Jeana1975's Journey:

I was diagnosed with a nonaggressive, Stage 1C Ovarian Cancer after a 30cmx30cmx20cm tumor weighing around 38 pounds was removed from my abdomen. This tumor used to be my right ovary, and I looked 8 months pregnant.

In addition to an abdominal full hysterectomy, I had an Appendectomy as my Appendix was infected and enlarged. I had a Liver Bisection due to the discovery of a polyp (the polyp was dissected and found to be empty). I also had debulking surgery after the tumor, along with my female reproductive system was removed. I have a 13 inch (very tender and healing) incision running from an inch below my sternum all the way passed by belly button by about 4 inches. I lost a lot of blood during surgery, and received 5 units in the span of 2 days following my surgery. My hospital stay was extended by four days (from 2 to 6) due to complications including very low blood pressure, low blood count, profuse amount of Ascites and blood passing from my wound drain, and an inability to have a BM. I can't lay on either side, I feel constant pulling and pinching from just inside the incision that is extremely uncomfortable. Where my liver was resected, there is an occasional feeling of being stabbed under my left rib cage. Now and then I feel fluttering, even burning in my pelvic area where my girly parts used to be, and I am just plum miserable.

According to my Gynecologic Oncologist, my cancer is very slow growing. Ultimately, it looks as if we got it all with surgery, save for the presence of Ascites which contains Ovarian Cancer cells yet. I will return to see my Oncologist on the 26th of September to see if the Ascites is actually going to BE a problem for us. For now, he doesn't believe it is alarming enough to start chemotherapy. We'll know more on the 26th.

On the 26th of September, I got the news from my G.O that I'm in full remission! My cancer is laaaazy, and went right to sleep as a result of surgery. I'm SO BLESSED! Thank you to all who kept my spirits high, encouraged me and advised me here at What Next...you all feel so much like family.