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herding cats

(19,650 posts)
Thu Jan 9, 2025, 09:40 PM Jan 9

Hey, want some good news?

I think I'm beating my ovarian cancer!

I was sick for way too long and my doctor did colon checks, bladder scans and 2 different Pap tests.

I stopped having my periods so they decided my pain and symptoms were menopause. Yay, congratulations and my primary physician actually clapped and cheered for me. Ha.

Was still in awful pain and gaining weight hand over fist while I couldn't really eat very much before becoming too full and suffering digestive issues. Finally the pain became more than I could bear this last July while I had my sweet little granddaughters here for a couple of weeks and when they went home I tried to get in to see my doctor again. I couldn't get out of bed was suffering so much. He was on vacation and his PA was over booked but said she thought I should go to the ER on Monday (this was a Wednesday) when they're not too busy and the good staff is back on call. I did.

Within a half hour I had a CAT scan with contrast and a diagnosis of metastatic ovarian cancer awaiting a biopsy. I was rushed to a hospital in Austin where I spent 5 nights and 6 days. They sucked 25lbs of cancer juice out of my abdomen. I was very sick.

That was months ago now and I had 4 rounds of chemo 20 days apart and then a major surgery where my omentum, gall bladder, appendix, uterus, ovaries, uterus, fallopian tubes and cervix we're removed November the 18th... i thought I could cook thanksgiving dinner for the family after that. 😂

Anyhoo! Back on chemo the 9th of December and today at chemo they said the 30th of this month may be my last dose before I go on maintenance chemo pills (depending on my scan, but it is likely!) and I can get on with living again!

I'm just so darn happy and wanted to share the good news! It looks like my hard fought battle is going to pay off and I'm getting to live longer! I'm just so happy!

