Vjp2012

2 years ago you helped me through a diagnosis of stage 4 cancer with your kind words. It doesn't seem like you have been active on this site for quite a while. How are you doing?

Hi Vip2012... Long term affects of chemo on aging..... I was 62 when DX 1ith Stage IV Ovarian Cancer.... In January 2006, I had debulking surgery in Feb. and started Chemo in March. They used the strong stuff, to kill any stray cells that were trying to hide and come back and get me. After finishing six cycles of three infusions - each cycle 28 days.. I came back in January for a meeting with my Gynecologic Oncologist Surgeon (This was a brand new specialty in 06) My young doctor then asked me to do a very strong chemo once a month for another 12 months.... I asked him, "If I were your mother, would you want me to do this?" He answered "If you were my mom.... I'D MAKE YOU DO IT!" Thus I did more chemo for another year.

My feet are rather numb... sometime they hurt, My fingers are a bit numb but I've learned to deal with that. My Hair grew back, but not enough of it to wear... So I still wear wigs. My hair has never looked so good. Now, last May I turned 70... I had the biggest most wonderful birthday party with friends and family and grandkids and great grand kids.... (sounds so old) I'm not sure why people say this to me... but When I tell people I'm 70... I've been told "You're a knock out"... Several have said "I give 70 a whole new look"... And my husband calls me his "Trophy Wife" I wear clothes I've always worn...In style and young, but not teenager looks. I wear my hair short and continue to color it (that means buy blonde) wigs. I try to stay active, but sometimes my feet hurt. I'm constantly told... BUT YOU DON'T WRINKLES.... I use cream on my face and in summer I do a cream on tan.... I look better in a tan. Maybe I'm vane... but I still want to look nice. Dancing at my grandson's wedding was wonderful fun.... Like dancing at his dad's wedding... Really

Thus long term affects on aging.... NONE. I'm alive... I'm a great grandmother. I have way too many clothes, but then, I always have... I have pain in my feet traceable to chemo... but it doesn't stop me from doing much. I don't think I'd take up hiking or rock climbing.... My fingers are numb... Have to be a bit more careful putting on my makeup...But I do every day...till my tan is right... My hair looks great and is so easy to care for. I keep my growing hair cut short and curly and my husband says "I'm me" no matter when/what I wear... and he loves me"..... Life dear, is what we make it... and life after chemo is much more wonderful. Remember the song The Second Time Around.......It's talking about being with a 'second love"... It's much more wonderful with both feet on the ground... It's the second time you hear your love song sung... It's too wonderful to be wasted on the young....... I probably slaughtered the lyrics.... but who cares... I can still sing, dance, hug and cry. Just keep getting up... Fixing up (it makes me feel better to know I look good) Showing up and Thanking our Lord in Heaven for His blessings.

Thank you for the kind words, its a lonely life. I had everything I could have ever needed or wanted and now feel lost and so sad. Cancer stole my happiness. I wish you the best, stay strong
Needed to join a group where others understand my thoughts.

I am finsihed with my chemo treatments as of this month will have a pet scan in Sept. in the mean time my stomach is very swollen Dr. dosn't know why. Says it's not water. I worry about this!

Thanks for your response any comments help!

Courage is heaven's present, no MasterCard can pay for it,

Thanks for your response and you're right, I accept anything that is offered and am thankful for it. You are a strong woman and have children to care for, I admire your strength!

hi vjp- my friend amy (akc1213 on here) posted my blog, thank you for taking the time to read it. i'd love to hear from you...

Thanks for the message. I would enjoy talking with you. Sometimes I am a ittle slow. Today is Chemo and Radiation Day. I am also going to a Support Group for the First Time Today.

How are you doing with your decision making? Supporting you.

Hope you are doing well. My daughters gave me reasons to get my butt out of bed each day (whether or not I wanted to). I think being active when you can helps. Even if it is "just making lunch or doi g dishes". God bless, stay strong!!

Hope your treatment is going well.

How are you doing now that you have had a few rounds of chemo? Did you enroll in a clinical trial?

VJP2012, welcome to the "What Next" family. I am an oncology/ end of life nurse who specializes in gyne cancers so if you have any questions for me I am always around. My best to you in this new year, Carm.

Stay positive. Good chemo out there. Are you eligible for RN to visit you at home? After 3 weeks of chemo, I am in remission. Good luck. Stay tune to this web site. It is an excellent means of support.

Hello and welcome, we are glad you found us. Here is a link to our cancer dx page for your type of cancer. Take a look at it to get you started on some information. You will notice at the bottom of that page 4 of our active users who have had that journey already, you may wish to contact them for their experience and wisdom. Also, any questions you may have just post them in the questions tab and everyone will see them there and be able to help you.

https://www.whatnext.com/conditions/cancer/ovarian-and-fallopian-tube-cancer

There are also subtypes listed on this page to narrow down the type of cancer to match your dx.

Also, if you can take a few minutes and fill in some details of your journey so far, it will help others as they try to answer questions for you, it also helps others as they search through the data base to find someone like themselves. Confirming your email will allow you to receive updates and notices from the site when someone answers your questions or writes on your wall.

Thanks for being with us and let me know if I can help you find any information on the site. After you have an opportunity to look the site over and see what great things there are here, we encourage you to invite your friends, family or anyone you know that may be helped by the connections on WhatNext to join the site also. Just click this link to invite them to join. http://www.whatnext.com/recruit-a-friend

Greg P
3x survivor
Team WhatNext

Just a note of welcome and to hopefully encourage you. I was diagnosed with Stage IV Ovarian Cancer... Had a 39 lb right ovary removed and a healthy left also. Then my Gynecologic Oncologist Surgeon removed all the cancer he could see. They upgraded me to Stage IIIC. I told them I wanted to fight... and that I was a tough old bird. (62)... We fought together.... I am now 7 years CANCER FREE. Join the fight.. we're here for you! ((((Hugs))))

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