Hi,
If you would like to read my story. feel free to ask any questions i have just been through a very similar experience to you. I am also 26 years of age and was diagnosed with borderline. Sadly mine turned invasive.
However, ovarian cancer is NOT rare...i just did two interviews in australia representing women and raising awareness for february. one woman dies every 11 hours and it is the 6th leading cause of death. younger women are more commonly getting this borerline disease which sadly is becoming more common and is turning invasive down the track.
I sat by my sisters sides for many IP Chemos, I'd be happy to answer any questions
Hi. One year ago I had a TAH/BSO and was staged borderline 1C. No chemo. Although I had positive washings (actually, nothing was found on the first and second washing, but cells were found in the third), no chemo was recommended. All the cells were borderline. One year later and I'm fine. i go for check-ups every 3 months.
It does sound like your washings were not borderline. I hope your surgery went well. Sounds like you have good doctors. Just remember your prognosis is excellent if it turns out the way they think.
Sounds like you'll be in good hands!
Please post when your back home and let us know how your surgery went.
Take care
I re-read my path reports. My L/R ovary & L ovarian cyst all came back as borderline. As for the washings...as it says is thinprep shows papillary clusters which suggests serous neoplasm. So I'm assuming the washings weren't borderline?! Which now the aggressive treatment makes sense. I guess I'll know more monday after my surgery. The only good thing about going to a university hospital rather than a local one is...I'll get results probably the same day :) I just can't wait to put this surgery behind me.
Kate
I have known many women that have had the IP chemo. It is harder on the body, but, they have all said that it is doable. I know that someone that has been through it will come along soon....or maybe start another thread just about IP chemo.
Best of luck and stay in touch.
Pam
Hi I had borderline ovarian cancer stage 1, in '02. Normally, borderline ovarian cancer doesn't require chemo. Borderline ovarian cancer is a type of ovarian cancer. Was your biopsy actually positive for borderline ovarian cancer or were the washing positive for pappilary serous ovarian cancer? It's two different things. You might want to clarify with your gyn-onc.
Good luck with your surgery next week.
Take care.
I to was staged as 1A OVCA in December 09.(10 weeks post-op today) It is my belief that I won't be having chemo, only 3 monthly monitoring, but I can understand them wanting to further investigate with 1C. I really think with this disease they have to do everything possible to stop it. Good luck with your surgery and keep us posted when you are up to it. Try not to read to much negative stuff it just bogs you down, but make sure you are prepared for everything so you know what is happening. Take care.
Thank you both so much!
Pam- I was thinking the same about chemo being drastic until I actually printed out my path reports. They actually "staged" my ovaries as 1C borderline serous neoplasm because of the positive washings. I suppose that's why my gyn/onc said no matter what, we're doing chemo. I guess I'm just afraid that with my actual staging surgery that they will find more. Quite honestly, I tend to pick one thing at a time in my life to fixate on so I don't over load...and right now, I'm freaked out by the intraperitoneal port. Everything I read is discouraging (potential problems, side effects, ect)
Anyhow, Thanks for responding :)
Best of luck with the surgery Kate. Hope all goes well so you can put it behind you.
The treatment for borderline ov ca seems a bit drastic. Most people diagnosed with borderline do not have chemo and are usually monitored every 3 months, for two years, then every 6 months, etc.
I was diagnosed as stage 1A OvCa in 2000. I kept one ovary until 2004, when that was removed because I started developing masses on the remaining ovary. With Stage 1A, I did not have chemo, as protocol is ususally 1C and above for chemo.
Ovarian Cancer itself is considered rare, and having borderline is even rarer.
Good luck with the surgery and let's hope that everything comes back clean.
Pam