Stage 1c high grade ovarian cancer treatment

Hiya, as a stage 4b ovarian cancer patient I thought I would give you my opinion, I hope it helps.

In my personal opinion, both drugs played an important role. I was diagnosed with stage 4B ovarian cancer last year and received a combination of carboplatin and paclitaxel from April to July. I then had debulking surgery in August, followed by another round of carbo/taxol from September to December 2024.

The benefits of using both drugs together are well-documented: studies like the GOG-111 and ICON3 trials have consistently shown improved survival rates. The combination also leads to greater tumour shrinkage and helps delay the recurrence of cancer.

While paclitaxel does come with its side effects, for me, it was a clear and necessary choice. I lost my hair—but it’s now grown back and is beautiful. I was lucky not to experience peripheral neuropathy, though I did struggle with my blood counts. From what I understand, this isn’t due to one drug alone; both paclitaxel and carboplatin can contribute to blood-related side effects.

I’m somewhat surprised you were offered a choice, as this combination is considered standard care for ovarian cancer, especially in advanced stages.

Since December, I’ve been on a targeted drug called bevacizumab for a 9-month course, and I’m doing well. My scans are clear, and my cancer markers have dropped dramatically—from 3000 down to 8.

I am sending you my very best wishes for a full recovery.  

Thank you for your response - I have been given the choice as it is early stage, just high grade, and I have Raynards which may make me more prone to peripheral neuropathy - not bothered about the hair loss - intrigued as to how it would grow back, just concerned about long term effects and balancing that with reoccurrence risks. Apparently you tend to get some warning in early doses if neuropathy likely to be an issue and I can choose to stop the paclitaxel  for future rounds which may minimise risk. 

sending you all the best

I developed peripheral neuropathy following the first of 6 cycles of paclitaxel and carboplatin for 3C high grade ovarian cancer diagnosed in January.  The paclitaxel was subsequently reduced to 80% and the neuropathy decreased considerably. The oncology team will be monitoring side effects and can reduce or stop paclitaxel to minimise long term adverse effects. My approach to treatment is to take all recommended chemotherapy medication that reduces risk of further progression however small the risk reduction is. 

Thanks Louise - did this prevent further symptoms? Did it have any other effects in terms of reducing chemo impact e.g less nausea/hair loss etc?

Hope you are doing ok - how far through your chemo are you?  

I have just had my 3rd cycle and am now half way through the 6 cycles.

I have been fortunate that I have not experienced any nausea or fatigue. I'm back to doing exercise and have increased my walking to 15 miles walk with elevation -I'm a member of the Long Distance Walking Association. I am more forgetful which I put down to the chemo, but am still able to undertake academic work which includes writing computer code, on a voluntary basis.

Unfortunately I have lost my hair, which started after the first cycle. I was offered a cooling cap however Northumberland Trust's policy if for patients to have a port inserted which would have delayed the start of chemo by 2 weeks. Apparently it is more difficult to insert a cannula due to the cooling effect on the veins and presumably increased vascular and skeletal muscle contraction.

Everyone's response to chemo seems different, so I have been lucky so far.

Hexham Hospital, where I am having infusions is a brand new small oncology unit, with lovely friendly staff which I'm sure helps.

Hope this helps!

xx

Than you Louise it does! Wishing you all luck and long term good recovery but sounds like you are rocking it!! 

I've just read your journey about having ovarian cancer and I'm so glad that everything is going well 

My journey has just started I'm having the same treatment as you but you have given me hope