Frontline chemo. They throw everything at Ovarian Cancer initially. Side effects can be difficult. I received blood transfusions 4 times for severe anemia. Then there was the constipation/diarrhea cycle. I believe most people lose their hair, I did. Fatigue is almost universal. Of course, then you have unique surprises like an allergic reaction to Taxol which I experienced. We overcame it by doubling my premeds. There are long term survivors out there who are stage 3 C. I have asked them what is there secret. There does not seem to be any universal secret. I hope you are a long term survivor too. Your age is an advantage too. Feel free to ask any questions. We are here for you.

Hey, there. Hello Vixstew, and welcome. I love your profile picture - it shows such determination. Good for you!

Cancer is a crazy journey none of us planned but here we are. You're still in the beginning phases and maybe get overwhelmed or scared sometimes - totally normal and to be expected. I'm here to say that I'm around after more than 6 years and I was stage IV at diagnosis 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. 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 Vixstew. Welcome to What Next. There are lots of great people here. If you have any questions, please use the question tab above -- that way everyone has access and you'll get a quicker response. I'm glad you found us but sorry for the circumstances that led you here. Wishing you all the best.

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