Welcome to DU! The truly grassroots left-of-center political community where regular people, not algorithms, drive the discussions and set the standards. Join the community: Create a free account Support DU (and get rid of ads!): Become a Star Member Latest Breaking News Editorials & Other Articles General Discussion The DU Lounge All Forums Issue Forums Culture Forums Alliance Forums Region Forums Support Forums Help & Search

herding cats

(19,733 posts)
Thu Jan 9, 2025, 10:40 PM Jan 2025

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

herding cats

(19,733 posts)
11. Right?!
Thu Jan 9, 2025, 10:55 PM
Jan 2025

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

Thank you! 🥰

wnylib

(25,309 posts)
71. So happy for you. Here's some good news to
Fri Jan 10, 2025, 12:16 PM
Jan 2025

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

(19,733 posts)
12. Thank you!
Thu Jan 9, 2025, 10:57 PM
Jan 2025

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

LeftInTX

(32,811 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, 10:46 PM
Jan 2025

What an ordeal!

herding cats

(19,733 posts)
13. Thank you!
Thu Jan 9, 2025, 10:58 PM
Jan 2025

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

It's looking ok now, though!

herding cats

(19,733 posts)
14. Thank you!
Thu Jan 9, 2025, 11:00 PM
Jan 2025

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

(35,977 posts)
5. Seems they are making lots of progress in the last few years on cancer.
Thu Jan 9, 2025, 10:49 PM
Jan 2025

Thank goodness. Hope you are feeling a lot better.

herding cats

(19,733 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, 11:16 PM
Jan 2025

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

(18,455 posts)
7. Oh so happy for you, .. thanks for sharing your story.
Thu Jan 9, 2025, 10:50 PM
Jan 2025

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

(92,851 posts)
8. Oh, herding cats, I did not know you had been so sick.💙
Thu Jan 9, 2025, 10:52 PM
Jan 2025

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

(19,733 posts)
18. I can't believe I beat it, sheshe!
Thu Jan 9, 2025, 11:09 PM
Jan 2025

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

(92,851 posts)
26. You are a strong woman and a fighter, that is why you beat it.
Thu Jan 9, 2025, 11:39 PM
Jan 2025

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

herding cats

(19,733 posts)
23. My first experience with chemo was terrifying
Thu Jan 9, 2025, 11:34 PM
Jan 2025

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

(1,183 posts)
17. I am so happy for you!
Thu Jan 9, 2025, 11:06 PM
Jan 2025

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

Thanks for sharing this good news.

herding cats

(19,733 posts)
24. Thank you so much for those words!
Thu Jan 9, 2025, 11:36 PM
Jan 2025

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

(40,997 posts)
22. So happy for you! You fought through it all, had timely care and will live longer!
Thu Jan 9, 2025, 11:33 PM
Jan 2025
Enjoy every single day!

Response to herding cats (Original post)

KitFox

(333 posts)
28. Oh my heavens! What an ordeal you have so courageously
Thu Jan 9, 2025, 11:40 PM
Jan 2025

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

(27,128 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, 11:48 PM
Jan 2025

...diagnosis.

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

SharonAnn

(14,076 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, 01:09 AM
Jan 2025

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

(4,384 posts)
33. That is wonderful, awesome, happy news.
Thu Jan 9, 2025, 11:52 PM
Jan 2025

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

(19,733 posts)
44. I love you all and will reply tomorrow!
Fri Jan 10, 2025, 12:32 AM
Jan 2025

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

(238,663 posts)
63. I've missed you, too! Thanks so much for sharing your good news!
Fri Jan 10, 2025, 09:19 AM
Jan 2025

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

(10,594 posts)
46. I'm so happy for you! That's wonderful news!
Fri Jan 10, 2025, 12:36 AM
Jan 2025

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

electric_blue68

(22,322 posts)
48. Excellent news! Incredible strength on your part. I hope you will be free of -any- cancer in your future!
Fri Jan 10, 2025, 12:45 AM
Jan 2025

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

(563 posts)
49. HOORAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! YAHOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Happy New Year !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Fri Jan 10, 2025, 12:55 AM
Jan 2025

This is going to be a good year

summer_in_TX

(3,689 posts)
50. Wonderful news!
Fri Jan 10, 2025, 01:08 AM
Jan 2025

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

(21,059 posts)
55. Was thinking a few weeks back I hadn't seen any of your posts lately
Fri Jan 10, 2025, 01:31 AM
Jan 2025

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

BaronChocula

(2,963 posts)
59. I woke up happy a couple mornings ago
Fri Jan 10, 2025, 01:55 AM
Jan 2025

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

yonder

(10,102 posts)
60. That IS great news! Best wishes for continuing progress.
Fri Jan 10, 2025, 08:11 AM
Jan 2025

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

(23,530 posts)
61. Such great news! Congratulations on putting
Fri Jan 10, 2025, 08:25 AM
Jan 2025

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

BumRushDaShow

(156,443 posts)
64. OMG what an ordeal
Fri Jan 10, 2025, 09:21 AM
Jan 2025


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

Sending healing thoughts and big hugs.

Fla Dem

(26,876 posts)
66. OMG herding cats! What a terrifying, painful journey you've been on.
Fri Jan 10, 2025, 10:14 AM
Jan 2025

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

(3,467 posts)
67. congratulations!
Fri Jan 10, 2025, 10:37 AM
Jan 2025

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

(12,766 posts)
69. Congratulations!
Fri Jan 10, 2025, 11:34 AM
Jan 2025

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, 12:41 PM
Jan 2025

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

Wishing you an excellent and healthy 2025!

HeartsCanHope

(1,119 posts)
78. So happy for you!!!
Fri Jan 10, 2025, 03:50 PM
Jan 2025

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

(10,804 posts)
83. Keep fighting the good fight, herding cats!
Fri Jan 10, 2025, 04:57 PM
Jan 2025

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

alfredo

(60,196 posts)
84. Whoopi !
Fri Jan 10, 2025, 07:14 PM
Jan 2025

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

(60,196 posts)
85. Survivor is a beautiful word
Fri Jan 10, 2025, 07:19 PM
Jan 2025

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

(33,923 posts)
86. OMGAWD herding cats!!!!
Fri Jan 10, 2025, 07:40 PM
Jan 2025

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.

Latest Discussions»The DU Lounge»Hey, want some good news?