Ascites.

[Suzanne333]

Hi lovely ladies.

I went to the chemo centre today for assessment as I’m starting chemo this Thursday.

I’m feeling bloated so know ascites is building up. I told the nurse and she said the doctor will look Thursday morning. I asked if the chemo would get rid of the ascites. She said not really and that chemo administered would sit on the ascites.

I’m hoping they will still go ahead with the chemo Thursday and not decide to drain me first therefore delaying the chemo.

Anyone else had ascites not drained before chemo? Or any thoughts on it?

Many thanks lovely ladies. Sending you all a hug. Xxxxx

[Cropcrop]

Hi Suzanne, I can’t really offer any advice but just wanted to send love and a big hug and hope you are able to have your chemo on Thursday. Let us know how you get on ❤️Xx Jane

[Suzanne333 in reply to Cropcrop]

Thank you so much Jane. I’ll let you know. 👍🏻👍🏻

I hope you are doing ok. Big hugs xxxxx

[Yoshbosh]

Hi Suzanne,

I was in maternity clothes by the time I started chemo, and couldn’t leave the house for fear of someone asking me when the baby was due. I refused a drain, and by the time I got to chemo 2 the ascites had dramatically reduced and was all gone by the time I had my CT scan after chemo 3 (just before surgery).

I was told that the chemo would help with the ascites, and it did.

Vicki x

[Suzanne333 in reply to Yoshbosh]

Hi Vicki. Thank you for your reply. I’m hoping I can just have chemo with no drain. Hopefully the horrible ascites will go away.

I hope you are ok and doing well. Xxxx

[Yoshbosh in reply to Suzanne333]

I start chemo tomorrow, so we will be back in the hot seat at the same time as each other 😩

I hope your ascites dries up once chemo starts. My understanding is that the body reabsorbs it, and it gets processed out the same way as anything else that goes into us.

Vicki x

[Suzanne333 in reply to Yoshbosh]

Hi Vicki. Aww you’re back on the chemo train too. I’m sorry to hear that. We will be going in parallel. Which chemos are you having? I’m back on carbo and taxol. Bye bye hair again. Need to buy a load of bobble hats.

I hope you get on ok. I will be thinking of you tomorrow. Let us know how you get on.

Hugs. Xxxxx

[Yoshbosh in reply to Suzanne333]

I’m going to have carbo/gem plus Avastin. We debated taxol, but decided against. My friend has just sent me a load of beautiful hats, but hopefully I won’t need them!

[rijkje in reply to Yoshbosh]

Hi joshbosh. I had carbo/gem and avastin. My hair thinned slightly but that was all

[Yoshbosh in reply to rijkje]

Thanks Rijkje. How did you fine the other side effects vs carbo/taxol?

[rijkje in reply to Yoshbosh]

I had no side effects from the chemo at all. Just go reallyt high blood pressure and a runny nose from the avastin

[ScardyCat40]

My understanding was that the chemo does stop the ascities because it deals with the underlying cause ie the cancer

[Suzanne333 in reply to ScardyCat40]

Hi

Yes. I knew it would stop further build up but the nurse said what fluid is there might need draining. I hope not though and hope I can just get on with the chemo.

I hope you are doing ok . Xxxxx

[ScardyCat40 in reply to Suzanne333]

I suppose it depends how bad you are feeling?

[Suzanne333 in reply to ScardyCat40]

I’m not too bad. Can still eat although going off food a bit. Get heartburn a lot.

Hurts when I lay on my tummy.

I’ll be ok once chemo has started - I hope. 🤢xxxx

[CALENA]

Hi Suzanne, my ascites was increasing along with my recurrence. When I started chemo, it did help eliminate some of the discomfort. My nurses said it would help. I've only had double dose of Carbo/Gemzar - then Gemzar; Carbo/Gemzar. I'm hoping as it goes on the ascites will disappear. If you get the Neulasta, follow the doctor/nurses orders. It can make you hurt like crazy. Sometimes just the breathing makes me hurt during the first day of noticing it. Neulasta injected on Friday pm, Sunday I was a sore, aching puppy. "Claritin" did help a bit - you need to take it before and during the bone ache. I'm sorry we are all going through this but I'm trying to stay positive and be happy. Good luck to you and hugs back.

[Suzanne333 in reply to CALENA]

Hi and thank you for your reply and your advice. Bloody horrible isn’t it. I’m sorry you had it too. I hope you are doing ok now. Yep we can just try and keep as positive as we can.

