Had laparoscopy and no disease whatsoever seen so debulking not done. However, histology has shown a "few" cancer cells still.

[BuntyB]

I am very disappointed as my surgeon was delighted to tell me that no disease was seen at operation and he therefore didn't need to remove anything but the fluid taken from "washings" at operation turned out to show a few of the original cancer cells present. I have to finish my course of chemo -2 more & my oncologist tells me that she would like me to maybe have a further 2 on top ( 4 in total) depending on whether the numbness in my feet gets worse.

What I would like to ask is has anyone else thought they were clear of disease (stage 3) but then told they have a few cells remaining. If so, did the chemo wipe them out or did they worsen? I thought I was in with a chance but feel so despondent now. I appreciate that things could have been a lot worse for me but was hoping to be finally rid of this disgusting disease.

Sorry to go on but would love to hear from anyone who has been in a similar situation. Thanks.

[BusyLizzie]

Hi BuntyB,

Bit confused. Are you saying that before the laparoscopy you were diagnosed as stage 3?

I have not been in a similar situation, I knew from the start I was 3c and although they did a great job de-baulking the chances were there was never going to be a cure, just a control as long as possible. That was back in May. I am on 5 of 6 chemos, and marker still high but CT scan not showing anything, so that is good. However, as you say, no matter how bad you think things could have been - you mourn for those care free days, when you did not live in fear of something new developing.

We all find a way of coping with our diagnosis but we all have dark moments where we feel despondent.

Take care BuntyB and I can not see how the chemo could fail to increase your chances of getting rid of cells at the mircoscopic level rather then making it worse.

Love Lizzie

X

[Hidden]

Hi Bunty

After my surgery the surgeon said he had removed all discernible cancer cells however my oncologist said there would always be some remaining cancer cells that could not be seen and I had the remaining chemo in order to ensure these cancer cells were eradicated. My CA125 after finishing chemo was 7.

In my case after 18 months I now have a recurrence but this does not mean you will get the cancer back too.

I hope all goes well.

Best wishes

Anne

[spanishanna]

Hi Bunty B,

I can only confirm what Anne has said to you. I was diagnosed stage 111c and had full de baulking surgery with removal of spleen, tiny amount of bowel and cervix, ovaries and I'd already had a hysterectomy years ago. I was told there were no cancer cells 'remaining to the visible eye' and had to go onto chemo 6 weeks after surgery, once I was stronger. However cancer has not been kind to me, but I will still be in the minority making the 5 years they 'talk' about. I am now on maintenance chemo, No two ovarian cancers are the same, we all react differently to the chemo.

Keep positive and good luck.

Anna x

[BuntyB]

Thanks for your input ladies. Lizzie, I had had my ovaries and tubes removed earlier this year as an ultrasound scan had shown multiple suspicious looking cysts and my surgeon advised their removal - at that time there was no mention of cancer and it was a precautionary measure to avoid future problems. However the histology came back as high grade OC Stage II and a subsequent CT scan showed a few small nodules on the omentum which upgraded it to Stage 3. Hence the debulking operation, which didnt go ahead due to clear laparoscopy findings mentioned in my question above.

It has been a rollercoaster ride for me - presented with what turned out to be a uterine polyp (innocent), diagnosed incidentally with OC, told I would need full debulking surgery and chemo, then surgery not done, now still got a few OC cells floating about.

I just want to know "Will I make it??". Is this too unreasonable to ask? I appreciate that my problems are minor compared to some of the other ladies on this forum but I'm nowhere near ready to go yet!