kathyr

By the way kathyr,. Feel free to ask any questions. We are here for you.

Welcome kathyr,
Looks like you have had many of the same experiences I have had. I am stage 3C. Diagnosed in 2015. I had written about my PARP inhibitor journey. I saw you are following it. Here is an update. I have been on Zejula since late September. It has taken me 3 months to get to my optimal dosage. I had severe acid reflux with a hacking cough with severe constipation. The side effects exhausted me by the end of the day. My labs were a little marginal. Creatinine went a little over normal and some of my liver functions we're elevated too. My platelets were fine. So I went from 300 mg to 200mg to 100mg. Since I began 100mg, I feel "normal" again. A few minimal side effects, nothing worth mentioning. My hemoglobin and hematocrit are marginally low. It could be Zejula. My B12 was fine. Checking my stool for hidden blood, waiting for results, probably OK. Otherwise I am doing great. There is nothing like feeling better after feeling lousy for so long!

Hi Kathryn, thank you so much for sharing your experiences after being diagnosed with cancer. I am very sorry you lost your mother. Losing a loved one is very difficult.. My mother died eighteen years ago, I was at her beside too and think of her often. Everyone’s journey is different but there are similarities. I too had ascites and was tapped twice. My biggest side effect was the fatigue during chemo and I learned early on to take stool softeners before and after treatments to help with constipation. I was diagnosed five years ago with stage IIIC undifferentiated ovarian cancer ( they think it was serous epithelial because of the way it reacted to the chemo ) , and came to WhatNext to connect with other survivors. I found a welcoming site of caregivers and survivors. Over the years I have benefitted from the information and advice provided as well as all the extra support. The protocol for treating survivors of ovarian cancer and similar cancers has changed these past few years. The thinking now is to start some kind of maintenance therapy right away on later stage survivors once they finish frontline chemo instead of the wait and see most practiced when I received my treatments. Advancements have been made with genetic testing , PARP inhibitors, immunotherapy, all adding increased hope for survivors. Please look the site over. Interact with the community. Ask and perhaps help answer other’s questions. Our pin board is great for a smile or uplifting post. We are all to support you and each other.

Hiya, Tkathyr - Welcome to WhatNext. This site is a great place to get advice, support, a sympathetic ear and more. The folks here definitely "get it".

You and I are the same age! I was originally diagnosed in 2013 with stage IV ovarian. Initial treatment was rough but I made it through. My life has changed a lot in the five-plus years since I heard the words "We think you have cancer."

Since the original diagnosis, I've had two recurrences and recently stopped treatment with Avastin and Topotecan so I can get a much-needed knee replacement. My tumors are very small and have been stable so I hope they continue to behave as I can't do chemo and the knee surgery.

Please take some time to explore this site and check out the links, resources, Pinboard, and questions pages. The information there is great. The rest of us here are also happy to connect and answer your questions about our cancer journeys and how you can navigate the changes to come.

Feel free to reach out if you have any questions or want to connect.

Hello and welcome, we are happy to have you with us. Please feel free to join in the conversations. 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, I encourage you to go to the questions page now by clicking on the questions tab at the top of the page and post what is the most pressing issue you have right now. This will introduce you to the community and get you started with the help you need right now.

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 database 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.

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GregP 3X Survivor
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Hello Kathy, My wife was diagnosed with primary Peritoneal cancer more than 5 years ago, stage 3C. Her Cancer and Yours will be treated the same way. You are in for a tough battle, there will be good and bad days ahead. I have written a series of blags about being a caregiver to this Cancer....this site will be a great help to you.

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