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• Cancer >> Ovarian Cancer >> 5-6 years since diagnosis >> Interview OV15 >> Was given a nice wig but preferred to wear a scarf or hat.

Ovarian cancer diagnosed in 1997 following frequent urination and feeling that all was not well. Treated by surgical removal of ovaries and womb. Recurrence treated with chemotherapy.

• Cancer >> Ovarian Cancer >> Less than 2 years since diagnosis >> Interview OV43 >> Spent hours travelling to the hospital for chemotherapy while feeling ill.

Ovarian cancer diagnosed in 2002 following constipation, frequent urination, tiredness, diarrhoea, bloating, umbilical hernia, and breathing difficulties. Treated by surgical removal of ovaries as remaining tumour was inoperable, then chemotherapy.

• Cancer >> Ovarian Cancer >> 2-5 years since diagnosis >> Interview OV05 >> She was upset when her hair fell out after chemotherapy.

Ovarian cancer diagnosed in 2000 after finding a lump in her abdomen, accompanied by vague abdominal symptoms. Treated by surgical removal of both ovaries followed by chemotherapy.

• Cancer >> Ovarian Cancer >> 5-6 years since diagnosis >> Interview OV15 >> Describes how chemotherapy frightened her and how it brought out the good in people.

Ovarian cancer diagnosed in 1997 following frequent urination and feeling that all was not well. Treated by surgical removal of ovaries and womb. Recurrence treated with chemotherapy.

• Cancer >> Ovarian Cancer >> 2-5 years since diagnosis >> Interview OV13 >> Describes how she passed the time during chemotherapy treatments.

Ovarian cancer diagnosed in 2000 after pain and abdominal bloating. Treated by surgical removal of ovaries and womb followed by chemotherapy. Recurrences treated with further chemotherapy.

• Cancer >> Ovarian Cancer >> 2-5 years since diagnosis >> Interview OV38 >> Had more regular check-ups because she was taking part in a trial.

Ovarian cancer diagnosed in 2000 following abdominal aches and pains. Treated by surgical removal of ovaries and womb followed by chemotherapy.

• Cancer >> Ovarian Cancer >> 5-6 years since diagnosis >> Interview OV15 >> She could work on days when she felt well between chemotherapy treatments.

Ovarian cancer diagnosed in 1997 following frequent urination and feeling that all was not well. Treated by surgical removal of ovaries and womb. Recurrence treated with chemotherapy.

• Cancer >> Ovarian Cancer >> Less than 2 years since diagnosis >> Interview OV44 >> She knew little about chemotherapy before she had it

Primary peritoneal cancer suspected in 2003 following abdominal pain, painful urination, and weight gain. Treated with chemotherapy. Surgery planned to remove ovaries, omentum and other organs as necessary, followed by more chemotherapy.

• Cancer >> Ovarian Cancer >> 2-5 years since diagnosis >> Interview OV45 >> A recurrence of her cancer was treated with new experimental chemotherapy drugs.

Ovarian cancer diagnosed in 2001 following indigestion, abdominal pain and bloating. Treated by surgical removal of ovaries and womb, and chemotherapy. Recurrences treated with chemotherapy. Surgery to lungs and heart to prevent fluid build-up.

• Cancer >> Ovarian Cancer >> Less than 2 years since diagnosis >> Interview OV44 >> She lost her eyebrows and eyelashes after chemotherapy.

Primary peritoneal cancer suspected in 2003 following abdominal pain, painful urination, and weight gain. Treated with chemotherapy. Surgery planned to remove ovaries, omentum and other organs as necessary, followed by more chemotherapy.

• Cancer >> Ovarian Cancer >> 7-14 years since diagnosis >> Interview OV26 >> Tried using the cold cap to prevent hair loss after chemotherapy.

Ovarian cancer diagnosed in 1993 after requesting a health check (no symptoms experienced). Treated by surgical removal of ovary and womb then chemotherapy. Recurrence after 10 years treated with chemotherapy.

• Cancer >> Ovarian Cancer >> 5-6 years since diagnosis >> Interview OV15 >> Had an allergic reaction to the chemotherapy on her sixth treatment.

