STAGE 1C1 Grade 2

[Kscott10]

Hello all

Hope everyone is doing ok.

I am new here. I found out end of August that I had a 17cm cyst on my left ovary. The MRI did not determine if the cyst was malignant or benign. My gynae-oncologist arranged for emergency surgery on the 6th September but during surgery it burst. I had my left ovary fallopian tube and the cyst removed. The results from the biopsy was that the cyst was cancerous being a moderately differentiated adencarcinoma. In other words the grading was two and in a stage 1C1 category so I’ve been told. The results from the pathology test were unusual and so to rule out that the cancer was not metastatic in the gastric area for example they arranged for a colonoscopy endoscopy and CT scan all which came back clear no signs of cancer

I then had a chat with my consultant who told me to consider if I want a hysterectomy we talked about my possibilities of wanting children which I would like as I am 32 and have no kids yet he also discussed the issues of me going through menopause early and told me to think about my choices. He arranged for fertility preservation which I am in the process of. I met with him this week and he said the results from the specialist meeting was to offer me adjuvant chemo I was then told to speak with an oncologist who arranges chemotherapy she has said they can offer me carboplatin with paclitaxel. I discussed with her about hair loss as this is something I feel I am going to struggle with immensely she has told me I will lose my hair on paclitaxel but possibly not on carboplatin she has given me the options to go with just one drug however advised both drugs are better. She also said I could seek a second opinion and an oncologist may advise differently she is only giving me her advice and said one drug would be under treating me. They seem to have parked the surgery aspect for now.

I believe it is a tricky one for me. The surgery removed the majority of cancer I believe however due to the surgical spill (stage 1C1) there may be cancer cells lurking that are going undetected and not seen in the colonoscopy endoscopy or CT scan my gynaecologist also said my markers have never been raised.

I guess what I’m asking or looking for is any feedback granted I know people may not have the answers for me or advice. I’m scared that I’m putting my body through chemo when the scans are showing everything is fine since surgery. I know there may be dorment cells and the chemo is a preventative measure but I’m terrified to do it and also in all honestly don’t want to have to lose my hair. It’s even harder as I’ve only just started my job a year in working frontline in an emergency service role, work are supportive as ever though. I wondered if anyone had any advice they could give me or if they’re in my position. I am leaning towards just the one drug but scared I am not educated medically enough to know if this is the right thing or not, these are likely to be questions for my doctor but I also wondered if anyone else could give me their thoughts it may help. I’ve got my next appointment to discuss what I’d like to do mid November

I’ve also been told that my right ovary could remain after chemo or could at least be discussed after chemo. I’m a little confused as the consultants themselves have said my case is a little tricky given the diagnosis. I should mention there is a long history of breast cancer in the family too so genetic testing will be done.

Any thoughts would be great

[Baking50]

I am so sorry you are going through this at such a young age. I can understand why you would want to preserve your fertility for now. For me having everything removed, including my omentum was done however I was 49. Chemo is important as well because it gets those microscopic cells. I used a cold cap, scalp cooling can preserve a lot of your hair, I was very pleased with it and in my opinion totally worth the effort. The type of ovarian cancer you have would make a big difference in how it's treated, not just stage and grade. I had endometroid so I am now on an estrogen suppression after completing chemo for a couple years. What type do you have? Getting more opinions especially from a top 10 cancer center is helpful.

[Tvam]

It's rotten that you have to go through this, it's all so confusing and full of uncertainty. For me I was diagnosed aged 48 , both ovaries uterus and omentum were removed and if they had wanted to take anything else I wouldn't have stopped them, chemo was carboplatin and paxclitaxol, yes it was horrible and I lost all my hair but I can honestly say that didn't bother me, I just wanted to be well again. My advice to you is to listen to the medics and take their advise. I was diagnosed in 2015 and I'm doing well now, it's a rough road but for me twas worth it. Best of luck

[SDlady]

Hello Kscott10, I am sorry you are here as it is scary. I had stage 1c High grade serous cancer. I too had surgery to remove a mass on my ovary. It didn't burst. I had 6 rounds of chemo, carboplatin and paclitaxel. Yes, I lost my hair and it wasn't fun. But, my eyebrows were my nemesis as I struggled to make them look normal. However, I was clear for 2.5 years and I had a recurrence. I went through surgery and then 6 rounds of chemo again. For me, it's about keeping the cancer at bay so I can live my life joyfully. The cancer was a gift as I learned so much and I received many gifts in life as a result. I was diagnosed at 57. Chemo is important, especially in your case. The hair will grow back. You can use the cold cap as it does work. I understand your fear and at your age, your want for children. Pray! If you have any questions that might help you decide, please feel free to reach out to me. Take care.

[WildflowerTheWarrior]

i just noticed you posted three months ago and I’m responding late. Sorry.

You’ll lose your hair with Paxil but first I’d like to say they have cold caps you can wear while getting chemo. I’ve talked to a few people and they were happy with the results. I don’t think insurance pays for it, at least mine didn’t

I lost my hair but I have a few “pluses” to mention.

It’s temporary.

I had about 50 hats, caps and head coverings. I had “fun” picking out my hat for the day. It was during winter so sometimes I’d wear two hats.

Quite possibly it’ll come back curly. I was looking forward to dealing with curls. And it was kind of fun since I have pin straight hair

Each month as it grows, it’ll give you a new hair do.

Showers are QUICK. Now I know why bald men take five minute showers.

No eyelashes. So no mascara. Saves time getting ready.

No need to shave your legs or pluck your eyebrows. No bikini waxing cuz there’s nothing there.

It wasn’t as bad as I thought it would be. My hair is back to normal.

Good luck with whatever you choose. My thoughts and prayers are with you. 💕