Survival with only chemo, no surgery

[bettycor]

I was diagnosed with HGS stage 4a in January, 2024. The cancer was discovered when I was having laporascopic surgery to remove a kidney tumor. The doctors saw peritoneal carcinomatosis which had metastasized from the ovaries. Due to the extensive nature of my cancer, the doctor recommended 4-6 chemo treatments before surgery. At the end of February my CA125 was 17,000.

i have had one chemo with carbo only, 6 with carbo & taxol, 3 with carbo & taxol & Avastin. By September my CA-125 was 838.

Last week I had a diagnostic laporascopy to determine whether the time was right to do the debulking surgery. I won’t go into all the reasons, but my oncologist, Dr. Bevis, determined that the best course of action is to do more chemo and not do the debulking surgery now. Perhaps I’ll have it on the future, perhaps not. Tomorrow I start chemo with carbo & gem. Avastin will be added in my next treatment in 3 weeks.

I live in the US in Alabama. In September I went to MD Anderson in Houston, one of the leading cancer centers in the world, for a second opinion. That doctor said I might be someone who only has chemo & never surgery.

The good news is that I have tolerated chemo very well. I’ve been able to do my 30-minute walk almost every day and have had only one day that I spent all day in bed. I’m 78 years old and in good health other than the OC and sinus allergies. I have a CaringBridge site, and this has helped keep my spirits up.

So my question is this. Is there anyone in this group who has survived 2 or more years after diagnosis with no surgery? Thanks much.

[Cinemalover]

Hi, I'm glad you hear you are doing so well and fitting in your walks .I was diagnosed with HGSOC stage 4 in Dec 21 and like you wasn't eligible for surgery..I have done well on carbo/docetaxel and niraparib parp inhibitors..I had a reoccurrence in April 24 and hve just had 6 rounds of carbo/docetaxel and avastin. Thankfully have again had a good response and they plan to keep me on avastin for 15 months and I'm also waiting to start Olaparib parp inhibitors..I also am keeping up my walking and living a normal life, so keep strong, keep walking and you'll get there xx

[bettycor in reply to Cinemalover]

Thanks so much for your reply. Your situation is much like mine. It gives me hope that you’re doing so well after almost 3 years. Wishing you continued success in your treatment.