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Can we talk about Cancer?

Discussion in 'Health and Fitness' started by MrsAsianeer, Sep 7, 2016.

  1. MrsAsianeer
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    MrsAsianeer Member

    Hello!

    Specially to the ladies.....

    I would like to share to you my recent journey and how I coped with Ovarian Cancer.

    Early February 2015, I was just starting my new job in the Hospital so I was still on probationary period.
    I have been having this pain on my left lower abdomen which I thought I might be constipated. So I ate a lot of food rich in fiber and open my bowels everyday. The pain was dull and quite uncomfortable but I still continued working from 8-6 putting up with the pain.

    And one day I just couldn't ignore the pain anymore, so during work hours I had to go to the A&E to have it checked. I was crying in pain and few doctors have asked about my past medical history. They were suggesting a scan for a suspected bowel obstruction but I told them I have a regular bowel movement.
    So they ignore the bowel problem, they have asked one of the Gynaecology registrar. They were suspecting a cyst on my ovary based on the history I have given them.
    I was on a contraceptive pills for a couple of years, then I went for the injectable every 3 months for a few years which has ceased my menstrual cycle. Then I shifted to the implant. It lasts for 3 years so it was the most convenient for me not to think about contraceptions. So after a year an a half being on the implant, I have started having light and irregular periods which I did not take notice of. So I just carried on with my normal activities in my life. I was even playing tennis those times.

    At the A&E, I was waiting for a bed from 11am till 4pm, which wasn't too bad I was still wearing scrub uniform. So they knew I was a staff. They have given me loads of pain killers but the pain was still there specially when I moved. I couldn't not contained myself on that hospital trolley, trying to figure out how do I get comfy.

    So then I was admitted awaiting for a scan for the next morning. I had feeling that there was something wrong in my body. I normally ignore things and take tablets when I know it will go and disappear. But this one wasn't. At the scan room, the sonographer was a Filipina with a student. I was excited to see the screen and to find out what it could be. Well, it was an Ovarian Cyst measuring larger than a tennis ball! I was shocked and speechless. I had to call my husband in work to let him know what that have found out.

    Doctor came in to give me the results and was told that it was a Dermoid cyst. Its a kind of creepy cyst that has got hair, teeth and bones inside. Sorry! But it shouldn't be an alarming type, which means it didn't look like cancer.

    Doctors have given me an appointment to see the Consultant and was put on the waiting list for the surgery.
    But the pain wouldn't subside after all the strong pain killers they have prescribed me.
    I have no patient in waiting and maybe because I have a little bit of knowledge about medical, I was getting paranoid that the cyst might have burst or got twisted and torsion that could give me a higher risk of infection.

    I went to a different hospital and showed them all of my results. Friday, I was admitted and the net morning around 2pm I was in Theatre.

    2 Weeks after the surgery I had a phonecall from my surgeon saying that they have the partial results of my biopsy. Went to the appointment I was the last one to be called. Typing this part of the story actually gives me butterflies in my stomach, reminds me of the feeling having to be told that it was Cancer. I was in bits, the Doctor was still discussing about further tests that I need to have but I just kept saying "okay" trying to hold back my tears. Then one of the Oncology nurse came and gave me a very tight hug. And thats where I burst out in tears. My husband was shocked, speechless and teary.

    It was a Stage 1C Ovarian with a rare type of cancer. So I had to go for a Colonoscopy and CT Scan which I had to drink this flavoured water with contrast mixed in it. No further tumor or cancer was seen. I was referred back to my home hospital for the MDT meeting and they decided to do another surgery which was the Total Abdominal Hysterectomy Bilateral Salphyngo Oophorectomy, with Appendicectomy and Omentectomy. It was a big operation and I will never forget the cold nights and anxiety before the operation.

    I was reading an article regarding Cancer. And the worst enemy we have is Fear of the Unknown. I stayed positive all through the process from Pre Surgery Assessment, I got used to looking at needle poking at me, saw my own bloods being drawn and contained in a few bottles. But these were nothing.

    The most difficult to dealt was when you try to let your love ones know about your diagnosis and trying to be strong for them. Hiding all the tears from them and showing your weaknesses. I have two children that still young and depend on me. I told myself I have to be strong and brave.

    The day came for my major surgery. My husband was there aswell as my sister. We had to invite my sister to look after me as she work as a nurse in Riyadh. So she was given a 6 months tourist visa. Stayed in the hospital for 4 days and I was home sweet home.

    Few weeks I have recovered well with a healthy scar healing and was looking forward to show my sister around England. But another phonecall from my Mcmillan Nurse saying that they had the MDT meeting again about my case and they have decided to put me on Chemotherapy. I was gutted!

