Aa
Aa
A
A
A
Close
1187318 tn?1266384482

Borderline Ovarian CA with postive Washings

Hello Ladies.  My name is Kate,26 yrs old.  Back in October I had a laparoscopic surgery for cyst removal.  The pathology came back a little "odd" but inconclusive so my OB/GYN decided to go back in this Dec for a biopsy.  After a frozen biopsy, she decided to remove both ovaries due to borderline ovarian CA.  She sent me to a University hospital in the beginning of January for a consult.  The only thing I can remember from the pathology was "papillary clusters suggest serous neoplasm" and "surface involvement of the right ovary", as well as the positive washings.  After speaking with the Gyn-onc...he decided to take me back into surgery (which will happen this Monday, Feb 1st) for a total hysterectomy, appendectomy, staging, and intraperiotoneal port placement.  Apparently my gyn-onc thinks my case is somewhat "rare".  He said that the cells were starting to go deeper into my ovary rather then just "surface involvement" and to use his exact words....I was "SO CLOOOSE to having a very serious ovarian cancer"  At this point he is suggesting 6 rounds of Chemo (once a week) though I'm sure that could change depending on the pathology results of the next surgery.  
I guess I just want to know if anyone has had a similar experience, especially with the intraperiotoneal port.  And if this all sounds like a typical course of treatments...
Any insight on what to expect would be greatly appreciated!
Thanks-
Kate
11 Responses
Sort by: Helpful Oldest Newest
414018 tn?1268611672
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.
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
I sat by my sisters sides for many IP Chemos, I'd be happy to answer any questions
Helpful - 0
725998 tn?1258048708
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.
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Sounds like you'll be in good hands!

Please post when your back home and let us know how your surgery went.


Take care
Helpful - 0
1187318 tn?1266384482
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
Helpful - 0
155056 tn?1333638688
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
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
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.

Helpful - 0
1046985 tn?1305117048
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.
Helpful - 0
1187318 tn?1266384482
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 :)
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Best of luck with the surgery Kate. Hope all goes well so you can put it behind  you.
Helpful - 0
155056 tn?1333638688
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
Helpful - 0
Have an Answer?

You are reading content posted in the Ovarian Cancer Community

Didn't find the answer you were looking for?
Ask a question
Popular Resources
Learn how to spot the warning signs of this “silent killer.”
Diet and digestion have more to do with cancer prevention than you may realize
A list of national and international resources and hotlines to help connect you to needed health and medical services.
Herpes sores blister, then burst, scab and heal.
Herpes spreads by oral, vaginal and anal sex.
STIs are the most common cause of genital sores.