Ovarian cancer diagnosed in 1997 following frequent urination and feeling that all was not well. Treated by surgical removal of ovaries and womb. Recurrence treated with chemotherapy.

• Cancer >> Ovarian Cancer >> Less than 2 years since diagnosis >> Interview OV37 >> The more chemotherapy she had the more ill she felt.

Ovarian cancer diagnosed in 2002 following abdominal pain associated with gall bladder inflammation. Ovarian cyst found during investigations. Surgical removal of gall bladder combined with removal of both ovaries, followed by chemotherapy.

• Cancer >> Ovarian Cancer >> Less than 2 years since diagnosis >> Interview OV27 >> Describes getting used to wearing a wig.

Ovarian cancer diagnosed in 2002 following abdominal bloating and finding a lump. Treated with chemotherapy followed by surgical removal of ovaries and womb and further chemotherapy.

• Cancer >> Ovarian Cancer >> Less than 2 years since diagnosis >> Interview OV08 >> Chemotherapy made her feel extremely tired and lethargic.

Ovarian cancer diagnosed in 2002 as a result of an abnormal cervical smear test. Treated by surgical removal of ovaries and womb followed by chemotherapy.

• Cancer >> Ovarian Cancer >> 2-5 years since diagnosis >> Interview OV05 >> Her veins were difficult to find, making the chemotherapy injection difficult.

Ovarian cancer diagnosed in 2000 after finding a lump in her abdomen, accompanied by vague abdominal symptoms. Treated by surgical removal of both ovaries followed by chemotherapy.

• Cancer >> Ovarian Cancer >> 2-5 years since diagnosis >> Interview OV10 >> Her body's reaction to chemotherapy followed a pattern.

Ovarian cancer diagnosed in 2000 following an abdominal ache. Treated by surgical removal of ovaries and womb followed by chemotherapy.

• Cancer >> Ovarian Cancer >> Less than 2 years since diagnosis >> Interview OV27 >> Cut the rest of her hair off when it started falling out after chemotherapy.

Ovarian cancer diagnosed in 2002 following abdominal bloating and finding a lump. Treated with chemotherapy followed by surgical removal of ovaries and womb and further chemotherapy.

• Cancer >> Ovarian Cancer >> 7-14 years since diagnosis >> Interview OV32 >> Was very sick after chemotherapy and needed to be hospitalised.

Ovarian cancer diagnosed in 1994 following tiredness, pain, nausea and vomiting. Treated with bowel surgery then chemotherapy. Recurrence treated by chemotherapy prior to surgical removal of ovaries and womb. Second recurrence treated by more chemotherapy.

• Cancer >> Ovarian Cancer >> Less than 2 years since diagnosis >> Interview OV23 >> Describes the process of being given chemotherapy and other drugs to minimise unwanted effects

Ovarian cancer diagnosed in 2002 following abdominal swelling. Treated by surgical removal of ovaries and womb followed by chemotherapy, complicated by kidney problems.

• Cancer >> Ovarian Cancer >> Less than 2 years since diagnosis >> Interview OV27 >> One can plan one's life around chemotherapy treatments because the body reacts similarly after each treatment.

Ovarian cancer diagnosed in 2002 following abdominal bloating and finding a lump. Treated with chemotherapy followed by surgical removal of ovaries and womb and further chemotherapy.

• Cancer >> Ovarian Cancer >> 2-5 years since diagnosis >> Interview OV20 >> Explains her anxiety when waiting for results of blood tests before being allowed the next chemotherapy treatment.

Ovarian cancer diagnosed in 2000 following abdominal pain and bloating, painful sex and bleeding afterwards. Treated by surgical removal of tumour, chemotherapy, then removal of ovaries and womb and more chemotherapy. Further surgery to repair a hernia.

• Cancer >> Ovarian Cancer >> 2-5 years since diagnosis >> Interview OV40 >> A chemotherapy treatment was postponed because blood tests showed she had not recovered enough to cope with it.

Ovarian cancer diagnosed in 2001 following urinary incontinence and abdominal bloating. Treated by surgical removal of ovaries and womb followed by chemotherapy.

• Cancer >> Ovarian Cancer >> 7-14 years since diagnosis >> Interview OV36 >> Had five courses of four different chemotherapy drugs because her cancer kept returning.

