Pet Scan Shows I Have Ovarian Cancer.

In May 2003 I was diagnosed with adenocarcinoma of the pleura, primary unknown. I had CT scan, mamographs and sonographs of pelvic region and nothing showed up. As I was reasonably well in myself it was decided that I should delay chemo. By Dec 2003 I was getting very breathless and I was not so well. I had more sonographs done of my pelvic region and again nothing showed up, they did not even think it was worth doing a laporoscopy. It was decided I should start chemo early January. Having read about PET scans on the internet I enquired whether I could have one. I was told they were fairly new to England (where I live) and I wouldn't be able to get one on the NHS. I decided to go ahead and have one done privately in the hope it would reveal my primary. The PET scan clearly showed I have ovarian cancer, and as it my lungs I know I am classed as a stage 4. Can anyone out there offer me any hope ? I am only 50, and desperatly want to live. I try to feel positive about getting better, but it is so hard when I know my cancer is very advanced.

Hi Janis,
I am 44 and I have been dealing with colon cancer for three years now. I am currently undergoing my third try at chemotherapy. I have stage 4 colon cancer,with mets to my lungs,colon recurrence,and a "possible" met in my pelvis. Having stage 4 cancer is frightening,but there are new drugs that are at the end of clinical trials and will be available soon. I don't know a lot about ovarian cancer,but I do know what it is like to have doctors tell you "not to worry". I had a complete hysterectomy in April of 2002,and my oncologist said colon cancer would not likely spread to reproductive organs...well he was WRONG My gyn doc had my ovaries biopsied and it turned out I had colon cancer there in the right ovary. I do not have ovarian cancer it was metastatic colon cancer. I can't believe you had to get a PET scan on your own!!! PET has been available in New England for a while now. I live in Maine and in our state they have a mobile unit that goes to different hospitals on a regular basis.I have mine done in Portland. I think they cost around five thousand dollars here!!! I have had 3 so far. I think PET is the most definitive test that is available. I had CT scans that were vague,and PET revealed more. What is the NHS ? I am just curious because I am on a state insurance. Don't give up the fight,try to educate yourself as much as you can about ovarian cancer,and look for support groups in your local area. People have been there,and they can relate to your situation. I have a brand new grandson(he's 4 months old)and I think of him as the future. I know there are days when I want to just say enough,and then I think of my two sons,and my husband,and I have to continue to fight for them. I want to be here for my grandson,and I want to see both of my sons get married. You have to think positively,and put all of your energy into fighting. I didn't think I'd even be around for Christmas in 2000, I was so scared.My original diagnosis was November of 2000.I thought I would have only a year.Well I am grateful for every day that I have spent since then. Please post again and let us know how you are doing.. Take Care.

Hi Julie, Thanks for replying, you sound like a very strong lady. Sorry to hear you have been fighting colon cancer for three years, I hope you are keeping reasonably well. You ask about the NHS, it stands for National Health Service, which is a free health service for anyone living in England. The NHS would not pay for a PET scan as they are expensive and fairly new to England. I believe there are only six in England. I had to pay what would be about $1,000. It was money well spent because at least now I know where the primary is and I can get the correct chemo. I actually started chemo two weeks ago before the results of the PET scan came through, but now they know the primary they are going to change the chemo I am on. I am feeling a lot better now since the first lot of chemo, the awful cough I had has improved a lot and the tumor I have on my back (from where I had a chest drain and biopsy done) has gone down slightly. I am now waiting to see a ovarian oncologist, I don't know yet whether there is any hope of being able to operate to remove the primary. I am keeping as positive as I can and making the most of every day. My daughter is getting married in September this year, I just hope I live long enough to see her get married. Wishing you all the best with your cancer fight.

Hello,
I must have misread your message. I apologize because I thought you were from NEW England!!! I hope you keep a fighting spirit,and you tell yourself you WILL be at your daughter's wedding in September. Now you know what you are up against,and although it is frightening,please don't loose hope. People with cancer need a strong survival attitude. I thank you for your kind words. Please post again,and let us know how you are. I will not let cancer win. When I was diagnosed at stage IV I thought this is it,but I guess I will take things one day at a time. That's all you can do. Good luck and best regards from Maine

Julie C.

Hi Julie, Just looking back at some of the old messages and was wondering how you are. I hope you are keeping well. Love Janis.

Janis - I know much time has passed since you last wrote on this comment. How are YOU doing? My wife has just been diagnosed for the THIRD time with ovarian cancer (first time November 2001) and the doctor has ordered a PET scan for next week. My wife hasn't had one before. Hope life goes and well, Best Eric

 

On 1/22/2004 Janis F. wrote:

In May 2003 I was diagnosed with adenocarcinoma of the pleura, primary unknown. I had CT scan, mamographs and sonographs of pelvic region and nothing showed up. As I was reasonably well in myself it was decided that I should delay chemo. By Dec 2003 I was getting very breathless and I was not so well. I had more sonographs done of my pelvic region and again nothing showed up, they did not even think it was worth doing a laporoscopy. It was decided I should start chemo early January. Having read about PET scans on the internet I enquired whether I could have one. I was told they were fairly new to England (where I live) and I wouldn't be able to get one on the NHS. I decided to go ahead and have one done privately in the hope it would reveal my primary. The PET scan clearly showed I have ovarian cancer, and as it my lungs I know I am classed as a stage 4. Can anyone out there offer me any hope ? I am only 50, and desperatly want to live. I try to feel positive about getting better, but it is so hard when I know my cancer is very advanced.

Hello, There is a product called Cantron, look it up on the internet, it can't hurt you but it will help. God Bless You

ovarian cancer sufferer.

i have bone metastised cancer primary unknown. and my family and i got worried.

after talking to some people who took supplemental medication, we, consciously,took a decision to do the same. the treatment is in parallel with my oncologists course. personally i am confident that you will see good results. let me hasten to add, i am no doctor, no expert, just a desperate patient.

the treatment: 1.  apricot seeds ingestion, between 12 to 30 seeds a day, depending on the situation. google,apricot seeds and cancer and another site,b17 vitamin or amygdalin. you will get a lot of information on these supplements.2. taking the b 17 tabs, either in 100 or 500 mg doses,

3.taking an assisting enzyme called megazyme/Univase, see under rocky fork formulas. there could be many manufacturers other than for the brand names i just mentioned. i believe there are german made tabs,expensive.

i spoke to people who used these successfully. in the rocky fork site you will see 'testimonials' talk to people. not all answer. some do.

because i observed your message conveying distress( i don't know of any cancer patient not having depression!), i venture to writ this. but please take an informed decision after reading literature on the internet on these supplements. GOD BLESS.

 

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