Recently diagnosed with serous borderline ovarian tumor

@suzieq1980 Hearing the diagnosis must have been a huge shock for you. When I first heard the word "cancer" for my own diagnosis of endometrial cancer I felt like I would not live out the year. That was in 2019 and after a radical hysterectomy and then radiation therapy in 2021 when I had a recurrence I'm still here. In 2019 and in 2021 (recurrence) I began to feel better and less in shock when I talked with my gyn oncologist and there was a plan in place. That whas what I needed. A plan.

Here is another Discussion on Mayo Clinic Connect about a borderline ovarian tumor:

-- https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/borderline-tumor/

I suggest reading through this discussion as you will gain considerable information. I'm also tagging a few members who have shared their diagnosis of a serous borderline ovarian tumor. @kimberly1006 @skyegirl @slanepac2024 @l23 @saro2012

What does your doctor say and what are the treatment plans? How are you feeling tonight?

Thank you so much for sharing your journey. Yes, it was quite a shock. It was an incidental finding in imaging when I was emitted for diverticulitis. So this has been an emotional roller coaster ride. Thanks for sharing the link. I will definitely check them out.

Hello
Is your diagnosis Serous Papillary Carcinoma? I was diagnosed with that in May 2017. I started out with very light staining- a very weird salmon color which I had dismissed a few weeks earlier. It then became heavier and I made appt with my gyno. He swabbed me and the cotton tip came out bloody- red flag and then immediately did an ultrasound on me and noticed a lot of fluid collecting. He then ordered a d and c in which I had to wait a month which included a biopsy. Long story short came back as Serous Papillary Carcinoma Stage 1a. My gyno made an appt with the oncologist a few days later and he set up a plan of 6 chemo treatments- taxol and carboplatin and then bracytherapy around the vaginal cuff. Since I live in South Florida I decided to get a second opinion at Moffett Cancer Center in Tampa with the head of the department. Was not easy to get in but I was persistent and I got the appointment. Their cancer board decided that the cancer started to spread a bit into the cervix and therefore diagnosed it stage 2. And they decided the sandwich therapy recommended by my Dr. where I live should be replaced with straight chemo and then the brachytherapy. So I cancelled my June Scandinavian trip with my friend and embarked on my first chemo treatment beginning of August 2017. The first day and day after were ok -even did Zumba but the next 3-4 days were horrible- could not get out of bed. I had no one living with me- no spouse or relatives- just a very kind man that helped with my parrots and the house. Day 5 I was up and out of the house ravenous and doing my exercise. Of course I lost all my hair in the beginning of the treatment but I had gorgeous wigs- people asked me where I got my hair colored!! I went on dates and I really looked ravishing. Ah the power of the mind!!! I am not a pity party. I had some issues with chemo -nothing horrible. So now fast forward 8 years later my oncologist says he does not have to see me anymore just have regular check ups with my gyno. One other thing, I had a genetic saliva test done and I tested positive for low grade Chek 2. Hope all goes well with you.

Thank you for sharing your story. My pathology results showed serous borderline ovarian tumor. It is a tumor that is not benign but not malignant. It can spread but is not invasive. There is a small percentage that can undergo malignant transformation. From what my general surgeon and the pathologist told me the prognosis is very good. However, there is a very small chance it is some other type of cancer but I guess it is very rare, like only 1 in 1million cases are diagnosed per year. I am clinging into the serous borderline ovarian tumor, but I have my first oncology appointment on Wednesday.

From what I have researched, surgery is usually curative with a 10% chance of recurrence in 10-15 years. I’m extremely nervous as the surgery is pretty extensive and will remove all my female organs (I’m over 60 so I don’t need them anymore) and probably part of my omentum. I have a lot of adhesions from a prior c-section 40 years ago which complicated my diagnostic laparoscopy and I figure will also complicate my surgery.

To say I anxious is an understatement. No chemo or radiation anticipated but probably won’t know that for sure until after the surgery if it is truly this borderline tumor.

You story gives me hope. Thank you. Wishing you well.

Good luck with your surgery! Hopefully all will be well after your debunking surgery. Did they remove your fallopian tubes already? Were they alright? Was there any micro invasion or micropapillary architecture seen with your tumors? Did they stage it? I shared my story on the link above. Sending positive thoughts to you.

Complete debulking surgery based on your history and symptoms is the only way to confirm pathology, bio markers-> inform precision treatment from fresh tissue samples
Also, I don’t see many mentions in these threads re the Signatera ctDNA/liquid biopsy test (it’s under prescribed by GynOncs) It’s a better marker for OvC recurrence than the CA 125. Please ask your clinicians to order it. Blood draw. They’ll come to your house;-)

Hello, would you mind sharing which biomarkers your physicians ran on your tumor? Also, how did you convince them to order the Signatera ctDNA/liquid biopsy test?

I was diagnosed stage 3a (or 3b, I can't remember) with micro invasion in 2021. My gyn onc is lovely, but she doesn't want to do any further biomarker testing since she says it won't change her care approach.

@naturegirl5 My treatment is to do 3 rounds of chemo over 9 weeks and check me - than if necessary do surgery.
I am feeling ok- occasional pain but Ibuprofen (1) helps. I mentioned that when this all started my small boobs swelled and are tender. I wear a bandeau day and night -and my feet get swollen too. Dr says it's hormones. Anxious to get this started. My daughter wants to be with me- most say they welcome someone to stay. I expect I will sleep.
This site has been so great for me. I have learned so much and thanks to all of y'all that have replied.

@bocabird Wow...that is amazing and so uplifting. I noticed the pink and knew that wasn't right. Made an apt and started doing scans, bio, etc. Seen more Dr in Sept than I have ever seen before but everyone has been so nice, caring and compassionate. My husband drives me everywhere- Florida is a great state. We were stationed in Key West in 1957.

@suzieq1980 Hope everything is going well for you