Just come back from the appointment I have been waiting for, for 2 months. Been told it is stage 3 as in abdomen. Going to be starting chemo after seeing the specialist next week. The consultant said it'll be a 3 month block then a scan then decide op or continue with chemo. A little confused as he was saying he was hoping not to operate. In my head I rather they operated. Anyone help me with my confusion?
Hello Marsvin
I am glad you have finally had your appointment- that was a long time to wait.
From what I understand is that sometimes if the cancer has spread a little from the original site and is causing symptoms then chemotherapy can be given to shrink the tumour and mop up any stray cells. This might make surgery a possibility or might mean it may not be necessary. This is what my consultant said to me- I had womb cancer not ovarian. In the end because my cancer was contained and had not yet spread I was offered surgery first and then had adjuvant chemo and radiotherapy afterwards. To have a scan part the way through is normal and it is so they can see if the cancer is responding to the treatment or if a different chemo or treatment (surgery) may be an option.
I can understand that you would prefer to have the op first but this is normally done for earlier cancers, where there is a little spread away from the original place (ovary to abdomen) chemo seems to be used first. It depends on lots of different factors and may make the surgery (if done at a later date) a more straightforward operation. I did discuss this with my nurse when first diagnosed.
I will pop a link here that may help explain in better terms.............
Ovarian cancer treatment | Macmillan Cancer Support
Hope this helps. I hope that your appointment with the chemo oncologist goes well next week. It's a chance to ask lots of questions and you could get more clarification on why chemo is being done.
Jane
