Stage 3 C ovarian cancer and treatment plan

Hi, I was on the same chemo as you without Avastin.  I read as much as I could with regard to side effects and decided that as I like to do craftwork I didn’t want my fingers to go numb as I would’ve then be able to do something I enjoy.

I decided during the 7hr session of chemo to keep my fingers and feet submerged in ice.  Not an easy task but bearable.  Got a little bit of numbness but all clear now.  Don’t know if it will work for you but may be worth a try.  
Good luck. Xxxxx

Hi Tabita, I too have 3C ovarian cancer, had debulking surgery in feb last year and also partial large and small bowel resection. I then had carboplatin and paclitaxel. I used the cooling helmet and kept all my hair. Yes it was thinner but well worth a try. I am 52 yrs and also have found out I have lynch syndrome. I was advised not to have avastin due to risk of fistulas. Having already had a suspected bowel perforation post surgery. I am on niraparib. Take good care xx

Thank you Zander, I'm experiencing some tingling on hands and feet so interesting to hear that ice can help. I'll ask the nurses if it gets worse over the continuation of treatment. BW T

Thanks Willow, another young lady...

I've had the cold cap on last week as likewise thought it would be worth giving it a try. I have a lot of hair so if it thins it might still look OK. It's an odd feeling waiting to see what happens. I read that hair normally falls out on the third week of first chemo. I haven't looked for scarves or wigs yet. 

BW T

Hi ladies

I've had very similar to most of you was diagnosed aggressive stage 4 ovarian cancer in Feb 21 had a long Rd of tummy drains chest drains 9.5 hrs of debulking surgery resulting in a stoma, tried naraparib from Jan 22 till june but didn't tolerate it. Had July 22 till Jan 23 just being monitored then after signing concent forms in jan23 for stoma reversal ca125 result had risen, was checked again end of fed and had doubled ct scan pet scan confirmed it was back, 4 tumors on abdominal wall and around stoma, more surgery was discussed but the team and myself decided against it, took risky, 6 cycles of chemo, I'm 4 down 2 to go.

I have good days bad days, I have been positive from day one, but I have also shed lots of tears and went through a bit of a dark time

But can I ask what avastatin is and what does it do, I never had it last time or this time 

Positive vibes being sent to you all 

Pam x

I so feel for you, what a brave lady. I had Avastin alongside chemo (taxol and carbo) for stage 3 advanced ovarian cancer but it sent my blood pressure sky high. Blood pressure  tablets lowered my bp so I have been having Avastin for the last three cycles .  Now that the chemo has finished I will continue with the Avastin on its own for another fifteen cycles.  The first session is next week so I will let you know how I get on.  It is a targeted drug and not chemo and I believe the side effects are mild compared to chemo. 

Take care

Hi Tabita, I am new to this kind of forum and it’s my first time posting. I have read your story and we seem to have similar paths. I was diagnosed on 9th December with stage 3c low-grade serous ovarian cancer, my treatment was 6 rounds of chemo and then de-bulking surgery that I had on the 14th June. It’s been such a massive whirlwind and you find that you just do as you’re told by doctors and nurses the whole way through it and the time goes so fast. I am 42 and have 3 children so although chemo wasn’t a walk in the park it also wasn’t like you see in the movies if you get what I mean, there wasn’t a day I couldn’t get out of bed and get dressed, and sort the children. I really hope your treatment goes well and I just wanted to send you lots of positivity x 

Thank you Woottof

You are just emerging from it all. I don't have children but run a business but I can see that looking after three children while undergoing treatment must have been challenging. Also, must kept you motivated too. I'm trying to delegate as much as possible to colleagues as it would be to stressful to contemplate any other option at the moment. 

My nurse told me to stop working but there needs to be some sort of transition while I still need to be involved. So, although I'm afraid of compromising my recovery, I still need to do some work. Maybe it will take 6 rounds of chemo before I can have surgery! 

Thanks again and sending you love. 

T

Hi Tabita

I've just been diagnosed stage 3c, I'm starting chemo on the 28th August. Do you know when you're starting?

Hi Mandy, 

It sounds like they've booked you pretty quickly. I'm on second round of chemo, having started on 14th July. 

Everyone is different, but keep close to your team, and report any side effects so that you can manage them as best as possible. Fatigue seems to be common but I was already feeling tired from the OC even before I started chemo. I have aches and pains. You will need to pace yourself, rest but i find that gentle exercise helps a lot. Yoga and going out for walks for instance strenghens the muscles, clears the head and gives you energy. Eat well and drink plenty of water, 2 L a day min, to support your liver and kidneys. 

If you are concerned about losing your hair, give the cold cap a try. It is uncomfortable for the first few minutes but then your head goes numb and you no longer feel it. So far, my hair has thinned but no one would know. It seems to be working up to now.

The week following chemo is the most intense, so be kind and gently with yourself. 

You can do it! It helps to keep connected to forums like these.

T