Stage 1c mucinous ovarian cancer

[KT57]

I have just been diagnosed with stage 1c mucinous ovarian cancer. Although the tumour appeared intact there were some cancer cells found in fluid in the abdomen. I had everything removed - am 50 so long past having children. I have done quite a bit of research on this type of tumour and am a bit confused. My gyno/onc says I have a 70 per cent chance of cure which will go to 80 per cent once I have had the chemo. I thought that grade 1 tumours had a better outlook than this or am I just being a bit over-optimistic.

Any replies would be appreciated

[KT57]

Thanks ladies for your replies. They have made me feel much better. Dian - I was very interested in your story as you had the same diagnosis as me. I think from what I have read the mucinous type of ovarian cancer is more difficult to treat if it recurs. This has scared me and I wonder how I can cope with worrying about recurrence. How did you manage? My emotions seem all over the place at the moment - one minute I am really pleased this was caught at an early stage and then I get really stressed that once the chemo is over it will recur and it wont be curable. Sorry for going on but it does help to hear from someone who has been through the same things.

Many thanks

KT57

[dian07]

Hey there.  I was also diagnosed IC mucinous adenocarcinoma.  That was back in the spring of 2005.......I did my chemo (finishing in Oct. of 2005) and am now 4 1/2 years out from diagnosis.  
My tumor ruptured while being removed.....unfortunate but it happens more often than is known.
Anyway, I know how lucky I am; I hope you get the same results.  Chemo is doable.....not fun, however.  
If you have questions come back and talk with the ladies here.....we are all here for eachother and you are now one of us!  
Peace.
dian

[hopeshell]

Hi there,

I am so sorry to hear about your dx.  Yes, the stats are confusing but just remember you aren't a stat!   I think the lower percentage he is quoting stems from the fact of the "c" part of the 1c.  Since cancer cells were in the washings it wasn't as cut and dry of a stage 1 if it had only been found in the ovaries.  Mucin is gooey and tends to spread if it isn't contained.  I would do the chemo if I were you and try to cut back the residual cells.  I was a 1a but my dr had told me if it was in my washings (which would have made me a 1c like you) that I would have to have chemo.  Best of luck to you.

Shelly