88 replies = new reply since forum marked as read
Highlight: NoneDon't highlight anything 5 newestHighlight 5 most recent replies
Hey, want some good news? (Original Post) herding cats Jan 9 OP
YEAH!!!!!!!!! MLAA Jan 9 #1
Right?! herding cats Jan 9 #11
My boss is over 15 years now MotownPgh Friday #57
So happy for you. Here's some good news to wnylib Friday #71
Very good to hear. Best to you. yorkster Jan 9 #2
Thank you! herding cats Jan 9 #12
Oh no Herding Cats! I had no idea. I'm glad that you are recovering and hope things continue to improve. LeftInTX Jan 9 #3
Thank you! herding cats Jan 9 #13
Absolutely wonderful. Im thrilled for you. Virtual hugs. Srkdqltr Jan 9 #4
Thank you! herding cats Jan 9 #14
Seems they are making lots of progress in the last few years on cancer. multigraincracker Jan 9 #5
Tell the women you know to ask for a scan if they're in their 40's or 50's and have my symptoms herding cats Jan 9 #19
That is so awesome! pandr32 Jan 9 #6
Thank you and I am! herding cats Jan 9 #15
Possibilities! pandr32 Jan 9 #45
Oh so happy for you, .. thanks for sharing your story. magicarpet Jan 9 #7
Thank you! herding cats Jan 9 #16
Oh, herding cats, I did not know you had been so sick.💙 sheshe2 Jan 9 #8
I can't believe I beat it, sheshe! herding cats Jan 9 #18
You are a strong woman and a fighter, that is why you beat it. sheshe2 Jan 9 #26
Very good hard fought news. Best wishes for a full recovery and a healthy new year 🌺 Deuxcents Jan 9 #9
I am so looking forward to 2025! herding cats Jan 9 #21
herding cats that is spectacular news! Cancer sucks! Chemo effects suck, but it saves lives! Clouds Passing Jan 9 #10
My first experience with chemo was terrifying herding cats Jan 9 #23
Brave. You gotta keep going. Clouds Passing Jan 9 #42
You know. herding cats Jan 9 #43
I am so happy for you! Basso8vb Jan 9 #17
Thank you so much for those words! herding cats Jan 9 #24
Good luck! MFM008 Jan 9 #20
So happy for you! You fought through it all, had timely care and will live longer! ancianita Jan 9 #22
Great news! Solly Mack Jan 9 #25
Outstanding!!!! onecaliberal Jan 9 #27
Oh my heavens! What an ordeal you have so courageously KitFox Jan 9 #28
Wonderful! Congrats! awesomerwb1 Jan 9 #29
WHOOOO WHOOOO!!!! elleng Jan 9 #30
That's a hell of a story, and how awful that you had to wait so long to get a proper... 3catwoman3 Jan 9 #31
And I notice your original doctor was a "he". He didn't do enough testing. Because you're a hysterical woman? SharonAnn Friday #51
Fantastic!!!! evilhime Jan 9 #32
That is wonderful, awesome, happy news. Delmette2.0 Jan 9 #33
Great news! Hope22 Jan 9 #34
Message from outer space. usonian Jan 9 #35
Wonderful news! PittBlue Jan 9 #36
Yeah LetMyPeopleVote Jan 9 #37
Cool. Super cool! AKwannabe Jan 9 #38
This is great! And it is too bad it took them to figure it out. question everything Jan 9 #39
Yay! area51 Jan 9 #40
That is great news! LA Blue Bengal Jan 9 #41
I love you all and will reply tomorrow! herding cats Jan 9 #44
I've missed you, too! Thanks so much for sharing your good news! Rhiannon12866 Friday #63
I'm so happy for you! That's wonderful news! liberalla Jan 9 #46
Truly great news! mountain grammy Jan 9 #47
Excellent news! Incredible strength on your part. I hope you will be free of -any- cancer in your future! electric_blue68 Jan 9 #48
HOORAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! YAHOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Happy New Year !!!!!!!!!!!!!!! dai13sy Jan 9 #49
Wonderful news! summer_in_TX Friday #50
Congratulations!!! Wicked Blue Friday #52
Wow! cate94 Friday #53
Fabulous! SheltieLover Friday #54
Was thinking a few weeks back I hadn't seen any of your posts lately KS Toronado Friday #55
I know it's a round about way, but fantastic news JMCKUSICK Friday #56
I am thankful for your good news. murielm99 Friday #58
I woke up happy a couple mornings ago BaronChocula Friday #59
That IS great news! Best wishes for continuing progress. yonder Friday #60
Such great news! Congratulations on putting livetohike Friday #61
Not just good, but GREAT NEWS! Emile Friday #62
OMG what an ordeal BumRushDaShow Friday #64
Yes, I definitely needed some good news & this certainly qualifies as that!!! lark Friday #65
OMG herding cats! What a terrifying, painful journey you've been on. Fla Dem Friday #66
congratulations! Trueblue Texan Friday #67
Way to go champ! BootinUp Friday #68
Congratulations! dlk Friday #69
I just love good news. Figarosmom Friday #70
Unlurking to say... Purvis Lodge Friday #72
So happy to hear this! Phentex Friday #73
Very happy for you! sellitman Friday #74
I'm so happy for you! barbtries Friday #75
Such wonderful news! Onthefly Friday #76
Fantastic news! gademocrat7 Friday #77
So happy for you!!! HeartsCanHope Friday #78
Thank the stars bernieb Friday #79
Now that is wonderful news malaise Friday #80
I'm so happy for BlueSky3 Friday #81
That's not good news... BigmanPigman Friday #82
Keep fighting the good fight, herding cats! Niagara Friday #83
Whoopi ! alfredo Friday #84
Survivor is a beautiful word alfredo Friday #85
OMGAWD herding cats!!!! a kennedy Friday #86
YEE HAW!!!!! NewLarry Friday #87
WONDERFUL!!! ailsagirl Saturday #88

herding cats

(19,650 posts)
11. Right?!
Thu Jan 9, 2025, 09:55 PM
Jan 9

I'm so happy! I'm only in 50's and this shouldn't be a thing. Even though it was.

