Stage 1c Mucinous Ovarian Cancer

Hi  Ovarian Worry, 

Thanks for your post. I hope your mum is recovering from her surgery. It’s good to read that the tumour has been removed and there is no evidence that the cancer has spread. This must have been a relief to hear.

It’s also good to see that you posted your question in the ovarian cancer forum too, and I hope you found this helpful. Learning from the experiences of others in similar situations can be so valuable.

In relation to your question, further treatment after surgery does depend on a number of factors including the stage and the grade of the cancer , as well as the general health of the person affected.

The benefit of chemotherapy in early stage mucinous ovarian cancers, where the cancer has been contained in the ovary, has not been fully established. However, as you mum has a stage 1c cancer chemotherapy may be discussed as a potential treatment to reduce the risk of the cancer returning in case microscopic cancer cells have been left behind. This would often be standard practice.

The oncologist your mum sees will be able to discuss this in detail with her and let her know about the likely benefits and risks of chemotherapy, so she can be involved with any decisions about her care. To help prepare for the appointment our information, questions to ask your health care team, might be good to read.

I’m not sure if someone can accompany your mum to the appointment, but it can help to have some questions written down to take to the consultation. If she is going on her own there’s no harm in asking if it’s possible to have someone dialled in on loudspeaker if she has a mobile phone. This can save your mum having to hear and remember everything on her own.

And though your mum hasn’t had the conversation yet, our guide, preparing for treatment  can be useful to look at.

I hope your mum’s appointment goes well and if we can help further please don’t hesitate to get back in touch.

Take care 

Linda, Cancer Information Nurse Specialist

You can also speak with the Macmillan Support Line team of experts. Phone free on 0808 808 0000 (7 days a week, 8am-8pm) or send us an email.

Ref:LM/DC