If carbo/taxol steadied the disease before surgery will they suggest the same chemotherapy after surgery. If they do it seems illogical.

[Luk4ward]

I have had debaulking surgery after my first carbo/taxol course was not successful. The surgery was a success, (I still can't believe it), and they are waiting for the histology results to decide if further chemo is an option. They have removed all damaged/visible tumours hence it is deemed successful. If carbo/taxol only made it a stable disease before they should suggest a different chemo or will they say carbo/taxol again.

[wendydee]

Hi!

I was treated before the research pointed to chemo first, then operating became the norm. I had the op and was told the surgeon had removed everything he could see. I had a follow-up oncology consultation about four weeks later ...it could have been 6... can't remember now, but was told that no further treatment was necessary. My OC was borderline in both ovaries and omentum and I have been OK ~ fingers crossed ;-), ever since. It may be that you won't need further chemo after they examine the tumour type and staging etc. If you look at ovacome.org uk and click on "about ovarian cancer" on the left side of the page, it has options to tell you about diagnosis, treatment, staging etc. You may find it clarifies things for you. There's loads of info on there.

Let's hope you find that they have removed it all and you can get on with your life. My diagnosis was nearly 10 years ago now.

Good luck

Love Wendy xx

[ladygooner-uk]

Hi there,

Carbo taxol is usual if the histology is not known. Some types of cancer cells respond better to it than others, that may be why they are looking at it again for you.i believe Carbo taxol is the first line treatment that the NICE guidance recommend - again that could be out of date information now.

Glad the op went well for you,good luck with the rest of your treatment, let us know how you get on.

Sue

X

[ScardyCat40]

As Wendy says it will depend on the grade of your cancer. I have a low grade cancer which is slow growing and for me the chemo has stabilised the cancer but has not removed it and if like Wendy you have a borderline cancer it is unlikely that you will need chemo

[Luk4ward]

I did not consider that there is a possibility that no further chemo would be needed because the op was a success. I am not saying that is the case but the possibility is weight lifting. I am not very positive because the oncologist did not want to operate when the carbo/taxol only stabalised the disease. I had it in my head, and still do, that they might say further treatment is a waste of time and only offer pallitave. I will of course seek a 2nd opinion if that is said, but as you can appreciate waiting for the next lot of information is nerveracking. Thank you for your answers, I am really grateful.

[Becalm]

Like Wendy, I had my treatment before it became the practice to give chemo. in advance of surgery(2005). I had total hysterectomy +removal of the omentum as an extra precaution. My surgeon hoped they had got it all away but stll felt I should have back up chemo. so I had the usual 6 treatments of carboplatin +paclitaxel as advised by NICE. Following on this I had remission for almost 4 years and in fact my on cologist had just cheerfully said "You will be going on to the 6 months FU next time" when they 'phoned to say my CA125 was now 47 (35 triggers an active response).

I had carbo. + taxol again followed by eight months remission and then these two drugs again followed by six months remission. I understand that you must have 9-12 months elapse before you can have either of these drugs again. 18 months having elapsed I am now recently back on paclitaxel again on a weekly basis after having tried two others which only offered limited control. To confirm how good the management of the chemo. can be I should perhaps add that from my first experience of it I was allergic to carboplatin but was enabled to continue with it by the use of steroids and very slow administration of the drug.

I don't know what I expect you to take from all this except that I have just completed 7 years from diagnosis and am still leading a fairly full life though I am over 70 and that the modern management of chemo. has a great deal to offer. The Unit I attend (the Beatson Centre in Glasgow has been very good and £10m. has just been raised by corporate and public subscription to build a Transational Centre attached to it .One of its main purposes will be to workon the timely translation of research into treatment.

You are so right to be asking all the questions you can to ensure you get the best advice. One needs to be proactive for oneself ( and hopefully others). I wish you all the very best,Luk4ward - and hope you will keep us informed of your progress. WE all love this website and appreciate the regulars who keep it lively.

B.

[RuthPOvacome]

I am one of the support line nurses at Ovacome and do feel free to give us a ring if you would like to discuss this further 08453710554 Mon - Fri 10-5

best Wishes

Ruth