My Cancer Story: Surviving Granulosa Cell Tumours

MY STORY
I was initially diagnosed with Granulosa Cell Tumours (GCT), a variant of Sex-Chord Stromal Tumours of the ovary, in 2002 and have undergone 3 surgeries to remove tumours since that time, my latest on May 15, 2008. To date I have not been “victimized” by chemotherapy treatments, much to my delight. My Oncologist knows that I would prefer not to go this route but I will consider it if he feels it is necessary, especially since the cancer returned so quickly this last time. My resistance is legitimate. Chemo has been administered in GCT cases, but it has not been proven effective. I have always been an optimistic person and I remain positive even facing a life with cancer. I must admit, however, that even my positivism has been shaken somewhat with this last recurrence and I know that should I face future recurrences, each one will be more difficult to deal with. I refuse, however, to crawl under the covers and feel sorry for myself; I prefer to remain optimistic. Don't get me wrong, I do have spells where the frustration of having Cancer becomes overwhelming and the tears flow freely. But it never lasts long. I never have to look far to find someone in a worse situation and that makes me appreciate the good things that I have in my life. I am not in denial; however, I will live my life to its fullest between recurrences.

MY CANCER HISTORY - SYMPTOMS:
I had problems with heavy periods for years. In the early 1990’s my Gynecologist informed me that I had a fibroid tumour that, should it start causing pain or other problems, would have to be removed and a hysterectomy performed. However, if it did not grow too quickly, I may make it to menopause and it would probably shrink at that time. I dodged that surgery for years, mainly because I never experienced symptoms severe enough to warrant it. Birth control kept the periods regular and light. Perhaps I should have jumped in right away and had it done; it may have prevented what was to become my future.

In September 2001, I was overcome with an extreme pain in the lower left abdominal area that doubled me over and resulted in my going to the emergency room 6 hours later for meds for pain and nausea. I was referred to the ER in a larger center the following day where I was examined by several ER doctors who felt my symptoms were related to a gastrointestinal problem – probably diverticulitis. A bowel exam (Barium enema) eliminated the probability of anything more severe. I was given a list of foods to avoid. A CT Scan was hinted at but never ordered. Over the next few months I experienced excessive gas & bloating. I was tired and had frequent naps, a discomfort in the abdominal area with some tenderness, slight nausea on occasion, and even when I was extremely hungry I felt full after only a few mouthfuls of food. I did not have any weight loss or gain, but my clothes seemed tighter. I began to experience urinary incontinence and a persistent cough from a cold that hung with me for over two months. In April 2002 I went to see my family doctor with the complaint of a "pregnant stomach" - hard and swollen – looking like I was about six-months pregnant. He immediately scheduled an emergency CT Scan which identified a suspicious mass. Within 3 weeks I was in the OR having surgery to remove two growths: a malignant Stage 1C GCT and a non malignant Dermoid Cyst. There was no fibroid in sight. The GCT tumour, unfortunately, was thin-shelled and ruptured when the surgeon attempted to remove it. Fluid from the ruptured sac entered the abdominal cavity and although the area was thoroughly washed, it is possible that this has caused my recurrences. We will never know for sure. I trust that my surgeons did all they could to prevent this. I spent 10 days in hospital.

MY REACTION:
With such fast action, I didn't have a lot of time to react to my diagnosis, which I consider a good thing. I did a lot of research on GCT in that short period (and still do), but learned quickly not to take to heart everything I read. Our bodies all react differently to the form of cancer that we have and it is more important to become familiar with our own symptoms.

MY “RECURRENCE” SYMPTOM SUMMARY:
FIRST RECURRENCE: Surgery January 28, 2007 – 4 tumours removed: SYMPTOMS - Sharp and short-lived pain in the abdomen was an indication that the cancer had returned. The pain was not as severe as the first time, but I still experienced a feeling of tenderness (felt like too many sit-ups in one session) for several days following this episode. No pain in my shoulders, but all other symptoms were the same and, once again, no weight loss.
SECOND RECURRENCE: Surgery May 15, 2008 – 1 tumour and several nodes removed: SYMPTOMS - Shooting pain in my lower left abdomen on December 17, 2007 followed by bouts of mild nausea, headaches, achiness, and a fairly constant tiredness about a month later. I had started a new job that involved shift work and I found it really upset my system. I quit the job (which I wasn't enjoying anyway) and after a month only the occasional headache and the need for naps remained. Based on this, I expect that the symptoms of this disease are most definitely enhanced by stress, but can also be missed when you are living/working in a stressful environment. A CT Scan in February 2008 confirmed my suspicions. As the surgery date drew closer, I began to experience more gassiness and discomfort in the abdominal area. No weight loss.

"New onset acne" has also been present throughout my history with GCT. I just confirmed that this is, indeed, also a symptom of stromal tumours!

LIVING WITH CANCER:
It is very important to be aware of your body. Don't credit minor aches and pains with getting older - keep track of each change in your body as you age as there may be an underlying cause. I keep a journal of personal symptoms for reference which I would suggest everyone do. Be constantly aware of changes in your own body – don’t expect that your symptoms will be the same as mine. Although we all may have similar symptoms, there are some that may be more prominent for each of us in the early detection of this cancer, or any cancer for that matter.

I communicate with other GCT patients on various cancer websites and I find it reassuring that I am not alone in this fight. Exchanging information can be useful in becoming aware of diagnosis and treatment options, especially when your cancer is rare. I hope to be able to help others by talking about my experiences with GCT. I welcome any questions, feedback, or just a request to chat.

I may never be secure in the thought that the cancer will not return. But each day I give thanks for my healing, my survival, and my ability to pull myself back up when life takes a downward spiral.

There's an old saying: What doesn't kill you, makes you stronger. My belief in this philosophy has increased ten-fold in the past 6 years!!

Until next time ....
~ B-Optimistic ~