Ovarian cancer diagnosed in 1997 following abdominal pain, tiredness and bloating. Treated with bowel surgery then surgical removal of ovaries and womb, and chemotherapy. Recurrences treated with chemotherapy, accompanied by further bowel surgery.

• Cancer >> Ovarian Cancer >> 2-5 years since diagnosis >> Interview OV13 >> Her hair grew back differently after chemotherapy.

Ovarian cancer diagnosed in 2000 after pain and abdominal bloating. Treated by surgical removal of ovaries and womb followed by chemotherapy. Recurrences treated with further chemotherapy.

• Cancer >> Ovarian Cancer >> 2-5 years since diagnosis >> Interview OV25 >> The second time her hair fell out she left her head uncovered with close friends and family.

Ovarian cancer diagnosed in 2000 following breathlessness and abdominal bloating. Treated with chemotherapy then surgical removal of ovaries and womb and more chemotherapy. Subsequent lumps in armpit, leg and groin treated with further chemotherapy.

• Cancer >> Ovarian Cancer >> 5-6 years since diagnosis >> Interview OV09 >> She felt more sick with each chemotherapy treatment she had.

Ovarian cancer diagnosed in 1997 after finding a lump in her abdomen. Treated by surgical removal of ovaries and womb followed by chemotherapy.

• Cancer >> Ovarian Cancer >> 7-14 years since diagnosis >> Interview OV06 >> She felt sick after her early chemotherapy treatments but felt fine in later ones.

Ovarian cancer diagnosed in 1991 following night sweats. Treated by surgical removal of the affected ovary followed by chemotherapy.

• Cancer >> Ovarian Cancer >> Less than 2 years since diagnosis >> Interview OV44 >> Describes the pains in her legs in addition to other side effects of chemotherapy.

Primary peritoneal cancer suspected in 2003 following abdominal pain, painful urination, and weight gain. Treated with chemotherapy. Surgery planned to remove ovaries, omentum and other organs as necessary, followed by more chemotherapy.

• Cancer >> Ovarian Cancer >> Less than 2 years since diagnosis >> Interview OV42 >> Was given the choice of whether or not to have chemotherapy as well as surgery.

Ovarian cancer diagnosed in 2003 following abdominal pain (diagnosed as gall stones) and bloating. Treated by surgical removal of ovaries and womb followed by chemotherapy.

• Cancer >> Ovarian Cancer >> Less than 2 years since diagnosis >> Interview OV22 >> Describes side effects and explains how the steroids she was given to help with chemotherapy prevented her from sleeping.

Ovarian cancer diagnosed in 2002 after finding a lump in her abdomen. Treated by surgical removal of ovaries and womb followed by chemotherapy.

• Cancer >> Ovarian Cancer >> Less than 2 years since diagnosis >> Interview OV37 >> Was left with bad bruising on her hands from having cannulae put in her veins for chemotherapy.

Ovarian cancer diagnosed in 2002 following abdominal pain associated with gall bladder inflammation. Ovarian cyst found during investigations. Surgical removal of gall bladder combined with removal of both ovaries, followed by chemotherapy.

• Cancer >> Ovarian Cancer >> 7-14 years since diagnosis >> Interview OV06 >> She developed meningitis after chemotherapy damaged her immune system.

Ovarian cancer diagnosed in 1991 following night sweats. Treated by surgical removal of the affected ovary followed by chemotherapy.

• Cancer >> Ovarian Cancer >> 7-14 years since diagnosis >> Interview OV36 >> Was very sick after chemotherapy but found out that it was caused by the way she was taking her morphine.

Ovarian cancer diagnosed in 1997 following abdominal pain, tiredness and bloating. Treated with bowel surgery then surgical removal of ovaries and womb, and chemotherapy. Recurrences treated with chemotherapy, accompanied by further bowel surgery.

• Cancer >> Ovarian Cancer >> 7-14 years since diagnosis >> Interview OV21 >> Had chemotherapy injected into her abdomen and her kidneys failed due to an error in the administration of the drugs.

Ovarian cancer diagnosed in 1996 following weight loss, abdominal bloating, lighter periods and tiredness. Treated by surgical removal of ovaries and womb, and chemotherapy. Chemotherapy for recurrences caused kidney failure and immunological shock.

