Surgery vs Chemo?

[clarelouise57]

I'm just wondering why some people seem to be rushed in for surgery and others are given chemo?

[wendydee]

When I was diagnosed 8 years ago, it was mostly surgery first, I think. The latest thinking seems to be that chemo shrinks the tumour and then surgery is more successful. At least I think that's what they told us at last year's Ovacome Members Day. Ring Ovacome for more accurate info. The nurses there are very knowledgeable.

[janbeegee]

Hi Clarelouise

My consultant co-authored a study on platinum based chemo for OC and he said the success rates for giving chemo first showed the advantages of shrinking the tumour first. My tumour was 14 cms and I had 4 cycles of carboplatin and taxol then surgery and am now in the middle of my final 3 cycles of chemo (hopefully my final!) My CA125 count was 2300 to start and is now 13. I have been told that my outcome is very positive so I'm thrilled. Things have moved on hugely in treatment.

Deep breaths, chin up and hugs from Janbeegee

[clarelouise57]

Thanks for your reply, were you not very uncomfortable until surgery? Mine is 6.5cm and I have just had a sandwich for lunch and feel as though it was a five course meal. Nothing has been confirmed as to what it is yet, having a scan with the consultant on Friday maybe they will work out what it is or maybe have to wait longer, it's the not knowing thats stressing me out if I am honest. Clare

[wendydee]

I know what you mean about being uncomfortable. I was on holiday the summer before my op and I could only eat really small portions. I then needed to go to the loo immediately, it was like I had food poisoning, chronic! I also hadn't realised how tired I was feeling,too. I had to stop and rest on a walk up a hill, feeling quite dizzy and drained. By the time I went in for my op I found it exhausting to climb the stairs. I thought it was just me needing to get fitter!

Incidentally I walked a half-marathon last year for Ovacome, and now go to the gym three times a week, walk four to five miles once a week and do lots more activities! As well as getting into the white jeans, I got my energy back! You will too. Stay with it. The wait won't be too long now

Wendy xx

[Hidden]

When I was diagnosed (Jan 2009), my surgeon said that the decision depends on the definition of the tumour/s. I was desperate to 'get the thing out of me', but he explained that it was very common to shrink the tumour first with chemo, and they would likely do that. He rang me as soon as he'd seen my scan - 2 tumours, big but clear - "I'm confident that I can get those out cleanly. Are you free next Tuesday?"

I felt (ironically) as if I'd won the lottery!! I am impatient, Clare, and wanted it all to be over and to be well again, but my surgeon quickly became someone I trusted with my life. He pulled no punches, was straightforward and open about the risks and prognosis, but was clearly able and willing to do what was necessary to get me through. I realised that it becomes a project in which, despite it being your body, you are only very tenuously in control, and have to let others (often people you'll hardly meet once) make the decisions, despite our society's crazy pretence that we are competent to give consent (which means we have to be given rather more information than might be comfortable!). It has been a fascinating experience, and one that has massively enriched my life!!

Isadora

[ScardyCat40]

Is it possible that if they operate too early it can cause the cancer to spread? I have been given the option of carboplatin and taxol or just carboplatin on its own. The oncologist I saw last week said that taxol will only provide an additional 2-3% benefit but would cause joint pain and hairloss. I was thinking I might not bother with the taxol but I'm being referred to Christies in Manchester so I will wait for a second opinion before making any final decisions.

In my case because the cancer is in the lining of my abdomen that there isn't a tumour to be removed but that surgery couldn't be ruled out at a later date and my ovaries were enlarged. I read my GP notes and my CA125 was 2144.

[clarelouise57]

I've read that tumors can leak which is maybe why they do things they do. Fancy asking you to choose when they are the experts and should know what you will benefit from most. Maybe the second opinion will reveal something different. Good luck on the move xx

[ScardyCat40]

I disagree with you Clare I was grateful that they asked me and that i have some control over my treatment options. As long as they present me with the facts I'm happy to make a decision about my treatment

[WendyD]

I can only speak from personal experience, sometimes there is no choice. I was Grade 3 phase 3 5 years ago and was lucky enough to have symptoms but was told I had to have radical hysterectomy and six months of chemo. Whilst I was still having treatment they changed to 3 sessions of chemo before op and then chemo after much like Wendydee says.