Stage 1 OVCA / Radically Hysterectomy

[Bellabooboo]

So once all the female parts are removed total hysterectomy, omentum, all of it, do I still need a pap smear every year. My cancer was early stages only had 3 courses of Carpoplantinum/Taxol, CA 125 is 8.6 now down from 70.

Any one. . ..I'm new and wondered, did not think a Pap smear or pelvic exam was necessary anymore. Thoughts?

Also, any insights of anyone having recurrance of OVCA coming back with such an early stage of cancer dx?

Thanks everyone

[gls2824]

You absolutely need to have the pap test and pelvic exam.  I also had a total hysterectomy with everything removed and my doctor emphasized that doesn't mean I'm home free (I'm scheduled to go every 6 months).

I had a borderline tumor in my right ovary the size of a grapefruit.  Staging was done because my gynoc wanted to make sure there was no cancer anywhere else in the region (cancer and borderline cells can exist simultaneously).  Since it was Borderline Stage 1, which acts like a benign tumor, I didn't need anything else besides the hysterectomy.

But even borderlines can recur  -- and cancer can still develop in the pelvic region from other sources -- so exams are crucial.  The National Cancer Alliance puts the recurrence statistic at 10% for women with Stage 1 ovarian cancer.  Should it recur, you want to again catch it early.

Good luck  Sounds like you'll be ok.

[dian07]

Hello.  I was diagnosed IC and had 6 rounds of chemo ending in October of 2005.  The first year after chemo I had check ups by my gyn and onc every three months.....including a pap, breast exam and bi-manual vaginal and rectal exam.  Of course there was blood work done by both.  I am still getting those exams every six months and my port is flushed every 6 - 8 weeks.  After 5 years I will be checked on an annual bassis.  
Though I am definately hoping I don't ever have a relapse, it is possible.  It is possible for you to relapse as well......that's why you get these check-ups .....at first they were a security blanket for me......now that I go every six months I, I must admit, they make me nervous!  Still, we are very lucky to have been caught at such an early stage.
Peace.
dian

[jane65]

Hi,
If you see my post re my GYN finding an area of abnormal tissue in my vagina, you'll understand why you still need to have an internal exam and a pap test every year. There's still the concern about vaginal cancer.
I've also had all my female parts removed, but my Gyn does an internal and checks for any masses he can feel.

I can't help you with the other question you posed, I'm staged at 4B, and dealing with my first relapse.
Your CA125 dropping to 8.6 is so excellent and I wish you good health!
Jane