stage 1c, how to deal, how to manage hair loss if i did chemo

[lindaca76]

I had cyst on both ovaries. left was malignant adenocarcinoma, right was small benign cyst, both cyst & ovaries had been removed by surgery, my uterus had no problem but removed too with omentum, gland D & gland S.my CA125 is 59.90. My oncologist suggested me to do chemo to clean my body from cells, with 3 cycles every 3 weeks Paxus Carboplatin chemo or Doxetaxel carboplatin, but second opinion said, carboplantin is enough. But some people say that my issue does not need chemo, just keep the healthy life style & drink soursop leaves plus thyponium flageliforme (I live in tropic country with lot of herb plants) Stressed me out cause I plan to get married this year, not having children is not problem. But shall I do chemotherapy or Radiotherapy? which is better? Which has less effect/less hair loss? Chemo or Radio? if Chemo, which is drugs? Is carboplatin good enough to kill 1c cancer cells? Honestly, I dont wanna lose my hair when I'm in wedding ceremony,anyone wanna share experiences? any suggestion for me? Thanks, God bless

[Jane39]

Well take time to heal.  Typicall chemo will start approximately 6 weeks or so after surgery.  It's best to jump in and get it over with.  A re-occurrence is like russian roulette, you just never know.  You go with what cards are dealt.  Have faith and do exactly what you say, Be Happy and Live Life.  I had no real major symptoms, just felt like something wasn't right.  Have always been vigilante with checks ups with my regular doc, oncologist, gyn/oncologist, bloodwork, PET/CT scans.
Will keep you in my thoughts and prayers and please keep in touch!!!

[lindaca76]

Thanks Jane,Sorry to hear your reoccurence & currently chemo. Have faith in God that HE is doing miracle for us both, forever we'll be fine. My surgery 3 weeks ago & I don't have chemo yet, trying to have second opinion from another oncologist, by bring my complete medical resume from previous oncologist.  I hope it's just dream that I have illness..but unfortunately, it's very real.I think, by healthy life style & have black list meal such as chemical ingredient, beef, etc, we can be safe from reoccurence. Some women on this web share that they had Ov ca stage 10-15 years ago, did chemo & till now they enjoy life, they survive with no reoccurence. Did ur doctor say, why it occurs again? What're the symptoms of reoccurence? Did u have bllod test every month/USG or..?  Oh, my fiance doesn't mind to potpone our wedding & wait till i complete chemo. But still, I fell..arghhhh..unexplained feeling..But i trust, I can through it with God. My regard for ur lovely husband. I'll let u know when my chemo begins

[Jane39]

Not sure how it's done in your country, but here in the states, with a clear cell pathology (I had the same thing), it's is automatic that chemo is done.  Clear cell is a very agressive cell type, unfortunately for me, even though I was originally diagnosed in 2006 at a stage 1A, had the best surgery and best treatment, I did have a re-occurrence in 2010 and currently going thru chemo again, but I praying that this time the cancer will stay away forever.
You do need to have a positive attitude when doing chemo, that is the most important thing.  People will say, Oh it's just hair, it will grow back, I HATED when people said that.  You know what, it's my hair and it did bother me, but it's ok.  I cried my eyes out the day I had my husband finally shaved my head (as it was coming out way to much for me to bare), but then by the afternoon, I was laughing.
Unfortuntely with a diagnosis of cancer, there will come a roller coaster of emotion.  We are all here to help in any way we can.
But no matter where you are, get copies of all your reports, surgical notes, pathology reports, scan reports, it's important that you keep all those records. And ask questions!!!  You are entitled to be informed.  

Keep us updated.  Will keep you in my thoughts and prayers!!

Jane

[lindaca76]

from Patology resume, I had clear cell adenocarcinoma. (what's the meaning?). my left ovary had anaplastic ephitel tumor cell, prominent nucleolus, clear cytoplasm that performed hobnail, performed papiler structure. In my country, not all doctor open to explain everything we wonder, specially in my town. It's difficult for me to get detail information every I need it. You encourage me, Jane. however, you are right, I;m preparing my physic condition to face chemo cause I must have perfect immune to follow chemo. Hair would grow again, but I 'll be alive is everything, keep in touch. When u had chemo? and now, you get ur hair back?

[Jane39]

Hi there.  Do you know what the actual cell type was from your pathology from surgery?  Radiation is very rarely ever done with Ovarian Cancer.  Typical treatment is surgery (optimal debulking) and chemo (normally).  Stage 1C means cancer was in one or both ovaries and was either on the surface of the ovary or in your pelvic washings (if I remember correctly).  I was a stage 1A, however, I had Clear Cell, so it was automatic that I had chemo.  Mine was Carboplatin/Taxotere. There are alot of chemo cocktails, that work differently with different women and different cancer types.  And yes, you lose your hair.  Was I prepared? Yes, was I devastated, yes, did I get over it, yes.  
You only get one chance to get this Ovarian Cancer thing right, so don't let losing your hair making any weight on your treatment judgment.  Your husband to be will love you just the same, probably even more ;)
Talk to you doctor, get a second oppinion if needed.  Keep us updated, and I wish you well.
Jane