Thank you! 🥰

wnylib

(25,064 posts)
71. So happy for you. Here's some good news to
Fri Jan 10, 2025, 11:16 AM
Friday

help you remain happy and upbeat.

My mother had ovarian cancer in her 50s. It was pretty extensive. She had surgery and chemo. Lived to age 90.

I can relate to your happiness from my own experience. I had cervical cancer in my 40s. Before the diagnosis, I had some irregular bleeding that I thought was just due to menopause. I had not had a PAP test for several years, partly because I didn't have health coverage for a while. When I got a new job with good coverage, I had a complete physical as a baseline. The PAP test from that physical was positive so the GP referred me to an OBGYN.

Biopsies by the OBGYN showed very early cancer, carcinoma in situ. He did outpatient surgery in his office. I waited for the lab report on whether all of the cancerous cells were removed. When I got the news of no more cancer cells present, I celebrated with friends. Follow up testing at 6 month intervals for a year, then once a year. No return of the cancer.

Wishing you a good prognosis. Positive attitude and a support network are helpful, so I hope you have them available, from family, friends, medical staff, or a local cancer support group if there is one in your area.






herding cats

(19,650 posts)
12. Thank you!
Thu Jan 9, 2025, 09:57 PM
Jan 9

Tell women you know I; their early 50's this is a possibility. Even if their physician isn't aware.

LeftInTX

(31,306 posts)
3. Oh no Herding Cats! I had no idea. I'm glad that you are recovering and hope things continue to improve.
Thu Jan 9, 2025, 09:46 PM
Jan 9

What an ordeal!

herding cats

(19,650 posts)
13. Thank you!
Thu Jan 9, 2025, 09:58 PM
Jan 9

I'm doing great! Whew! I won't lie, I have fought hard and was scared.

It's looking ok now, though!

herding cats

(19,650 posts)
14. Thank you!
Thu Jan 9, 2025, 10:00 PM
Jan 9

Tell the women you know in their 50's to ask for a scan if they experience my symptoms. It could have saved me much suffering and extended my life by decades if id have known.

multigraincracker

(34,561 posts)
5. Seems they are making lots of progress in the last few years on cancer.
Thu Jan 9, 2025, 09:49 PM
Jan 9

Thank goodness. Hope you are feeling a lot better.

herding cats

(19,650 posts)
19. Tell the women you know to ask for a scan if they're in their 40's or 50's and have my symptoms
Thu Jan 9, 2025, 10:16 PM
Jan 9

It's not allowed by insurance unless you fight for it and your doctors want to pretend it away as normal menopausal symptoms. Pain isn't a normal menopausal symptom and neither is abdominal bloating and weight gain. Fight for your health and advocate for your health. It'll save you and those you love false treatments.

magicarpet

(17,254 posts)
7. Oh so happy for you, .. thanks for sharing your story.
Thu Jan 9, 2025, 09:50 PM
Jan 9

Alerts others to be aware.

Hope you continue on the road to recovery and get to relax with these medical issues behind you.



Keep us posted.

sheshe2

(88,663 posts)
8. Oh, herding cats, I did not know you had been so sick.💙
Thu Jan 9, 2025, 09:52 PM
Jan 9

You had a long painful time, but this news is great. You beat it!

Congratulations. Now you can spend more time with your sweet little granddaughters and get on with your life.

Hugs and

~

herding cats

(19,650 posts)
18. I can't believe I beat it, sheshe!
Thu Jan 9, 2025, 10:09 PM
Jan 9

I didn't talk about it because when I knew it was already stage 3C and my prognosis wasn't good at all. I didn't want to bring everyone I care about here down. I buckled down on my treatment and started writing my DU eulogy where I thanked everyone here who is a hero in their own way. Well, I'm gonna have to turn that into a "I love you darn people to the moon and back post" since I've shockingly beaten the odds! I'm so happy tonight, sheshe!

sheshe2

(88,663 posts)
26. You are a strong woman and a fighter, that is why you beat it.
Thu Jan 9, 2025, 10:39 PM
Jan 9

I am happy for you, hc. Continue with your happy dance, you deserve it.

herding cats

(19,650 posts)
23. My first experience with chemo was terrifying
Thu Jan 9, 2025, 10:34 PM
Jan 9

This is the second day I was out of the hospital and I was hitting the ground running! Nothing was going to stop me! I wanted to live!