• Cancer >> Ovarian Cancer >> 7-14 years since diagnosis >> Interview OV21 >> Was tried on chemotherapy after her kidneys failed but ended up in intensive care as a result.

Ovarian cancer diagnosed in 1996 following weight loss, abdominal bloating, lighter periods and tiredness. Treated by surgical removal of ovaries and womb, and chemotherapy. Chemotherapy for recurrences caused kidney failure and immunological shock.

• Cancer >> Ovarian Cancer >> 2-5 years since diagnosis >> Interview OV25 >> Was told her cancer was too advanced for any treatment but demanded chemotherapy, which was effective.

Ovarian cancer diagnosed in 2000 following breathlessness and abdominal bloating. Treated with chemotherapy then surgical removal of ovaries and womb and more chemotherapy. Subsequent lumps in armpit, leg and groin treated with further chemotherapy.

• Cancer >> Ovarian Cancer >> Less than 2 years since diagnosis >> Interview OV14 >> Was offered a choice of carboplatin alone or combined with paclitaxel.

Ovarian cancer diagnosed in 2002 following abdominal ache. Treated by surgical removal of ovaries and womb followed by chemotherapy.

• Cancer >> Ovarian Cancer >> 5-6 years since diagnosis >> Interview OV29 >> Was offered the choice of radiotherapy after her chemotherapy.

Ovarian cancer diagnosed in 1998 following a vaginal discharge and bleeding. Treated by surgical removal of ovaries (previously hysterectomised) followed by chemotherapy and radiotherapy.

• Cancer >> Ovarian Cancer >> Less than 2 years since diagnosis >> Interview OV12 >> Was invited into a clinical trial and describes her decision to take part.

Ovarian cancer diagnosed in 2002 following abdominal swelling and frequent urination. Treated with three cycles of chemotherapy followed by debulking surgery and six further cycles of chemotherapy.

• Cancer >> Ovarian Cancer >> 2-5 years since diagnosis >> Interview OV38 >> Was happy that her treatment in a clinical trial was the hospital's standard treatment.

Ovarian cancer diagnosed in 2000 following abdominal aches and pains. Treated by surgical removal of ovaries and womb followed by chemotherapy.

• Cancer >> Ovarian Cancer >> 5-6 years since diagnosis >> Interview OV19 >> Decided against going in a clinical trial because she wanted to avoid the severe side effects of paclitaxel (Taxol).

Ovarian cancer diagnosed in 1997 following diarrhoea, pain, weight loss and vaginal discharge. Treated by surgical removal of ovaries and womb followed by chemotherapy.

• Cancer >> Ovarian Cancer >> 7-14 years since diagnosis >> Interview OV03 >> Felt uncomfortable about her decision not to take part in a clinical trial.

Ovarian cancer diagnosed in 1996 following abdominal swelling and pain, and depression. Treated by surgical removal of ovaries and womb followed by chemotherapy.

• Cancer >> Ovarian Cancer >> Less than 2 years since diagnosis >> Interview OV43 >> Describes a trial where a rise in women's CA125 prompts randomisation to further treatment or to wait until symptoms occur.

Ovarian cancer diagnosed in 2002 following constipation, frequent urination, tiredness, diarrhoea, bloating, umbilical hernia, and breathing difficulties. Treated by surgical removal of ovaries as remaining tumour was inoperable, then chemotherapy.

• Cancer >> Ovarian Cancer >> 5-6 years since diagnosis >> Interview OV39 >> Refused to take part in a follow-up trial in which she would not know if her CA125 level rose.

Ovarian cancer diagnosed in 1997 following abdominal pain, frequent urination, vaginal bleeding, fainting fit, and rash. Treated by surgical removal of ovaries and womb followed by chemotherapy.

• Cancer >> Ovarian Cancer >> 5-6 years since diagnosis >> Interview OV17 >> Used her medical insurance to find out the results of tests taken as part of a clinical trial.

Ovarian cancer diagnosed in 1998 following breathing and bladder problems, weight gain and bloating, and changed bowel habits. Treated by surgical removal of both ovaries and abdominal fluid, chemotherapy, then hysterectomy and further chemotherapy.

