Diagnosed with ovarian metastatic high grade serious carcinoma tumour and obstruction stage 4 had surgery I am 74 had heart valve op 18m.

[PaumicB123]

Surgery removed as much as possible part bowel and blockage just had 6 cycles chemotherapy rest over Christmas then blood test scan wondering if anyone experienced same and could give me idea what happens next frightened as we all are as told not curable they try control had palliative chemotherapy carboplatin and paclitaxel

[Lyndy]

Hello, I know it’s scary but you have had the standard treatment for what’s called ‘frontline’ ie. your initial treatment on diagnosis. This works well in most women but the more advanced diagnosis makes it more likely that the cancer will return at some point. I was stage 4 and it came back after about 4 years.

Much will depend on your scan but they may suggest a maintenance or if there’s cancer still present they might offer other treatment like radiotherapy. Don’t stress about the word palliative…it doesn’t mean what you think!

Try to focus on your recovery and enjoying yourself…you have been through a lot xx

[Cardiff05]

Palliative really doesn't mean what you think.Its so important to stay positive and keep 'kicking that can down the road'

try and focus on treatment, (although challenging) as being a long term condition which you've got to adjust to

[Jenjill47]

Palliative care is such a scary word. I will be 74 this month and I was diagnosed with peritoneal CA over two years ago.

My oncologist never uses the word "palliative" care but describes it as a chronic disease that can be managed with the right treatment. She admits that there is no cure but like other illnesses we can learn to live with it and do the best we can.

I had 2 rounds of chemo, debulking surgery and now I'm on a PARP inhibitor.

A few ups and downs along the way but I can assure that if you can refocus from the word "palliative" to "chronic" you may see things differently.

Wise words from both Lyndy and Cardiff05.

Jill from Downunder. xx

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