Stage 3 Ovarian Cancer - too extensive for surgery & thinking of refusing chemo

Hi I agree with this. Had same,Stage 3 C, only that after surgery there was ,from CT scan, and also from surgeon notes, still 1 cm cancer on a tissue that could not be operate, and a few millimetres scattered and so I m having 3 chemio after surgery, I m having the 3rd round early November. So altogether there will be 7 chemio sessions for me. A drug called BEVAZUM has been added to Taxel and Carboplatin and I will continue for various sessions every 3 weeks with this. But BEVAZUM is not a chemio, it belongs to immunotherapy family. 

I would like to ask you if you was given all clear from the surgeon? And what is the name of the maintenance drug you are having. Many Thanks, Teresa

Hi , I had 4 carboplatin before surgery and 2 afterwards. I had Bevacizumab added to the final cycle of chemo and this will continue for 15 months. I’m also prescribed olaparid which is Parpi inhibitor. It’s a tablet that I take 2 times a day. I was prescribed this tablet due to being BRCA 2 positive. The surgeon was able to remove all visible signs of cancer in the operation. It’s early days into my maintenance treatment and still adjusting to it. I’m hoping that the maintenance will help to keep the cancer at bay. Hope you have recovered ok from your operation and best wishes for ongoing treatments. Xx

Bev is said to raise blood pressure. Have you had any issues? tHank you for your reply

Hi no BP issues for me although I did buy a monitor just to check it

Hi , I was anxious when I read all the side effects too, so far I’ve had 2 infusions and easier than chemo. When I went for my last infusion my blood pressure was slightly raised but nothing that needed treatment. I do think the team keeps a close watch on everything. X

Thank you x

thank you x

Hi Amanda

A year ago in October 23, I found myself in a similar position to you with my Mum (84). She was 3C HGSOC and not eligible for any cytoreductive surgery due to advanced age and spread.

She determined early on that she would not have chemo, had had a wonderful life and didn't want to put herself through any medical interventions.

After speaking to the oncologist at length, it became abundantly clear to us that choosing to refuse treatment and allowing nature to take it's course with ovarian cancer is not pleasant, disease progression will not be without pain and the risk of bowel obstruction is super high and very hard to manage. One could argue about being between a rock and a hard place but.....one year on after initial Carboplatin (6 cycles) which didn't work as she became platinum refractive followed by 18 cycles weekly of Abraxane the seeding on her peritoneum and omentum has all melted away as has the original left sided tumour. It wasn't easy and there have been challenges along the way which she has faced and surmounted head on but she is now 4 months post-chemo and her CA125 marker has been at 23 since cycle 10/11 of Abraxane.

She maintains a good weight, is eating well and enjoying life.

Her decision to accept treatment was borne out of a deep desire to spend more time with her children and grandchildren and she has been supported by us all each step of the way.

We didn't think we would see last Christmas with her so to be approaching this Christmas 24 we feel very blessed.

I hope this gives you some hope and a vista on some positives for her to maybe consider.

Sending love and strength to you and your Mum from me and mine.

Francesca x

Hi, it is extremely hard to receive news of any type of cancer in a family and it can be difficult to contemplate the enormous journey that is in front of your mum.  Just having turned 70 I was diagnosed with ovarian cancer (stage 4) and looking back over the past 2 1/2 years the journey hasn’t been easy but it has been worthwhile.  After 3 sessions of chemo, major 9hr operation followed by a further 3 sessions, numbers were reduced to single figures.  A maintenance regime was put in place but cancer returned.  Further chemo and a different maintenance drug followed and at present in discussions to start chemo again. 
Although pretty disheartening it has been worth it just to see family and grand children grow.  Trying to keep positive is hard and with no family living close I read, walk and tried a few different crafts, just to keep the noise in my head from getting out of control.  To have someone to love you through all the ups and downs is a blessing.  I know it is extremely hard for family to watch from the sidelines and my heart goes out to you.  The support staff at my oncology unit are my angels, cannot thank them enough for their support and love.  
I wish you and your mum only good wishes and lots of love. Take care