experiences of borderline ovarian cancer
Good news!! My 4-monthly blood test and transvaginal ultrasound, and my 6 monthly abdominal and pelvic ultrasound were a-ok; my CA125 - not the best marker but as mine was so elevated at diagnosis it’s worth including in ongoing monitoring - is 9 (should be under 35, was 2,257 at diagnosis in July 2014). Anyway, I... Continue Reading →
As the months pass, I’m finding myself becoming more and more attached to my BOT diagnosis. When a bunch of hardcore scientists refer to a BOT as contentious, enigmatic and controversial, I can’t help but smile. It seems surprisingly fitting. As another research paper presents its analysis of its selected data to predict BOT prognosis... Continue Reading →
There are times when only a blast of 1980s Madonna will do. In relation to borderline ovarian tumours (BOTs), Madonna really does say (sing) it best: “Borderline, feels like I’m going to lose my mind”.Why am I losing my mind this time? From the global network of over 100 fellow BOT survivors that I’m connected to,... Continue Reading →
A tool to assist women to engage with their GPs.“The Symptoms Diary app is free to download, and will help women accurately record their symptoms and communicate more effectively with their GP. The app reminds women to record the symptoms they are experiencing once a day and prompts women to book an appointment with their... Continue Reading →
“Now that women are discouraged from initiating estrogen therapy, those who undergo oophorectomy at a young age and do not initiate or continue estrogen therapy until at least the age of natural menopause are at significantly increased risk for several chronic diseases of aging.”It’s an ongoing debate, mostly (from what I’ve understood) as a result... Continue Reading →
Today, the (female) sonographer asked me when I’d had my surgery and then asked if I had kids. I said nearly a year ago and no, no kids. She said “ag, shame”, looked sad, and that was the end of that conversation. Then the (male) radiologist came in, asked me how I was diagnosed, said... Continue Reading →
WOO HOO!Latest 3 month follow-up: CA125 is 10 (under 35 is normal; mine was 2,257 at diagnosis) and TV US remains CLEAR![Will have abdo/pelvic ultrasound on Monday as part of monitoring plan and a way to double check no recurrence elsewhere]Image from www.sodahead.com
magicˈmadʒɪk/adjective: magic- having or apparently having supernatural powers “confidence is the magic ingredient needed to spark recovery”
It’s been a week of frustration and fear, relief and realisation, mayhem and madness. SO I decided it was time for a new ‘do. A do-over; I declare that 2015 officially starts here, now, today. Happy Friday everyone xx——-TUESDAY: I’m (trying) to buy a house by the sea. A retreat from the crazy-wonderful city I... Continue Reading →
Be informed.Download an excellent leaflet about symptoms here.We are badly informed about the symptoms ovarian cancer and borderline ovarian tumours. The symptoms are very general and non-specific and often leads to misdiagnosis. This is why ovarian cancer tends to have such a poor prognosis: early diagnosis has a very good prognosis but sadly most women... Continue Reading →
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