Ovarian cancer stage 3 what is best treatment??Can I ask for immunotherapy instead of chemo??

Hello Anusia

Welcome to the Online Community.

I am sorry to hear of your diagnosis of ovarian cancer and I understand and remember what a worrying time it is.

It is hard to be told that you have cancer and then to be told that you need chemo.

My cancer was womb and after surgery I needed to have both chemo and radiotherapy.

The thought of chemo really frightened me and all I knew about it was what it is portrayed like in the films and media. First thing I thought of was hair loss. After that it was the side effects.

I do get it. When they tell you about chemo, they have to tell you about every possible side effect in order to make sure you are given the information to give consent. Although there are many possible side effects, in reality mine were mainly hair loss (but I kept most through doing scalp cooling) nausea, upset tummy and some pain and fatigue. My chemo was a 21 day cycle so I had to go into the hospital for 1 day and then home the same day to recover for the following 20. The first week was where I felt unwell and then it would gradually improve. The side effect I had were managed by medication. My fears of chemo did not match what I actually experienced. The first one was tough but after that, I knew what to expect and it was easier. 

No one can make you have chemo - or any treatment- they can only advise you, give you the facts and then you make the decision. I would advise you to talk things through with your nurse as they will have all your results. Alternatively you could talk things through on the Support Line. 

I do not know all your details but for the cancer to be grade 3 means that it has spread outside your pelvis and I would imagine the chemo that they are suggesting is to mop up those cells and possibly reduce the original cancer and that would make the surgery more effective. You could ask your nurse for more info about why they think this is the best strategy for your particular cancer.

Stage 3 ovarian cancer | Cancer Research UK

It is tempting to Google for information when being faced with a diagnosis and possible treatments but with such an important decision to make I would advise sticking to Macmillan, Cancer research or NHS sites. This is a link for the Macmillan booklet.

Cancer of the ovary, fallopian tube, or peritoneum booklet | Macmillan Cancer Support

Is there anything in particular that worries you about the chemotherapy? If you want to ask anything about my experiences then please do so.

Immunotherapy does not seem to be used as a first line treatment for most ladies with ovarian cancer. It would not hurt to ask your hospital whether it would be an option for you though. Immunotherapy works in a different way to chemotherapy. It also has some challenging side effects. 

What is immunotherapy and how is it given? | Macmillan Cancer Support

I hope this helps a bit, my advice is not to rush making any decisions, find out about the treatments and why your hospital are suggesting them for you. Talk to them about what in particular is worrying you and give yourself time to process and work through your feelings. It can all feel like it is moving really quickly following a diagnosis. Do give the Support Line a call if chatting things through would help.

Looking back to my experiences (You can see my profile if you click on my name)- I found the surgery straightforward, the chemo wasn't easy but it was the radiotherapy that I found hardest. 

Jane

They need to shrink the tumour(s) fast and significantly so that surgery can take place ASAP. Chemo is, as far as I know, the best way to do this. Immunotherapy and other targeted treatments tend to be used to maintain or hold a response to chemo, not to do major shrinkage.

Hi, sorry to hear about your diagnosis, it’s a very scary time I know.  I was diagnosed with stage 4 very advanced Ovarian last October.

when I was told about chemo I cried because like you I was terrified!! My first session I had no symptoms just tired but actually felt better as it stopped the plural fluid so I could breathe.  I underwent 18 sessions and was lucky, no real side affects apart from a split toe nail and constipation when I had the double chemo!! 

I had debulking surgery followed by 6 more chemos.

as suggested talk to your team, they will understand your fears and will guide you.

immunotherapy has done bad affects too and your medical will advise why they have decided on chemo first.

i hope it all goes well for you, sending hugs and positive thoughts! 
best wishes 

Hi, I note you have had debulking surgery for ovarian cancer stage 4.  I have been diagnosed with the same and am due for surgery in the coming weeks.  My last chemo session is this week.  
The surgery concerns me due to the risks pointed out by my consultant perhaps requiring a temporary stoma or even permanent.  Did this affect you and how are you recovering from the surgery? 

I do hope you are well on the road to recovery from the surgery and send you my best wishes.  

Hi, to be honest they thought because of the extent of my cancer they prepared me for everything including the stoma.  I was told they would do the laparoscopy first and if they couldn’t get the bulk of it they wouldn’t do the op.  I was petrified of waking up and not knowing what I would find!! 
the cancer wasn’t in my bowel, the CT scan showed a much worse picture than was actually there.  So they operated and removed everything they could leaving a small amount in the lining of my lung, the surgeon said she wasn’t even sure it was cancer.  The op went well and I went home after 5 nights, I was walking around day 2/3.  Sadly I got a UTI which couldn’t be fixed by first line antibiotics so had to be readmitted.  9 weeks on I’m doing great and half way through my 6 mop up chemos followed by Bevacizumab every 3wks so planning some travel!! 
my debulking removed all of the reproductive system, appendix and into my diaphragm with a very minute bowel resection.  
it’s given me more time and after just a few wks I was managing most things!!  Hardest thing is remembering not to lift anything for risk of a hernia!

wishing you a very successful op and recovery ️‍ 

• It was pointed out to me before my hysterectomy the risks of temporary or permanent stoma, I woke from surgery to find I had a permanent stoma and to be truthful I’ve had no problems with my stoma I adjusted in no time hope you get on ok 

Many thanks, I hope you continue to recover  and enjoy your travelling.  

Hi Anusia, I also recently was diagnosed with 3c Ovarian cancer and am in cycle 2 now. It really isn’t anywhere near as bad as i feared. Obviously it will be different for everyone but the nausea isn’t as bad, the fatigue is manageable and for most of the time i’ve felt well, in fact i feel better than i have in nearly a year as i’ve had really good symptom relief. All the best with your journey x

Ohhh..thanks so much.You gave me such a big hope..Fingers croosed for both of us.Ania

wow..you are so brave..Many thanks you gave me hope and power. God bless you darling.Ania