    After taking out most of my accessories they still were not happy. So I've done research again, asked for a second opinion again. Because the first one was regarding the HRT, Hormone Replacement Therapy. This time was about the Chemo. People said yes I should go for a chemo as the microcells are hardly seen on a scan and bloodtests.

    I was given some informations about my chemotherapy that I need to have 2 types of these toxic drugs which was called the 5FU's. Nasty piece of stuff. I had a severe heartburn, not much of a sickness, very tired and I lost my appetite. I had the first lot of Chemo when my second biopsy result came out Negative. So the next appointment I had to see my Oncologist, I have actually asked him the questions Why do I need to go through Chemo when everything is negative? The answer he gave me was, We are gambling!

    Gambling! Thats all they need to do. Because since it was a Rare type of cancer and they do not have the guidelines, they are taking the risk, no actually, they have put me at risk to have the chemo when there was no target at all.

    I have made my decision that I am not going to have the next sessions of my therapy. I wanted the line taken off me so I can get myself back to normal.

    So now I don't regret for not going through the 12 sessions of Chemotherapy. I'm now back to work, running my 5k twice a week, but I have to give up meat. I am not saying I am officially a vegetarian but I try not to eat red meats.

    So ladies....here are the symptoms of a probable signs of Ovarian Cyst/Cancer

    1. Fatigue
    2.Upset Stmach
    3.Backpain
    4.Pain during sex
    5.Constipation
    6.Menstrual changes
    7.Abdominal swelling or bloatedness.

    Look after yourself before anything else.
    Listen to your body.

    God bless us all!
    • Informative Informative x 6
  2. joi1991
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    joi1991 Well-Known Member Trusted Member

    Thank you for sharing. I admire the courage @Darren&Clarice .

    My ob-gyne told me that a papsmear for women should be annually done. Can you tell us the things that contribute to ovrian cancer aside from genetics?
  3. MrsAsianeer
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    MrsAsianeer Member

    Yes Papsmear is a normal routine for women that should not be missed. Specially women who's had children.

    Genetically, when I was going through the Chemotherapy I found out that my mother's cousin had survived an ovarian cancer. So thats one thing that we had considered.

    Prolong used of contraceptives are considered that may cause gynaeological problems and carcinomas. With the history of heavy and painful menstrual bleeding during the menarch.

    And also the Lifestyles. Im no expert with diets or healthy lifestyles but after doing my research, a reasonable healthy lifestyle can take a big part of keeping our body fit and healthy. Away from cancer I guess.
    I used to smoke and now I occasionally drink alcohol. But some people are quite obssessed with their diet. I dont do that. I have to enjoy my life and live normal as can be.

    And more thing, i got closer with the Master above all. Prayers do miracles.
    • Like Like x 2
  4. ChoiAndJohn
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    ChoiAndJohn Well-Known Member Trusted Member

    That's just you for sharing. A friend of mine died from cancer last year so I have a lot of empathy with your story. However I do feel that you should go through with the chemotherapeutic treatment if that's what the medical. Professionals felt was necessary. They merely wanted to be sure that all traces of the disease were eradicated. You may feel well now, but if there is a single cell that has been missed then there is the opportunity for the cancer to come back and it may well be much harder or impossible to treat the second time around. You're taking a huge gamble by electing not to finish the chemo.
    • Like Like x 1
  5. MrsAsianeer
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    MrsAsianeer Member

    Hi, Yes I took a big gamble and a massive decision refusing to have a further chemotherapy. As long as my Gynaecology Oncologist still keeps an eye on me, bloodtest every 3 months and scan every year. But if the cancer comes back then I will be willing to undergo chemotherapy. Have to stay positive...

    Thank you very much for reading and for the great advice.
  6. firew0myn
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    firew0myn Active Member

    Thanks for sharing your story, @Darren&Clarice! It must have been tough finding out. Cancer is genetic and some people are really predisposed to have one. And you are right, contraceptives play a big part in ovarian cancer.

    I admire you for deciding not to undergo chemo. I have seen a couple of my aunts who underwent several sessions and they had a hard time coping with it. If and when you decide that you need chemo, then please make sure you complete the sessions. My aunt who had colon cancer stopped when she felt a lot better and sadly the cancer reoccurred and took her life.

    Good luck with your journey.
  7. graham59
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    graham59 Banned

    What a brave lady.

    Thanks for sharing your experience with us, and may you have better luck in the future. :like:
  8. MrsAsianeer
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    MrsAsianeer Member

    I would definitely go for the Chemo if by chance it comes back. But fingerscross!

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