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Stage 1 Ovarian Cancer- any advice?
Hi there everyone.
I've been reading this forum for the past week and have seen what great advice and support you all give to each other on here.
Just tonight, my mother went in for a full hysterectomy (she is post-menopause) to remove a 16cm complex cyst. The surgery went extremely well, however, the oncologist did let us know that part of the cyst was indeed cancerous. Upon examining the rest of her organs he did confirm that the cancer did seem to be confined to just one ovary. He went ahead and took biopsies of other organs to make sure there was no microscopic traces of cancer there. The pathology reports should be back within the next week and a half to two weeks. I do know, however, that the oncologist would like to begin chemo treatments within the next 5 to 6 weeks (max).
My question to you all is, what have your experiences with this type of stage one cancer been? What can we expect? How can we help? What questions should we be asking that we may be overlooking due to lack of knowledge in this situation up to now?
My mother is an extremely strong person who has a tremendous amount of faith, and eventhough I know she was hoping this was not the case, I know she is ready to fight. Any advice which you can extend to us would be greatly appreciated!
Thank you all in advance for your time, suggestions, and most importantly,your support!
~ C
I've been reading this forum for the past week and have seen what great advice and support you all give to each other on here.
Just tonight, my mother went in for a full hysterectomy (she is post-menopause) to remove a 16cm complex cyst. The surgery went extremely well, however, the oncologist did let us know that part of the cyst was indeed cancerous. Upon examining the rest of her organs he did confirm that the cancer did seem to be confined to just one ovary. He went ahead and took biopsies of other organs to make sure there was no microscopic traces of cancer there. The pathology reports should be back within the next week and a half to two weeks. I do know, however, that the oncologist would like to begin chemo treatments within the next 5 to 6 weeks (max).
My question to you all is, what have your experiences with this type of stage one cancer been? What can we expect? How can we help? What questions should we be asking that we may be overlooking due to lack of knowledge in this situation up to now?
My mother is an extremely strong person who has a tremendous amount of faith, and eventhough I know she was hoping this was not the case, I know she is ready to fight. Any advice which you can extend to us would be greatly appreciated!
Thank you all in advance for your time, suggestions, and most importantly,your support!
~ C
Any woman diagnosed in Stage I of ovca is very blessed. So few women are diagnosed at this stage and thus are already somewhat behind in the fight from the very start.
But remember that the stage of the cancer is not the only issue to consider. There is also the issue of the grade of cancer; the grade (denoted as a 1, 2, or 3) is basically a way of indicating the aggressiveness of the cancer. Specialists consider the grade as well as the stage in recommending treatment options.
Always remember that if a woman feels uncomfortable with any diagnosis or treatment recommendation, then she can seek a second opinion. And never hesitate to ask the treatment center staff for recommendations if problems rise during the treatment. The staff at a cancer center has seen most any problem that can arise and can share advice to resolve or minimize these problems.
Best wishes and prayers for a cure!
But remember that the stage of the cancer is not the only issue to consider. There is also the issue of the grade of cancer; the grade (denoted as a 1, 2, or 3) is basically a way of indicating the aggressiveness of the cancer. Specialists consider the grade as well as the stage in recommending treatment options.
Always remember that if a woman feels uncomfortable with any diagnosis or treatment recommendation, then she can seek a second opinion. And never hesitate to ask the treatment center staff for recommendations if problems rise during the treatment. The staff at a cancer center has seen most any problem that can arise and can share advice to resolve or minimize these problems.
Best wishes and prayers for a cure!
I am nearly 3 years in remission with 1C ovarian clear cell carcinoma. Aria 21 is right, in that we're very lucky to be diagnosed early. (I consider myself blessed and fortunate since, as one nurse commented when I told her I had clear cell, "That's about as bad as it gets.") Attitude makes all the difference. I had 6 rounds of Taxol and Carboplatin. It wasn't too bad and I managed to work full time during treatment. I kept thinking how fortunate I was and how much I had to live for. It made treatment worth going through. Don't loose your sense of humor. You may want to also check out the American Cancer Society's Cancer Survivor's Network at cancer.org. It's a very hopeful, helpful place. Stage 1 has a very good prognosis so grab life by the horns and don't let yourself be cheated!