I had an anaphylactic reaction to my chemo (twice in the same day to to different ones!) but came back the next day to try different flavors and keep on fighting.

I earned much respect from my infusion staff that day.

Basso8vb

(556 posts)
17. I am so happy for you!
Thu Jan 9, 2025, 10:06 PM
Jan 9

You're not just a survivor, you're a fighter!

Thanks for sharing this good news.

herding cats

(19,650 posts)
24. Thank you so much for those words!
Thu Jan 9, 2025, 10:36 PM
Jan 9

People think survivor and fighter are things we folks living the battle hear all the time but we don't.

Thank you! They made me feel fierce!

ancianita

(39,080 posts)
22. So happy for you! You fought through it all, had timely care and will live longer!
Thu Jan 9, 2025, 10:33 PM
Jan 9
Enjoy every single day!

KitFox

(132 posts)
28. Oh my heavens! What an ordeal you have so courageously
Thu Jan 9, 2025, 10:40 PM
Jan 9

fought! I am so happy for you! Every single day going forward will be the most wonderful gift. Thank you for sharing your journey and how you persevered! You are an inspiration and i wish you every joy!😊🩷🩷🩷

3catwoman3

(25,871 posts)
31. That's a hell of a story, and how awful that you had to wait so long to get a proper...
Thu Jan 9, 2025, 10:48 PM
Jan 9

...diagnosis.

And how thrilling to now be able to give such a great report! Congratulations!

SharonAnn

(13,920 posts)
51. And I notice your original doctor was a "he". He didn't do enough testing. Because you're a hysterical woman?
Fri Jan 10, 2025, 12:09 AM
Friday

It's almost unbelievable that you suffered for so long and they didn't do more thorough testing. Really!
You know your body, they don't.

Delmette2.0

(4,286 posts)
33. That is wonderful, awesome, happy news.
Thu Jan 9, 2025, 10:52 PM
Jan 9

I don't know you at all, but in this day and attitudes this is great.

Next month I will be 5 years clear of colon cancer. I hope you will see the same success.

herding cats

(19,650 posts)
44. I love you all and will reply tomorrow!
Thu Jan 9, 2025, 11:32 PM
Jan 9

Chemo makes me sleepy. I'm so sorry, especially since many of you responders are on my super hero list.

I'll be back and remember to talk to your loved ones about my symptoms, ok? We can help others.

Rhiannon12866

(225,879 posts)
63. I've missed you, too! Thanks so much for sharing your good news!
Fri Jan 10, 2025, 08:19 AM
Friday

Get as much rest as you need and know that your friends here are sending those powerful DU vibes your way and hoping that you're completely well soon...

liberalla

(10,140 posts)
46. I'm so happy for you! That's wonderful news!
Thu Jan 9, 2025, 11:36 PM
Jan 9

You certainly fought hard and kicked some cancer-ass! Thank you for sharing your story - you're an inspiration!

electric_blue68

(19,224 posts)
48. Excellent news! Incredible strength on your part. I hope you will be free of -any- cancer in your future!
Thu Jan 9, 2025, 11:45 PM
Jan 9

Four so far lucky: my sis, her old boss, a college friend still in touch, and a cousin late last year: all free!

Another friend on ?meds.

I've had one unlucky friend some years back. Sigh.

dai13sy

(510 posts)
49. HOORAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! YAHOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Happy New Year !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Thu Jan 9, 2025, 11:55 PM
Jan 9

This is going to be a good year

summer_in_TX

(3,358 posts)
50. Wonderful news!
Fri Jan 10, 2025, 12:08 AM
Friday

So glad that you finally got the right diagnosis and treatment after being so very sick. I'm delighted for your good news!

