2018

[2002chevy]

Hello everyone. I have stage 3 low grade ovarian cancer. Had debulk surgery on Jan 23 and all cancer removed except micro scopic pcs. I am suppose to start chemo Feb. 27 . I am Very undecided to do chemo or enjoy What is left of my life feeling ok. Does any one have advise or experiences ?

[lorraine71-Australia]

Hi, This is a decision you have to make but it is a stranded treatment to have surgery then chemo to clean up any spot cancer left.

Ovarian cancer has a history of recurrence so this is why your oncologist would be suggesting chemo to give you the best chance.

Before deciding talk to your oncologist again maybe some of our lovely ladies on here have experience with only having surgery and no chemo.

I had surgery and chemo but my history is as soon as I go of chemo my 125 goes up so in the last 3 tears I've had a lot of chemo, it's not always been easy but with out treatment I don't think I would still be here.

The other thing we all react to treatment so differently it has to be our choice, I hope you decide on the best treatment for you...Take care and keep in touch Lorraine xx

[2002chevy in reply to lorraine71-Australia]

Thank you for your advise. Unfortunately I am only 50. I can pray a cure will come out. I think I am going to give it a shot.

[lorraine71-Australia in reply to 2002chevy]

Hi, True there are new treatment and a cure is all we hope for..all the best for the future Lorraine xx

[2002chevy in reply to lorraine71-Australia]

I also have asthma I hope my lungs can handle it and I have low grade which chemo sometimes does not take ?

[Hidden]

Hi Chevy and welcome to the site. I believe that surgery and then Chemo is the more appropriate way to treat Ovarian Cancer. This is what I had back twelve years ago and since then has been well managed by Chemo from time to time. If you are not happy do look for a second opinion but this is more or less the norm. What I would say to you is ask your gynae oncologist if a tissue sample from your pathology can be sent off for braca testing and also ask for the genetic test done by blood sample. This might open you up to a more tailored treatment in the future such as Parp Inhibitors. It is early days yet and you are still recovering from surgery but I am glad I have been able to have treatment, otherwise I would have missed different family celebrations. A diagnosis is not the end of the world although it does seem like it at the time. You can continue to live with this illness for many years. Forget about Google, the stats are out of dates and sometimes the information given is scary. All the best whatever you decide to do.

[2002chevy in reply to Hidden]

May I asked What stage and grade do you have.

[Hidden in reply to 2002chevy]

For me didn't ask at any time, I don't know all I need to know for me is that treatment so far has worked and I am stable. I haven't gone into detail with Oncologist, it has not spread to the organs and confined to same area on all recurrences. The reason I am told is that the surgeon had to leave a small section of ovary behind as it was tied up in a major blood vessel and my sciatic nerve

[welshdoll]

Hi, I was diagnosed in 2014 age 45 with stage 3b low grade like yourself. I had the radical surgery,followed by chemotherapy even though low grade tends not to respond well long term. I am well and am almost 3yrs NED. Chemo is tough but doeable. I stayed active throughout and feel exercise def helped with coping with treatment. I have long term side effects of neuropathy on my right side fingers and toes, leg and foot pain but deal with it... am thankful I'm alive, seeing my son grow into a fine young man😊best of luck x

[2002chevy]

I just had surgery Jan 23 and I can barely move around now. I am afraid chemo will kill me or maybe do alot of damage. All I think about is this disease everyday .

[Hidden]

I know its a blow to get, we all feel like this, is there a cancer support group near you at all? Usually they are confidential and supportive, Chemo may be difficult but it is doable, you will get anti nausea drugs to help with nausea etc. Imagine your self in five months time all done and dusted and planning a holiday of sorts. There is life after chemo