Stage 1 Ovarian Cancer

Hi-

My mom who is 55 years oldjust had a hysterectomy and had a low level of 9 for the CA-125. She had a cyst on her ovary and was growing so she had the hysterectomy. She just got the test results back and the Doctor confirmed Stage 1a cancer. He said it was confined to the ovary, but he suggests chemotherapy for 6 treatments as an "insurance policy". My questions with this early of a stage, is it possible for the cancer to come back?

[MickeyVicki]

What grade and specific type is her cancer?  If she has a cancer which is not aggressive, then it is possible, but not very probable, that the cancer will return.   If her cancer type is an aggressive one, then the chance of reoccurance is greater.

[4mom]

All I know is that it is Stage 1 ovarian cancer- only 1 cyst on her ovary. They did not find any other cancer in any other organs that they removed from the hysterectomy. She is going to go for Chemo for 6 treatments, and the doctor said it should not come back. Does this sound accurate?

Thanx

[nyc lady]

I too was staged with 1A.  There is no way of knowing if the cancer will return.  Of course the lower the grade the less of a chance for recurrence.  The type of cancer also plays a part in the risk of recurrence.

I did not undergo chemo and it has been 6 years and 1 month since my diagnosis.  At the time of my surgery in Sept of 2000, they only removed my right ovary/tube.  The final biopsy came back as 1A.  My left ovary/tube and uterus did not come out until 3.5 years later when there were changes to a cyst on my left ovary...benign.

I am surprised to hear that they are recommending chemo for stage 1A.  Usually the course of treatment is surgery and constant follow up. Can't hurt to be safe though.  I am certain that her doctors have a reason why they want your mom on chemo.

Good luck to you and your family and please let us know how your Mom is doing.

[MonicaS]

Wow, read in the emails above, makes me really wonder what is happening with me, I had a hysterectomy in Nov 2005, but left the ovaries, on 9/28/06 an ultrasound showed a mass over the left ovary 1 x 2 cm, now on 10/27 a new ultrasound shows 2 masses, measuring 2.8 x 2.2 and 2.6 x 2.5 cm, the mass has doubled in size in a month and now a second mass is showing up. My surgeon is out of town for a month, I am being referred to someone I do not know, The C125 test showed in range 5, so if the test shows no cancer, how come the mass is growing so quickly. This is all so confusing and everyone I call says wait for an appointment then wait until they can get you into surgery, all this waiting is scarring me, how much more will this grow?

[Jane39]

Had over an 18cm mass off my right ovary, luckily after a surgery, it was staged at 1A, grade 3 (clear cell carcinoma).  Typically stage 1A grade 1 and 2, after surgery you are done, but since mine was a Grade 3, it was recommended to do chemo for 6 cycles.  I didn't hesitate once, did my six cycles, wasn't pleasant, but wasn't as hard as I anticipated.  This cancer is a monster, be thankful it was caught so early.  If you need a second oppinion on further treatment, get one, if it's again recommended to do chemo, do it.  I pray that I never have to deal with this again.  I never once have questioned my decision to do chemo.  I wanted to make sure any hint of a cancer cell was killed.  Good Luck to you and your mom.