On 9/30/2007
julesfriend wrote:
Hi to everyone,
I'm a concerned friend hoping to find someone who can please give me some information and hopefully some answers about this disease. My story is, my dearest friend has been recently diagnosed with PPC, she's 38 has 2 beautiful daughters 7 & 9 and a wonderful hubby (her sole mate)! They, as a family do everything together and are the most wonderful people you would wish to meet.
It was August this year whilst away on their holidy that my friend had a terrible swollen abdomen with severe pain. This got worse and buy the time they returned home she went to the doctors, who told her it was chronic constipation. She'd been suffering this for a long time , but put it down to her IBS. The medication did not work and she ended up being rushed into hospital. She had scans, bloods, x-rays etc and was told the 3 most frightening words we all dread to hear. YOU HAVE CANCER! Just weeks ago, my friend was the most healthiest person I know on this planet, she does'nt smoke, drink and lives a very healthy lifestyle, (she puts us all to shame!!) and this happens. I just don't get it, how can someone so healthy get this. She has also been told she has 4 tumours on her liver, but her liver functions are good, thankgoodness. From reading some of your messages, quite a lot of you have had surgery, but my friend has only been offered Chemo, does anyone know why this is. Her CA 125 is high, and her abdomen is swelling up with more fluid. She is back in hospital and they have started draining the fluid 5 ltrs so far and have left the drain in. My friend is in so much pain, they have now put her on a morphine pump to make her feel more comfortable. She is on Taxol and Carbolplatin, I hear this is a very tough treatment, but I know my friend will battle through it, she's one tough cookie! I would love to hear from anyone who has gone through this treatment and give us some insight into what will happen next.
God Bless You all and keep well
Bev x
Hi Bev -
I have stage IV Ovarian Cancer that was diagnosed in 4/2004. I did have surgery first (a complete hysterectomy & debulking). Then I went on Taxol & Carboplatin. It was a tough treatment but got thru OK. You do lose all of your hair, and the taxol causes a nueropathy in your feet. There is some pain in your legs too and of course generally feeling lousy. Never really had problems with nausea as the docs included anti-nausea drugs and steroids with the treatment.
As far as your friend not having surgery first - it could be that the doctors want to try and shrink everything before operating. They did that with a friend of mine. Tell your friend to ask the doctors about taking glutamine starting the day she has treatment and then for the 3 days following. It really helped with the leg pains.
I know it is hard to see your dear friend go thru this. She is very lucky to have such a good friend in you. I get thru my treatments because I have the support of my wonderful family and friends. Make sure she keeps her spirits up and a good attitude. I believe that attitude is a very large part of the fight. My prayers are with her. Please feel free to write me (try a private message) if you have any questions or just need to talk.
Diane