Hugs. Xxxxx

[rppizio]

Hello Suzanne, I have read repeatedly from several forums/sites that usually Chemo takes care of the Ascites as well and quickly too I might add. Wishing you wonderful results with this round of treatment. Even if they do drain a little that should give you some immediate relief and let the chemo do the rest. You are an amazing lady. We are all behind you on this.

[Suzanne333 in reply to rppizio]

Aww thank you so much. Ascites is horrible. First time round I had 9 litres drained then 5 litres three weeks after. All before starting chemo.

I think I’ve got about three litres in me. How I think that I don’t know. Lol.

I just want to get on with the chemo and get rid of the gremlin again. Hoping so much for a longer remission next time around.

I hope you are ok and doing well. Big hugs xxxxx

[chall8129 in reply to Suzanne333]

Hi Suzanne,

If I may ask...what are ascites?

[Vanessa9233]

Hi Suzanne, my chemo cleared up the ascites, I didn't have a drain. Maybe they could do the drain after chemo if it's still needed xx

[Suzanne333 in reply to Vanessa9233]

Hi Vanessa.

Yes maybe they can do chemo then drain if it’s required. Hopefully it won’t be. Hope the chemo zaps it. How does it come out? Lol. Xxxx

[Vanessa9233 in reply to Suzanne333]

Lol I'm not sure to be honest xx

[chrissapam]

Hi, I had a lot off twice before I started chemo....I think about 9 and 7 litres. I have to say I was desperate to get rid of it. The first time I couldn't eat at all and couldn't imagine anyone enjoying eating. Also, was constantly being sick...was convinced I was dying and told my kids not to miss their halloween parties on my account!!

Have not had ascites since although I do have progression. I too was told the chemo was likely to sort it but perhaps it depends on local practice.

Whatever you decide, will be rooting for you; once the chemo. has actually begun, hopefully, you will feel much much better..let us know.....love Chris xxxx

[Suzanne333 in reply to chrissapam]

Hi Chris. Thank you for your reply. Crikey you had a lot drained. I’m glad you’ve not had it since. Sorry to hear you’ve had progression of this damned disease though. Relentless isn’t it.

Keep positive. Big hugs. Xxxxx

[chrissapam in reply to Suzanne333]

thanks Suzanne...am not sure the onc. wants the responsibility of me driving, but actually it seems fine to me(!) Good luck on Thursday..C XX

[Suzanne333 in reply to chrissapam]

Thank you. 👍🏻😘xxxx

[Marieloiuse]

Wishing you all the very best for Thursday and that you get relief from the ascites soon.

Catherine🍀🍀🍀

[Suzanne333 in reply to Marieloiuse]

Thank you so much Catherine.

Hugs. Xxxx

[Jessica-DianeB]

Good luck for Thursday Suzanne. I think so long as you are comfortable they will go ahead with chemo. The ascities does get ' absorbed' as I asked about it prior to my chemo as I too wanted to avoid a delay xx

[Suzanne333 in reply to Jessica-DianeB]

Hi Jessica.

Thank you for your reply. I think they will go ahead with the chemo. I don’t want a delay.

I hope you are ok and doing well. Xxx

[ZenaJ]

No Suzanne, I was lucky. Be thinking of you though. Let us know how you get on. Take care Zena xx

[Suzanne333 in reply to ZenaJ]

Hi Zena.

Thank you. I’ll let you know how it goes. 👍🏻

I hope everything is ok with you and you are keeping ok.

Hugs. Xxxxx

[ZenaJ in reply to Suzanne333]

Thanks Suzanne, I'm still in the waiting game for scan results and date for BRCA test. I hope it happens before my holiday. xxx

[Suzanne333 in reply to ZenaJ]

Aww. It’s blooming horrible waiting for results. Nothing worse as the mind goes into overdrive.

I will keep my fingers crossed for you. If you don’t hear before your holiday, you go away and have the best time ever. 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻Xxxxxxx

[ZenaJ in reply to Suzanne333]

Thanks Suzanne, I will ring them before I go. Because it's been nearly 3 weeks I'm assuming everything is ok or they would have phoned, but you never know. Even if it is clear I still get the pain and bloating so it must be something.

I'll def have a good holiday. It's been booked for a year. That's confidence for you.

