Followup care for clear cell ovarian cancer stage 1C?

[Carol0131]

I am a 57-year-old diagnosed with clear cell cancer of the ovary, stage 1C (December 2004), one 6-cycle chemotherapy.  

Cyst ruptured during surgery, but fluid clear of cancer. My doctors, oncologist and GYN are pretty much only following my CA-125 which was never high to begin with (34 before surgery, now remaining at 4) along with pelvic exams (GYN) every 3 months. What is the followup other have had. Am I getting what I need?? Just wondering what kind of followup others are getting. Thank you.

[Sarahen]

I'm in a similar situation.  I'm 41 years old, with clear cell ovarian cancer, stage 1C (September 2008).  I'm about to finish my 6 cycles of Taxol/Carboplatin chemo.

My first surgeon spilled cancer from my cyst into my abdomen during my original laproscopic surgery.  My CA-125 was never high, either--even before the tumor was removed.  Now I have microscopic cancer cells loose in my abdomen, but I'm supposed to assume that the chemo will kill them off before they can start new tumors.

As for follow-up, physical exams and CA-125 seem to be the standard (not reliable, but there's not much else to do.)  The only other test which might be able to detect new tumors is a simultaneous PET/CAT scan.  It has a decent chance of finding tumors over 2 centimeters in size.  However, there aren't many synchronized PET/CAT machines out there, and I don't know if there might be a downside (radiation?) to the scans themselves.

My research indicates that we have to learn to be very aware of our bodies' normal functions.  Bowel habits, digestion, bladder, everything.  Notice what's normal for you and don't ignore any persistent changes.  Eat lots of vegetables and keep your immune system as healthy as possible.

Of course, my oncologist's recommendation to expect the positive could always turn out to be good advice.  Speaking of bright sides, the longer you go without a relapse, the less likely a relapse becomes, statistically speaking.

If you find any information on long-term survival or followup treatment, let me know.  The more I look for answers, the less I find.