KS Toronado

(19,989 posts)
55. Was thinking a few weeks back I hadn't seen any of your posts lately
Fri Jan 10, 2025, 12:31 AM
Friday

Didn't even know you were sick, glad things are looking up !

BaronChocula

(2,530 posts)
59. I woke up happy a couple mornings ago
Fri Jan 10, 2025, 12:55 AM
Friday

It was unexplainable. I couldn't figure out why. This must have been the reason.

yonder

(10,017 posts)
60. That IS great news! Best wishes for continuing progress.
Fri Jan 10, 2025, 07:11 AM
Friday

An uplifting bit of personal news like this goes a long way in feeding everyone's positive wave machine — so back at you with some healing vibes.

Thanks for sharing!

livetohike

(23,115 posts)
61. Such great news! Congratulations on putting
Fri Jan 10, 2025, 07:25 AM
Friday

cancer “in the rear view mirror”! 2025 will be a great year for you .

BumRushDaShow

(145,370 posts)
64. OMG what an ordeal
Fri Jan 10, 2025, 08:21 AM
Friday


I am glad to hear the good news about recovering from all of that.

Sending healing thoughts and big hugs.

Fla Dem

(26,033 posts)
66. OMG herding cats! What a terrifying, painful journey you've been on.
Fri Jan 10, 2025, 09:14 AM
Friday

So happy you're on the road to recovery. Seems as if those ovaries should have been checked earlier.

I had severe abdominal pain and cramps twice, and each time it was caused by a cyst on my ovary which then caused the fallopian tube to twist. That's actually what caused the pain; when the tube twisted. Both times resulted in removal of the tub and ovary. Was in my mid and late twenties.

All the best to you for a full recovery and happy life.

Trueblue Texan

(3,094 posts)
67. congratulations!
Fri Jan 10, 2025, 09:37 AM
Friday

They are making great strides in cancer treatment. I am an ovarian cancer survivor 7 years out! I still suffer the debilitating lack of energy due to chemo, but I'm alive and doing well. So happy for you!

dlk

(12,509 posts)
69. Congratulations!
Fri Jan 10, 2025, 10:34 AM
Friday

Without a doubt, this is something to celebrate! Please keep us posted with your continued progress.

Purvis Lodge

(5 posts)
72. Unlurking to say...
Fri Jan 10, 2025, 11:41 AM
Friday

Very impressed and so glad that you are such a strong advocate for your own health!

Wishing you an excellent and healthy 2025!

HeartsCanHope

(768 posts)
78. So happy for you!!!
Fri Jan 10, 2025, 02:50 PM
Friday

May you continue to heal and may you have many, many more years of health and happiness ahead. Will be thinking of you and sending healing vibes. Thank you for the good news! It made my day.

Niagara

(9,996 posts)
83. Keep fighting the good fight, herding cats!
Fri Jan 10, 2025, 03:57 PM
Friday

It's terrific that you're sharing this good news!

alfredo

(60,154 posts)
84. Whoopi !
Fri Jan 10, 2025, 06:14 PM
Friday

I am also cancer free. It has a nice ring to it.
I see you had no radiation. Good.

Stay healthy, and send a dozen roses or a dozen donuts to your oncologist, or the gang in infusion.

It was reported that as I was coming off sedationi I said,, “ I”m so fucking high.”

alfredo

(60,154 posts)
85. Survivor is a beautiful word
Fri Jan 10, 2025, 06:19 PM
Friday

I am also cancer free. It has a nice ring to it.
I see you had no radiation. Good.

Stay healthy, and send a dozen roses or a dozen donuts to your oncologist, or the gang in infusion.

When coming off sedation, I become a motormouth.

a kennedy

(32,503 posts)
86. OMGAWD herding cats!!!!
Fri Jan 10, 2025, 06:40 PM
Friday

What the hell you’ve been through!!!! WOW. and this IS absolutely fantastic news. So happy for you, and it does make me feel better as well.

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