Ovarian cancer recurrence

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I was diagnosed with stage 3 ovarian cancer in November 2021 and had a successful operation to remove my womb, both ovaries and all the visible cancer in January 2022. I then had 5 rounds of carboplatin from May to August 2022. My CA125 level was down at 11 for several months but it has now gone up again and a recent CT scan shows the cancer has returned in several places within my abdominal cavity. I have no symptoms apart from tiredness.
My consultant is now talking about chemo options but my question is this: is it inevitable that this recurrence will lead to the end of my life, even if the chemo successfully slows that process down, or is the aim of the chemo to get rid of the cancer altogether? She described it as treatable but not curable. What does that mean and is it in fact terminal?

Thanks

Ellis.

Carole F - Macmillan over 2 years ago

Hi Ellis,

Thanks for getting in touch.

My name is Carole and I’m one of the Cancer Information Nurse Specialists on the Macmillan Support Line.

We’re often asked to explain what is meant when a cancer is treatable, rather than curable. Doctors often describe cancer that is treatable but not curable as terminal.

Usually, this means that the aim of treatment is to control the cancer for as long as possible.

Being told that cancer has come back can be difficult to hear, and it’s natural to jump to worst-case scenarios. It’s important to keep in mind that every person is different, and that with advances in treatment and care, more people are managing ovarian cancer as a chronic or long-term illness.

When deciding on the best treatment for ovarian cancer that’s come back, doctors look at previous treatment and how long it kept the cancer away for. Chemotherapy is often given, sometimes along with a targeted drug, but other treatments might be recommended, including further surgery to remove all visible cancer. Your consultant will be able to explain why a particular treatment is recommended for you. And we’d encourage you to get back in touch with them so you can ask them clearly to explain what they meant about treatment.

I hope this is helpful.

I see from your profile that you have joined our online community. I’m sure this will be a good source of support. The charities Ovacome and Target Ovarian Cancer also provide support online.

If you’d like to speak to one of the nurses on our Support Line, please don’t hesitate to give us a call.

Sending best wishes,

Carole

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 email us.

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Ovarian cancer recurrence