• Cancer >> Ovarian Cancer >> Less than 2 years since diagnosis >> Interview OV23 >> Had a tube inserted to drain urine from an obstructed kidney to a bag strapped to her leg.

Ovarian cancer diagnosed in 2002 following abdominal swelling. Treated by surgical removal of ovaries and womb followed by chemotherapy, complicated by kidney problems.

• Cancer >> Ovarian Cancer >> 5-6 years since diagnosis >> Interview OV18 >> Her oncologist spoke to her in an insensitive way.

Ovarian cancer diagnosed in 1997 following investigations for infertility. Treated by surgical removal of affected ovary followed by chemotherapy. Diagnosis revised as 'borderline' and further treatment aborted in preference for regular monitoring.

• Cancer >> Ovarian Cancer >> 2-5 years since diagnosis >> Interview OV05 >> Praises the chemotherapy nurses for their skills and for creating a friendly atmosphere in the unit.

Ovarian cancer diagnosed in 2000 after finding a lump in her abdomen, accompanied by vague abdominal symptoms. Treated by surgical removal of both ovaries followed by chemotherapy.

• Cancer >> Ovarian Cancer >> 7-14 years since diagnosis >> Interview OV24 >> Found it difficult to distinguish between menopausal symptoms and effects of the chemotherapy.

Ovarian cancer diagnosed in 1989 after finding a large abdominal lump. Treated by surgical removal of ovaries and womb followed by chemotherapy.

• Cancer >> Ovarian Cancer >> 5-6 years since diagnosis >> Interview OV02 >> Was impressed with the acupuncture she had to counter the unwanted effects of chemotherapy.

Ovarian cancer diagnosed in 1997 following abdominal bloating, altered bowel habits, weight loss and vaginal bleeding. Treated by surgical removal of ovaries and womb followed by chemotherapy.

• Cancer >> Ovarian Cancer >> Less than 2 years since diagnosis >> Interview OV22 >> Followed a recommendation to take ginger in various forms to reduce nausea caused by chemotherapy.

Ovarian cancer diagnosed in 2002 after finding a lump in her abdomen. Treated by surgical removal of ovaries and womb followed by chemotherapy.

• Cancer >> Ovarian Cancer >> Less than 2 years since diagnosis >> Interview OV44 >> Explains why she rejected alternative therapies in favour of conventional medicine.

Primary peritoneal cancer suspected in 2003 following abdominal pain, painful urination, and weight gain. Treated with chemotherapy. Surgery planned to remove ovaries, omentum and other organs as necessary, followed by more chemotherapy.

• Cancer >> Ovarian Cancer >> 5-6 years since diagnosis >> Interview OV15 >> Found it hard to deal with other people's emotional reactions to her illness.

Ovarian cancer diagnosed in 1997 following frequent urination and feeling that all was not well. Treated by surgical removal of ovaries and womb. Recurrence treated with chemotherapy.

• Cancer >> Ovarian Cancer >> Less than 2 years since diagnosis >> Interview OV23 >> Experienced hot flushes when she entered the menopause as a result of her treatment.

Ovarian cancer diagnosed in 2002 following abdominal swelling. Treated by surgical removal of ovaries and womb followed by chemotherapy, complicated by kidney problems.

• Cancer >> Ovarian Cancer >> 2-5 years since diagnosis >> Interview OV20 >> Felt the baldness, weight gain, scars and hernia after her treatment combined to form a 'comedy body'.

Ovarian cancer diagnosed in 2000 following abdominal pain and bloating, painful sex and bleeding afterwards. Treated by surgical removal of tumour, chemotherapy, then removal of ovaries and womb and more chemotherapy. Further surgery to repair a hernia.

• Cancer >> Ovarian Cancer >> 2-5 years since diagnosis >> Interview OV07 >> Felt ugly after her treatment, so made a big effort to look her best.

Ovarian cancer diagnosed in 2000 following digestive problems. Treated by surgical removal of ovaries and womb followed by chemotherapy. Recurrence treated with further chemotherapy.

• Cancer >> Ovarian Cancer >> 5-6 years since diagnosis >> Interview OV31 >> Attended a 'look good, feel better' beauty session to counteract the effects of chemotherapy.

