Ascites and chemo cycle

[Smileeveryday2021]

I am on day 13 of a 28 day cycle of chemo (1st of 6). I had my ascites drained 3.5 weeks ago.

The fluid began building straightaway and is still building as I now can feel the rib pain I had previously.

My questions are: is s there an optimal time in a chemo cycle to drain the fluid?

and

Are the chemo drugs less effective if the fluid is removed? I am on carboplatin and Caelyx

Does anyone know how long it might take for the chemo itself to have an effect on reducing the fluid?

I don’t know wether to go ahead and drain the fluid as if there is an optimal time and I miss it…it would be such along time for the next opportunity

Thank you

[Lyndy]

Hi there, I think the optimum time for a drain is when you start to feel uncomfortable! When I had pleural effusion they seemed to think that the draining helps the chemo (and anti biotics in my case) to work, loads of fluid gets in the way. I did have ascities before my first line chemo but it resolved very quickly once I started but my pleural effusion lasted much longer. The chemo got it in the end though xx

[Smileeveryday2021 in reply to Lyndy]

Thank you Lyndy. Your first sentence sums it up really doesn’t it?! Going to talk to my Oncologist tomorrow…really appreciate you taking the time to reply to me……xx

[OvacomeSupport Partner My Ovacome Team in reply to Smileeveryday2021]

Hi there Smileeveryday2021

I hope that discussion with your oncologist today has been helpful, and you have been given some clarity and guidance about alleviating the discomfort caused by your ascites.

I can see you’ve had a informative and supportive reply from Lyndy but just wanted to share the Macmillan information on ascites and the ways it is managed in case this is of interest to you: macmillan.org.uk/cancer-inf... .

If you would like to talk through this with a member of our support team, please don’t hesitate to get in touch. You can contact us through this forum, via our Support Line on 0800 008 7054 or 07503 682311, by email at [e-mail] , or via the Instant Chat function on our website.

Best wishes

Annie

Ovacome Support

[Smileeveryday2021 in reply to OvacomeSupport]

Thank you Annie

[Rai_Nakoa]

Hi Smileeveryday! I agree, I would drain when you need it done. The lack of sleep and food intake for me was far more important than anything. (Just my opinion). Your body heals the most as you sleep… and you will need the nourishment to fuel it.

I had ascites (this was my only symptom). I did 6 cycles of carboplatin/paclitaxol 3 weeks apart. Ascites was fast building for me, they would drain 5 Litres approximately every 30 days - considering I am a size 4 and only 120lbs….this was substantial amount for me). After the first 3 cycles of chemo, I have had no buildup of fluid.

I assumed that it took 3 cycles to diminish the ascites as my CA125 count was over 13,000 when I was diagnosed in early January.

Everyone’s experience will differ as we are all unique individuals and are taking different treatments and at various levels…. So it may happen sooner or later than you would expect. Just ensure that you are comfortable and not suffering while doing treatments😊

Hope it resolves soon!

Trish

AKA: ZENA - Warrior Princess 😜

[Smileeveryday2021 in reply to Rai_Nakoa]

Thank you Trish, hopefully getting it done xx