general info on stage 1a grade 2 ovca.

[Eolyn]

I wasn't sure where to start with this. I have been to many ovca sites since I have been dx, which was two weeks ago and it has been a very daunting idea to start a discussion or ask questions.

I guess I should start at the beginning. I went to the doctor with a very swollen stomach. I used to be a very heavy girl but decided to become healthier when I quit smoking and tried to lose weight. After losing two stone I couldn't understand why my stomach was still so big.

After trying a serious diet and exercise regime I finally went to the doctor. She immediately sent me for tests. I was found to have a 40cm cyst on my ovary. I was referred to a gyno/oncologist "just in case", as my cyst was so large they doubted it was cancer as it would have spread by now and killed me it was that big.

So I had a surgery to remove the cyst two months ago and my doctor told me he had to take the ovary but everything looked fine. He did biopsies of everything and I would see him soon for the results that would most likely come back all clear.

Two weeks ago my doctor told me I have stage 1a grade 2 ovarian cancer. I was shocked. I'm only 27 years old. He explained how rare it is to find ovca in someone so young. He said most of the tumour was borderline but in the middle it was malignant. He said we need to do a Pet scan to see if it has spread.

He also said the chemo staff feel I should have more surgery(hysterectomy), but the surgery staff don't think that is necessary and I should just have chemo. They don't want to over treat me and want to give me a chance to have children as I have none yet.

He is sending my slides away for a second opinion to two different hospitals.

I guess I just want to know if there is anyone out there in my situation or what the likely hood of having to have more surgery is?

My Pet scan is tomorrow and it will take a week to get the results.

[cath40]

Really sorry to hear your news. Very similar to my situation had really big swollen stomach even though I was losing weight accept I was 40 when this happened to me and I had 2 kids so it was much more straightforward for me. I was stage 1c and had a total hystrectomy and chemo and have not looked back thank god better then ever with a new lease and love for life. You were so lucky to be caught so early best to see what the pet scan says and take it from there. I was told to do chemo for insurance reasons which I did as my attitude was wanted to be around for my kids. At 27 it is so young hystrectomy should be the last result in alot of cases they dont even do chemo for stage 1a. Good luck with the pet scan really hope it goes well.