hi everyone. i am 21 years old and was diagnosed with ovarian cancer (non-gestational chorciocarcinoma) 3 weeks ago. they took out my left ovary and fallopian tube. i am now undergoing chemotherapy. any advice or suggestions would be great to help me get through all of this. any good book suggestions would be greatly appreciated too! maybe some uplifting reads from others who experienced this?
also, i am experiencing body aches all over. my right side of my neck, the area at the bottom of my breasts, my upper back, and parts of my head. is this normal? the medication i am on is cisplatin, etoposide and bleomycin. please let me know if you know anything because i thought the doctor mentioned skin rashes or something? but these feel more like body aches.
Already a member? Sign in
Welcome to Inspire!
What - Inspire is a place where you can connect with people who share your health concerns and find information and advice in groups sponsored by organizations you know and trust.
Why - As a member you can use Inspire to let friends and family know how you're doing, contact others who share your health concerns, receive personalized updates and information about participating in surveys and clinical trials, and more.
How - Joining Inspire is completely free and usually takes less than a minute. Join now!
body aches + newly diagnosed
- By amsterling
- Posted September 9, 2009 at 9:33 pm · 9 replies
- In Newly diagnosed
- Shared with the public
Explore topics in this discussion:
Anxiety Exercise Cancer Rashes Chemotherapy Pain Depression Ovarian cancer
9 replies
- Oldest first
- Newest first
- By sunny07882
- Posted September 9, 2009 at 9:36 pm
- Report post
Good luck and remember to keep fighting the fight...know that you can kick cancer's ass and continue to do the things you love.
Listen to your body and rest when you need. Exercise if you can and just be good to yourself through the chemo and beyond.
I read things that made me happy, made me laugh and watched comedies, comedians and anything that made me laugh until I wanted to pee.
- By FavoriteAunt
- Posted September 10, 2009 at 8:54 am
- Report post
You can get plenty of body aches from chemo. Always let your oncologist know what you are experiencing so that he can determine if it is from the chemo, and what can be done to ease it.
Sorry you have to deal with this disease at such a young age. Be positive and let's hope the treatment will do the trick for you.
- By lovemnms
- Posted September 10, 2009 at 10:40 am
- Report post
I had lots of body aches, during chemo and months after. Rest and when you can, do some light exercises if your doctor approves it.
My doctor suggested I take glutamine powder (from MuscleMag Store) and it got rid of my muscle aches.
I only watched comedies, avoided the news, and anything that was dark or deep. The less concentrating I had to do the better. Sometimes I did search -a-word puzzles.
I stumbled upon this site and it saved me from a deeper depression. Actually, it has been therapuetic because the women here are wise and compassionate.
My oncologist gave me this site. I found it very helpful.
http://www.chemocare.com/managing/muscle-pain-myalgias.asp
Take care .
- By georgia-foxynana
- Posted September 10, 2009 at 11:06 am
- Report post
A very good read is "Crazy Sexy Cancer Tips" I don't remember the author's name, but it is hilarious.
- By verlinda
- Posted September 10, 2009 at 8:38 pm
- Report post
I joined Netflix and rented old TV shows. (I'm in my 50's, so when I say old shows, I mean OLD shows.) It was a wonderful pick-me-up. It's also a good time to watch the old movies you enjoyed when you were much younger--Disney movies, cartoons, Winnie-the-Pooh, etc. There's so much wisdom for adults in those movies made for preschoolers.
Chemo causes multiple aches and pains, but as others have said, be sure you tell your doctor about your symptoms. Sometimes they can substitute a different drug with fewer side effects.
Come here any time. We're sorry you're having to deal with this at such a young age, but very, very grateful that you had a doctor who caught this!
Let us know how we can help.
Blessings.
- By marilyngood
- Posted September 11, 2009 at 2:24 am
- Report post
Hi Amsterling,
I'm really sorry that you are dealing with this when the only thing you should be worried about is getting to Vegas to celebrate being 21! I am was considered young when I was first diagnosed (34) and I did read some "cancer" books but honestly what helped was watching comedies, just let yourself get lost in them, the funnier the better. My favorites were Seinfeld episodes and now I would say 30 Rock. Also funny books, like Marian Keyes. She's good. Stay strong, you can get through this.
- By MinnieM
- Posted September 11, 2009 at 2:27 pm
- Report post
Chemo affects your bone marrow; so, body aches are not uncommon. I had them. Mine was mostly in my legs; so, I found that walking, and anything warm wrapped around them at bedtime helped.
So sorry you're having to deal with this so young, but sounds like you have an excellent prognosis. Do the things that make you happy -- treat yourself if you will.
There are lots of good books if you want information, and your local library or Gilda's Club will have those types of resources. Learn what you can since strangely that usually helps with the anxiety, but avoid obsessing if you can. As stated above, fun stuff to take your mind off it helps.
- By Bymyside247
- Posted September 11, 2009 at 3:03 pm
- Report post
The "Crazy Sexy Cancer Tips" by Kris Carr has gotten rave reviews. I know a lot of people who have read it and they LOVED it! So as Georgia-foxynana recommened, that is the first book I would read. :o)
I too am sorry to hear that you are going through this at such a young age. At any age cancer is not a welcome or comforting word or ordeal. Keep your head up :o) I, my self am a lady of faith & I talk to God about a lot. He wants to hear you even if you are angry with him or you do not know if you believe in him.
Anyhow, many blessings to you :o)
- By cdbart
- Posted September 11, 2009 at 3:10 pm
- Report post
Please talk to your Doctor about the aches. Mine were pains for the first three treatments but worked their way to aches. I am soon to have the last treatment. Doctor should be able to make you comfortable if the aches get bad. My Doc say they do go away after chemo. Sorry you have to face this nonsnse so young. Keep positive and lean on friends and family. We don't have to do this alone.
Add to the discussion