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Living with Ovarian Cancer

Women who have been diagnosed with ovarian cancer may be those who are considered to be the "picture of perfect health", they may be those who do not have any of the risk factors for ovarian cancer and still they receive the diagnosis of ovarian cancer. They will often reveal that they had absolutely no signs or symptoms of ovarian cancer until the doctor found through a screening test evidence of the cancer. They may be women who took excellent care of their health by eating nutritious foods and exercising on a regular basis and still they receive the diagnosis of ovarian cancer. Nothing in their lifestyle prepared them for the news that they fell victim to cancer.

If a screening test such as a pelvic examination uncovered a mass, a further test such as an ultrasound may have been done to as well as a laparoscopy to confirm the diagnosis. Removal of the ovary may be discussed between the woman and her doctor.

A blood test called the CA125 may be drawn to detect if there are any substances called CA125 in the blood stream.

After surgery to remove any cancer, chemotherapy to destroy any remaining cancer cells the woman may seek out support groups in her area.

The chemotherapy (usually Carboplatin and Taxol) may have side effects such as nausea, and fatique. Taxol can make your feet and legs hurt. If that side effect gets too bad the medicine you may be placed on is Taxotere. After the 2nd chemotherapy treatment you may start noticing that hair is falling out. Many women opt to wear a wig in order to maintain appearance.

After surgery and during chemotherapy your CA125 level will be periodically checked.

Having to go through cancer treatment brings home to these very special women the importance of yearly gynecological examinations for early cancer detection.

Women who have been diagnosed, their family and friends usually try to find out all they can about ovarian cancer so that they can be prepared, and so they can understand more about what goes on in the body when it is invaded by cancer.

Other tests that may be needed during treatment and recovery are CT scans, blood work, and x-rays.

Having a diagnosis of cancer as an affect on all the family members who feel that they too have been given the diagnosis of cancer.

Some women feel that having cancer can be turned into a blessing if it means that through one woman's experience with cancer another woman can be diagnosed early enough to have a good prognosis. Cancer awareness is crucial and all women should be told about getting yearly cancer screenings such as pelvic exams, pap smears, and mammograms when they are recommended by their doctors.