Chemotherapy

[Joyce67]

I was just diagnosed with stage 1c ovarian cancer, had both ovaries, uterus, and omentum removed 5 weeks ago. But during my appoitment on Tuesday with the UNC oncologist I was told no chemotherapy. I am confused. Do I need it or not??????

[berryterry]

Was it an Clinical Oncologist or a Gynocologic Oncologist that gave you the "no chemo" advise?  This is a life threatening disease and you only get ONE time for first line treatment.  I had stage 3c, a much higher stage than you, but I opted for a much more aggressive treatment than the "gold standard".  I had IV/IP Taxol/Cisplatin and am now 18 months in remission.  I don't know that you need anything more aggressive that the standard Taxol/Carboplatin but I, along with all the others above, would strongly recommend some sort of chemo.  Chris P's advise is excellent.  You need to advocate for yourself, research and ask a million questions.
Terry

[ChrisP2236]

As Angie mentioned, it depends what kind of ovca you were diagnosed with.  I was 1c with granulosa cell tumor.  I did not have chemo.  My understanding is that chemo is designed for more aggressive cancer cells and what I had is typically slow growing, I had a very early lesion with low mitotic rate, so chemo isn't thought to be as effective in preventing recurrence. I'd recommend you discuss why you aren't having chemo with your onc and keep asking questions until you completely understand all of your options.  
Best wishes, Chris P

[yrrek]

Dx'd 1C as well.  I had 4 cycles of chemo one being IP as well as IV.  I am glad I did it.  I am now 8 months out of last cycle and feeling good with no S&S of cancer.

Kerry

[marie3B]

I would want the chemo if it were me.  I agree with Marty about catching any remaining cells. I also agree with Angie that the cell type of the tumor matters. Good luck and take care,  Marie

[manneca]

I was stage 1 and opted for chemo. My onc said it would not change my life expectancy but would lessen the risk of a recurrence. I have some neuropathy in my feet from the chemo (completed July 3 2008). My hair is way different and I don't really like it. I like the peace of mind the chemo gave me. It was worth the downsides in my opinion. You might get a second opinion on the chemo.

[survivor_susie]

I, too, was stage 1c.  I had chemo.  I'm SO glad I did.  I didn't have a hard time with it and it gave me peace of mind.  Ask your doctor...it may also depend how many lymph nodes were removed and examined.
Good luck!

[silver&gold]

What cell type was your cancer ? , mine was clear cell stage 1 and I underwent 6 chemo treatments. I would have thought that with stage 1c chemo would have been reccommended, I would ask your Oncologist some more questions about  why no chemo is reccomended.
Let us know how you get on and good luck.

Angie

[SimplyStar]

Just in case there are some dormient and inmature cells, I would do some chemo, you only have one chance to do this, so I myself would take the chemo,  maybe hald doses will do it.   Marty