Hi everyone, I'm new to this forum but having read other posts can see what a great community of support it is.
I had a midline laparotomy 4 weeks ago to remove an 18cm mucinous tumour from my left ovary, along with my left ovary and tube, appendix and omentum and a few lymph nodes. The biopsies confirmed stage 1a low grade ovarian cancer - which we recognise is a really positive outcome after a worrying couple of months. I'm recovering well from the op and no adjuvant therapies are required - just 3 monthly check ups.
My right ovary was normal and retained. I'm 30 years old and before this happened was very much ttc with my husband - I've asked about when we can ttc again but unsure on the factors that contribute to this decision. The clinical nurse suggested the surgeon might want us to wait 12-18 months, one of the surgeon's colleagues said to wait for my first 3 monthly check up and see how my cycle has settled then. Ive not seen the surgeon since immediately after the op. I just wondered if anyone had been through something similar/ knew anymore about how ttc is advised after stage 1a ovarian cancer diagnosis and laparotomy?
Thanks for any info!
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Lisx87
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Hi Lisx87 and welcome to the site. Your story is identical to mine. Last year I had my first op in June to remove what they thought was just a large 'cyst'. Pathology came back and it was diagnosed as mucinous. So in Aug last year, I went back for a second op and had my right ovary, tube, appendix removed along with biopsies of omentum and abdominal washings. I was staged 1a like you. I was 33. I am also married with no kids but unlike you, hubby and I are not ttc. Having said that, my Oncologist mentioned that there should be no reason i would have any trouble just because i only have one ovary. She said she would probably want to monitor any potential future pregnancy closely but that the surgeries should not affect my fertility. As I wasn't ttc at the time, I can't comment on when it would be best for you guys to start trying again, but I think it would be sensible to give you body time to fully recover from your surgery and get itself back into a normal cycle. Your remaining ovary should basically take up the slack from the one you had removed, so you should have normal monthly periods. You are best talking this through with your surgeon when you have your next appointment.
Following my last op (a year ago tomorrow!) i have been followed up every 3 months, with an US scan every 6 months. Just had a scan last Friday and i'm pleased to say all is clear. I wish you well with your continued recovery but would strongly suggest speaking with your surgeon about when would be best to start trying All the best, Jemima xx
Thanks very much for the reply Jemima - yes, sounds very similar! Glad to hear you are continuing to do well one year on. I had sensed that there would be a period of healing post op to make sure my body is 'strong' enough but wondering if there are any other factors related to the monitoring that might play a role ie if they want to see a certain period of 'clear' results - will see what the consultant says at my first check up. Our lives this year have just been all turned on their heads from what we were expecting and I think we are playing catch up now on information gathering. Thanks again x
And that's all completely understandable. Definitely see what your consultant says and go with their recommendations. And of course, listen to your body and more importantly, give yourself time to heal xx
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