HIPEC

[Oaklake]

Hello everyone,

I was diagnosed with stage 3 ovarian cancer in December, I’ve since had 3 cycles of chemo (to which I’ve had a good response) and will be having debulking surgery soon. My surgeon has said I am suitable for HIPEC. The treatment sounds quite intensive and I’m keen to hear from anyone who has had it and the recovery time/side effects experienced (although I appreciate everyone is different). It’s very hard to make an informed decision - feeling a bit overwhelmed with information. Thank you for reading.

[Skyeplus]

I’m sorry I can’t help. Do you have a specialist nurse you could call and talk to? Or give the Ovacome helpline a call?

[Oaklake in reply to Skyeplus]

Thank you - yes I’ll try the helpline also.

[Goodgirl98]

I got HIPEC as part of my debunking procedure. I will only say don't even think twice. It is one of the best ways to get rid of pesky lingering cells after the operation. Yes, it increases the recovery time I heard since the high temperature chemo fluid causes organ linings etc to shrink. But that additional fortnight or month extra to heal is well worth what it potentially offers. Just my 2 cents. For me, it made additional sense since I had2 small nodules in the lungs that responded well to chemo. Introduction HIPEC to my abdomen and lungs meant I did not have up opt for the second surgery of my lungs which was a possibility before this procedure. I got the operation right about 2 years back now and I am Ned thus far.

[Oaklake in reply to Goodgirl98]

Thank you for sharing your story - really appreciate it - , that’s good to know. I’ve been told that I’ve had a good response to chemo so far - no cancer beyond diaphragm so I am a good candidate for HIPEC. The procedure and additional recovery and risks just sound horrific so trying to work out if I need it in top of debulking. But I think on balance it will help me so will go ahead.

[Goodgirl98 in reply to Oaklake]

What risk was highlighted that you find unsettling? For me, no HIPEC specific risks were mentioned; only for the surgery as a whole and most of it felt like legal script to me honestly. Do understand better if there are HIPEC specific risks. Wish you the very best.

[janers]

I received HIPEC as part of my debulking surgery about a year ago. I spent a week in the hospital recuperating from the operation. It worked! It was very highly recommended. I would go for it again. Good luck!

[Oaklake in reply to janers]

Thank you - that’s helpful. Appreciate your response!

[RoseMS]

if you get the chance to have HIPEC please take it. It’s throwing everything at the disease. The warmed chemo fluid is placed into your abdomen after debulking has been done and you are apparently ‘rocked’ to enable all the fluid to distribute and reach everywhere possible in the abdomen and kill off any missed/microscopic cells. Then drained away. It adds much time and work for the theatre staff however I do believe it should be offered to everyone as normal procedure. Maybe in the future…….

[TTbatty in reply to RoseMS]

Wish i was offered it. Yjey only do it in Basingstoke and Manchester apparently. I also don't know why they can't introduce the hot chemo by tube somehow 🤷🏼‍♀️, im sure i read about that too. I'll ask at next consult. Good luck, at least we're coming out of winter !

[Oaklake in reply to TTbatty]

Thanks for your message - I’m being treated at one of the London hospitals - I’m sad you weren’t offered it. I think everyone is pointing me towards going for HIPEC so will go for it. And yes! So nice to actually see some sunshine rather than grey skies, all the time. I wish you all the best with your treatment.

[Oaklake in reply to RoseMS]

Thank you for your reply. Yes, I been reading that they rock you! I guess I’m in good hands with the surgeons so will go ahead with HIPEC. You’re right, they did tell me that it takes a while to arrange the surgery as they need right staff. I wish you all the best for your treatment.