Just finished frontline and am anxious

[Badger87]

Hi All. I am new here. I was diagnosed with stage 3C serous high grade ovarian cancer in August of 2019. Optimal debulking, no lymph node involvement, ca125 is currently 14. Good response to dose dense carbo and taxol. I am not BRCA +, and my oncologist said that I’m a watch and wait as a result. Parps are not helpful in preventing recurrences in BRCA -. Only used after recurrence when BRCA-. I had my tumors tested, too. No BRCA. I hate not being on something as I know the stats of recurrence. Can anyone offer what they are doing? Any oncologists trying anything with you to prevent recurrence if you are similar to me?

Thanks!

[Hidden]

Hi Badger87. Welcome to the forum. Here you will find some wonderful women who will share ideas, stories, tips and tricks for how to deal with things and who will provide a sense of support and comfort as you walk along the OC path. You will also find that there are a number of women who are in a similar position to you (I too am 3C ) and who can share experiences so that you can find the path that works best for you - because as they remind us relentlessly - everyone is different.

I am now two years post treatment and have not had anything after my initial de-bulking and 18 rounds of chemo (dose dense protocol - chemo weekly for 18 weeks). My CA125 continued to drop for a few months after treatment, stabilized and is now slowly climbing again. There is nothing to do at present, but watch and wait (the hardest part of this so far...). Your oncologist has you on a standard protocol (moving you now to ev. six months visit) and will keep monitoring you as needed. Do keep tabs on how you are feeling and if you have any concern at all, give the CNS or Dr. a call as they will generally see you whenever you feel the need.

Otherwise, as hard as it can sometimes feel, getting back to a "normal" routine helps - perhaps taking extra care to nurture your body with good food and some enjoyable exercise - and to nurture your soul by surrounding yourself with the people who make you feel strong and capable or with those who simply bring you joy. There really is little else for you to do....

Others will no doubt be along shortly to share their experiences....know that you are not alone and we're all here with you/for you.

[Rosemarymemo]

I am very similar to you. Had s reoccurrence and went back on chemo. In remission but they put me on parp Zejula. When my CA 125 elevated that was the sign to do something. I get a CT every 4 months since my reoccurrence. I am doing well now. Watch your CA125.

[Arubakate]

I was also diagnosed in August 2019 with stage 3a serous high grade OC and completed every 3 week regimen of carbo/taxol in late December 2019 after debulking surgery. This is a difficult phase of the journey with thoughts of recurrence. Has your Gyn oncologist considered Avastin? I’m using this drug as I did during standard chemo and the plan is for a total of 21 doses given IV every 3 weeks to help prolong remission.

[stanner58]

I was also diagnosed in August 2019 with stage 3a serous high grade OC. I had 6 liters of fluid removed, then debulking surgery. My tubes, ovaries, omentum & appendix were removed. I previously had uterus removed. I started an every 3 week regimen of carbo/taxol in September & finished in early January. Ct scan in late January was clear. Ca125 was 41.3 then. In late February ca 125 went up to 137, a week later 190. Had another ct scan that was clear. I had a pet scan in mid March that showed cancer contained in lymph nodes. I will be starting a clinical trial drug

(chemo) & doxcil. Waiting for insurance approval to start. My ca125 is now 390. Hopefully I can start next week, April 13 or 14. I am a nervous wreck. I hope it works better this time. One month clear was not good.