Good morning!
The doctor did tell us after the surgery yesterday that the cyst has NOT ruptured. Had they waited another week or more to do the surgery then we may be talking about something completely different here, but she was lucky enough that it did not rupture prior to the surgery or even during the surgery.
I'm on my way to the hospital now to see how she is taking the news (the Dr. broke it to her this morning) and to make sure she gets up and walking to avoid any bloodclots.
I will let you know of any further informatio I get when I return later on.
Thank you all so much for your prompt replies and genuine comments. Your prayers are all appreciated and you all are in my thoughts and prayers as well!
God Bless,
C
The doctor did tell us after the surgery yesterday that the cyst has NOT ruptured. Had they waited another week or more to do the surgery then we may be talking about something completely different here, but she was lucky enough that it did not rupture prior to the surgery or even during the surgery.
I'm on my way to the hospital now to see how she is taking the news (the Dr. broke it to her this morning) and to make sure she gets up and walking to avoid any bloodclots.
I will let you know of any further informatio I get when I return later on.
Thank you all so much for your prompt replies and genuine comments. Your prayers are all appreciated and you all are in my thoughts and prayers as well!
God Bless,
C
standard chemo of taxol/carboplatin is good preventative measure. i at stage 3c needed 6 courses of it. it stayed away for 18mos after finishing chemo. my onc related this way: like any other chronic disease (heart, diabetes, etc) you'll need to keep on your checkups, pay attention to your body's functions, it can be controlled through medication...our's happens to be chemo.
In 2002 my cyst was 12cm and the only reason I was a stage 1c is because the tumor burst in my abdomen also.
My doctor told me that he had gotten all the cancer and my washings, lymph nodes etc. were all negative and advised me to take chemo only as a precautionary measure also.
Three and a half years went by and it returned in 2005. I could not beleive it but it did and it returned again in April of this year. I do not intend to scare you are cause confusion, but be informed and careful about this horrible illness. You are in my prayers. gail
My doctor told me that he had gotten all the cancer and my washings, lymph nodes etc. were all negative and advised me to take chemo only as a precautionary measure also.
Three and a half years went by and it returned in 2005. I could not beleive it but it did and it returned again in April of this year. I do not intend to scare you are cause confusion, but be informed and careful about this horrible illness. You are in my prayers. gail
As was the case with Aria 21, I had stage 1 and only required the second-look surgery (included debulking/omentectomy). That was 28 years ago last month, so anything is possible if you have competent care! Keep us posted.
peace,
Anne
peace,
Anne
I had a stage 1 20cm cyst that luckily didn't rupture, even during surgery...it was cancerous, but my other biopsies showed nothing so my doctor didn't even mention chemo...I only had to have the two surgeries. Best of luck to you!
I am so sorry for your mother's diagnosis. I, too had Ovarian cancer stage 1c as it was confined to one ovary. My cyst was 13cm and the only reason I was a stage 1c is because the tumor burst in my abdomen.
I was told at my second opinion appointment that they would give me chemotharpy as a preventative. I chose my first opinion which my oncologist chose to do the intraperitoneal hyperthermic chemotherapy as a precautionary measure for the bursting.
Only 20% of women with ovarian cancer are diagnosed in early stages. Believe it or not, we are lucky to be a stage 1. That definately does not dismiss our fears and situation of being diagnosed with ovarian cancer,however.
There are many women on this site that have had the standard chemo who may be able to assist you further. Were they able to remove the tumor successfully without it bursting? That would affect my opinion as far as treatment was concerned. Good luck to you and your mother. My heart goes out to you.
Danielle
I was told at my second opinion appointment that they would give me chemotharpy as a preventative. I chose my first opinion which my oncologist chose to do the intraperitoneal hyperthermic chemotherapy as a precautionary measure for the bursting.
Only 20% of women with ovarian cancer are diagnosed in early stages. Believe it or not, we are lucky to be a stage 1. That definately does not dismiss our fears and situation of being diagnosed with ovarian cancer,however.
There are many women on this site that have had the standard chemo who may be able to assist you further. Were they able to remove the tumor successfully without it bursting? That would affect my opinion as far as treatment was concerned. Good luck to you and your mother. My heart goes out to you.
Danielle
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