Scared 31 year old with mucinous ovarian cancer

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Got the news Feb 2026 after removal of large ovarian cyst in Nov 2025. CT scan in Feb showed no radiological evidence of metastatic disease. I thought I had time so plans made for fertility preservation and staging surgery.

A few weeks later before starting treatment, I became very bloated and unwell. Repeat CT April 2026 showed ascites and biopsies taken from omentum. Now awaiting results and to see my consultant for next steps. Scared and worried that this is it. Fertility preservation may not be an option anymore. I think I will be offered chemo given my new symptoms but I really don’t know. 

Ascites drained but still in pain. The worst pain I’ve ever felt in my life. Lost my appetite. Don’t feel hungry or thirsty anymore. Alternating between paracetamol and codeine for pain relief. Reluctant to take naproxen in case it makes ascites worse. Constipated but the thought of drinking Laxido turns my stomach. 

If anyone has any tips to manage pain or ascites, improve appetite and constipation, how to drink more fluids or even general advice on how to cope with the unknown, I’d very much appreciate it. 

  • I am at lot older than you but was told in November that I had a positive blood marker for ovarian cancer and from there my health deteriorated markedly.  In January had the CT scan and biopsy, with peritoneal drainage, and later due to increasing breathlessness pleural drainage too.  I was a lot better following that as could lie down and breathe more easily.  I started Chemo and now have had 5 treatments at 3 weekly intervals, the ascites isn't such a problem now.  Life revolves around the calendar as the week following the infusion is a write off.   I am due to have an exploratory laparoscopy in a fortnight to see if surgery is possible or just more chemo.  All through constipation has been a problem, and eventually found a small amount of lactulose with or without a senna tablet has sorted it.  Being free of constipation helps your appetite, and I found small frequent snacks , nuts, biscuits, fruit, bananas, avocado or honey on toast, icecream, were easier than a full meal,  calories are the most important at the moment, so eat whatever you fancy, the cancer nurse said to me in January, now is the time for cream, chocolate etc that you didn't eat before!   Plenty of water is good, lots of sips or hourly drinks, and I found diluted orange juice goes down well too for a change, (as I go off tea drinking after chemo.)   Make sure you  keep up with gentle  exercise and get plenty of rest.  I just take paracetamol for aches and pains, but the cancer nurse should be able to give you advice on that and  any other worries.     I am not in the same situation as you re fertility, having 3 grown up daughters, but I do feel for you.  I am just doing one day at a time, and appreciating the better weather and spring flowers whilst I can.    Hope I have been some help, I am just surprised at how many people are attending the cancer centre and no doubt having their own struggles.