Best wishes, Zena xxxx

[CJR99]

Suzanne bless you I’ve been there it’s pants and very uncomfortable....keep strong you’re an amazing lady I know you’ll get the help you need...sending a big hug 😘 xxx

[Suzanne333 in reply to CJR99]

Hi

Thank you for your message. Yes I’ll be ok get the horrible cancer zapped again and get rid of the fluid too

Hope you are ok

Hugs xxxx

[Zena41]

Hi Hun

Depends how u feel? If it makes u breathless or affects your appetite? Get it done.

I currently have it again must I’m having a drain Thursday before I see dr for results of ct scan.

Then they will decide what’s next.

Ascites is horrible I’m on my 7 th drain now. But the good thing is it has gone from 12 litres to 3 litres.

Personally if I was you I would get it done so it doesn’t add to the sick feeling with chemo as I feel it does with me. X

[Suzanne333 in reply to Zena41]

Hi

Thank you for your message. Sorry you have had so many drains. Horrible isn’t it. I’ve probably got a couple of litres or so at the moment. I know it builds up quickly though.

Will see what they say tomorrow. I don’t want to feel sick.

I hope you are ok.

Hugs. Xxxxx

[lorraine71-Australia]

Hi Suzanne, Like most ladies that was my first and only sign of ovarian cancer by the time I went into hospital I could not bend over, I did not have the ascites drained it went quite quickly after a couple of chemo's.

Sorry to hear your back on chemo on Thursday hope all goes well..Take care Lorraine xx🎉

[Tesla_7US]

I had ascites drained twice before chemo. I am now NED 14 months and it has not come back. Fingers crossed.😊

[Suzanne333 in reply to Tesla_7US]

Aww. Sorry you had two drains but great news you’re NED. Keep going. Xxxxx

[Lily-Anne]

Good luck tomorrow hope it goes well. I understood that chemo does clear up the fluid but maybe they are just being cautious. I’ve found lately they are really careful with their words until after the event

LA xx

[Kim1958]

Chemo completely took away my ascites. I didn't have it drained. Fingers crossed that all goes well for you! Kim xx

[Alikay]

Hi Suzanne. I can totally sympathise with how you are feeling at the moment - I have had 2 drains in the last 2 weeks - first 7 litres then 6.5 yesterday. I don't understand why it's building up though as my ca125 is falling ( question for consultant next week).

I do hope you get sorted and the chemo goes ahead as planned. Take care. Ali xx

[Luchie]

Hi Suzanne, I had ascites when I was first diagnosed, that's how they found out I had the beast! I was drained with 4 litres of fluid. I was so worried I will be bloated again before my chemo starts but the consultant said the chemo will do the trick. Thank God that was the only time I had the ascites. So the chemo stopped it. I hope you get sorted soon. Take care.❤️❤️❤️

[Avis52]

I had ascites when first diagnosed in 2013 and it disappeared after my first chemotherapy. My Consultant said it is best left alone if you are able to tolerate it and let the chemotherapy help get rid of it. I to am on the road to start treatment again with an appointment today to sign consent for further chemotherapy following surgery in August. Good luck with your treatment.

[Saleh123]

My wife was so uncomfortable with the ascites. The tummybloated and could not eat and breathe properly. She was normally hospitalised for 2 nights minimum. The first day was getting the blood sample and draining the ascites. The next day for the chemo infusion. After a few cycles, the ascites would disappear by itself until the next recurrence.

[caf132]

Prayers your ascites goes away quickly with chemo😀. I have heard from many that it does. Keep fighting Suzanne, you can do this!

[DesireeD]

I had so much ascites--it felt scary and Chemo DID take care of it,-- but before Chemo, I had to have it drained from around lungs @9 times- if I remember correctly- just one side of lungs at a time- couldn't do both at once- I was miserable, can't imagine having to wait for Chemo to take care of- and it did- thankfully, pretty quickly! Seems crazy to have that much fluid build up about every 10 days-and once a hospital staff person diagnosed my X-rays as Congestive Heart Failure. Well, glad it wasn't that- LOL

[HogwartsDK]

Good luck Suzanne!

Dx

[AndreeP]

Hello Suzanne, I was diagnosed with stage 4 ovarian cancer with omental disease and ascites. I was given carboplatin as chemo drug and I was also given an oral (pill) diuretic. After 6 treatments my ascites has almost entirely disappeared in my abdomen. I no longer feel any bloating and did not have to have anything drained. Hope this helps.

[Annr5h]

I had a lot of ascites just before I started chemo, in fact I looked 9months pregnant. I started my chemo and within 3-4 days it had gone. I was booked in for a drain and didn’t need it so the chemo dose get rid of it. Hope this helps. Xx