Ascites issues

[Pinkranger1]

I have recently been diagnosed with stage 4b womb cancer spread to ovaries and abdomen. My worst symptoms have come from ascites. I have had 2 chemo cycles and was really hoping that it would dry up by now. I have had 2 drains and although it is in no way accumulatiling like it was, my concern is that that chemo is not working as it is not drying up (they are scanning me after 3rd cycle to see if I can have debulking surgery). Has anyone had ascites take a bit more time to clear with chemo or debulking surgery still done despite ascites still being present. Thank you.

[Bookclublover]

Hi, I’m sorry to hear about your recent diagnosis and wish you well on this uncertain journey, although I have no experience/ knowledge of womb cancer or ascites. I do know many women who were diagnosed with S4b HGSOC , have responded well to treatment, are now NED and living life to the full.

Is there anyone you can ask about the ascites? Your oncologist or specialist nurse? You can also contact the cancer charities- MacMillan etc for advice.

Good luck ❤️

[Kjpip]

Hi Pinkranger1,

I'm currently on chemo for my first recurrence and have had really bad ascites in my right lung and some ascites in my abdomen. I've had my lung drained twice and I'm booked in for an abdominal drain on Monday, just before my third chemo cycle. Like you, I'm worried that the chemo hasn't started drying the ascites up yet.

However, I would say it's a good sign that it's not accumulating like it was for you, which means your chemo is stopping the buildup. Can you ask for another drain, just before your next cycle? If there's nothing there when you have your next chemo, perhaps it will stop any more ascites building up at all? I feel like it must be easier for the chemo to prevent ascites than to try and deal with what's already there!

Good luck, I hope your ascites disappears soon and you can have your surgery xx

[Emcee71]

Hi so sorry to hear about your diagnosis. I had ascites, not sure how much as I've not seen my full surgical report but wowsers I was big. I was waddling about like I was pregnant (I have never been pregnant) and I felt it pushing organs up near my hips. Horrible. I feel for you.

I had my chemo after my debulking, as I was at early stage, so that means I had ascites at the point of surgery. The surgery summary said 'drainage of ascites'. So if you are asking if surgery could go ahead with ascites, yes indeed it can. Wishing you well and sending a hug X

[Leniko]

I have not, but will pray for a good outcome for you. 🙏👍🏻❤️