Surprise Ovarian Cancer Stage 1a

A large tumor was found in my right ovary 5 months ago during my regular yearly check-up.  Within a week I had a total hysterectomy and a stage 1 washing with biopsies of lymph nodes, surrounding organs, and abdominal fluid.  The pathology report came back with everything benign and clean except the tumor, which was totally enclosed in the ovary and very clean on the outside.  My gynocological oncologist and my gynocologist both said it was not necessary to go through any type of chemo because it would just be putting poison into my system to kill something that is not there.  They were concerned about chemo lowering my immune system for no reason, even more than the surgery caused.  I am being examined, along with a CA 125, every 3 months and a CT scan at 1 year.  Is this enough?  I am 51, postmenapausal, and in good physical condition. In fact, I didn't fit any of the risk factors I have read about and this is the first incident of any cancer in my entire family. I'm sure it's normal to be concerned about cancer showing up elsewhere but do you feel there is really no reason to have treatments at this time?

[silver&gold]

Hi , what  cell type was the cancer and grade ? . It looks like they are watching you very closely so if it came back they would catch it very early again .  I was staged  1a  but i had clear cell type which is an aggressive  fast spreading cancer . I did have chemo for this as an insurance policy they said .Im from the UK and things maybe different here .  Ask lots of questions so that you feel confident or you will be worrying and thats not at all good . Take care  Angie xx

[hopeshell]

Hi there,  I was dx with stage 1a in July and have the same follow up treatment you are describing.  I am 37 and am now postmenopausal due to the surgery (LOL).  Anyway, we are blessed to have been staged early.  My dr. said it is very important to keep the 3 month visits on time.  I have read a lot about the treatment options and am content that this is the best treatment for now.  Best wishes.

[nyc lady]

Hey....I too was Stage 1A - Sept 2000....I was followed up every 3 months for 2 years then every 6 months, but, I developed other problems so went to every 6 weeks, then 3 months, back to 6 months and then recently back to every 3 months....I am hoping that after my sonogram in Feb I will graduate to every 6 months....I haven't made it to the year mark yet, but, I will some day!!!!
As Silver&Gold said, there are different types that are more aggressive and her doctors felt that chemo would be beneficial for her.
Don't be afriad to discuss these things with your GYN/ONC.  Ask lots of questions!!!!
Good luck to you and stay in touch!!!
Pam

[Jan214]

Congratulations on finding it so early and as it was contained to the ovary you are very lucky, even if it doesn't feel that way.  It sounds like you have two qualified drs who are watching you very closely and I would follow their advice for now.  Chemo is NOT something you want to go through, believe me.  I have been on chemo almost constantly since Oct 2006 (had 4 mths off in summer) and it is HORRIBLE.  If your Drs are not recommending it, don't rock this boat.
By the way, OVCA was a surprise to all of us!!!!    :) :)  I thought mine was a hernia.  LOL