Ovarian cancer diagnosed in 1997 in the course of infertility treatment. Treated by surgical removal of ovaries and womb followed by chemotherapy.

• Cancer >> Ovarian Cancer >> 7-14 years since diagnosis >> Interview OV36 >> Felt unattractive and wore a wig in bed but feels that a sex life needs to be preserved.

Ovarian cancer diagnosed in 1997 following abdominal pain, tiredness and bloating. Treated with bowel surgery then surgical removal of ovaries and womb, and chemotherapy. Recurrences treated with chemotherapy, accompanied by further bowel surgery.

• Cancer >> Ovarian Cancer >> 7-14 years since diagnosis >> Interview OV03 >> Found it hard to adjust her diet during treatment and found dietary advice for people with cancer conflicting and confusing.

Ovarian cancer diagnosed in 1996 following abdominal swelling and pain, and depression. Treated by surgical removal of ovaries and womb followed by chemotherapy.

• Cancer >> Ovarian Cancer >> 7-14 years since diagnosis >> Interview OV03 >> Worked (as a nurse) when she could during her treatment, but afterwards found full-time work difficult and took a break.

Ovarian cancer diagnosed in 1996 following abdominal swelling and pain, and depression. Treated by surgical removal of ovaries and womb followed by chemotherapy.

• Cancer >> Ovarian Cancer >> Less than 2 years since diagnosis >> Interview OV42 >> Couldn't visualise any future while feeling so ill from her chemotherapy.

Ovarian cancer diagnosed in 2003 following abdominal pain (diagnosed as gall stones) and bloating. Treated by surgical removal of ovaries and womb followed by chemotherapy.

• Cancer >> Ovarian Cancer >> 5-6 years since diagnosis >> Interview OV18 >> Was concerned that if she lost her hair from chemotherapy everyone would know she had cancer.

Ovarian cancer diagnosed in 1997 following investigations for infertility. Treated by surgical removal of affected ovary followed by chemotherapy. Diagnosis revised as 'borderline' and further treatment aborted in preference for regular monitoring.

• Cancer >> Ovarian Cancer >> 2-5 years since diagnosis >> Interview OV10 >> Waited until her husband had driven her home from hospital before telling him she had cancer.

Ovarian cancer diagnosed in 2000 following an abdominal ache. Treated by surgical removal of ovaries and womb followed by chemotherapy.

• Cancer >> Ovarian Cancer >> 2-5 years since diagnosis >> Interview OV40 >> Her nine-year-old daughter wrote her a poem on learning the diagnosis.

Ovarian cancer diagnosed in 2001 following urinary incontinence and abdominal bloating. Treated by surgical removal of ovaries and womb followed by chemotherapy.

• Cancer >> Ovarian Cancer >> 5-6 years since diagnosis >> Interview OV09 >> Explained that her husband did the housework, taking time off when needed, and mopped up after chemotherapy made her sick.

Ovarian cancer diagnosed in 1997 after finding a lump in her abdomen. Treated by surgical removal of ovaries and womb followed by chemotherapy.

• Cancer >> Ovarian Cancer >> 7-14 years since diagnosis >> Interview OV03 >> During her chemotherapy she had great support from friends, but it dried up when she finished her treatment.

Ovarian cancer diagnosed in 1996 following abdominal swelling and pain, and depression. Treated by surgical removal of ovaries and womb followed by chemotherapy.

• Cancer >> Ovarian Cancer >> 7-14 years since diagnosis >> Interview OV24 >> Would have liked more emotional support from family, friends and colleagues during her treatment.

Ovarian cancer diagnosed in 1989 after finding a large abdominal lump. Treated by surgical removal of ovaries and womb followed by chemotherapy.

• Topic
• Cancer >> Ovarian Cancer >> Chemotherapy >> Chemotherapy

Chemotherapy

• Cancer >> Ovarian Cancer >> Unwanted effects of chemotherapy >> Unwanted effects of chemotherapy

Unwanted effects of chemotherapy

• Cancer >> Ovarian Cancer >> Unwanted effects of chemotherapy >> Unwanted effects of chemotherapy

Unwanted effects of chemotherapy