Ovarian Cancer - did anyone choose no surgery?

My tumour was 20 cm in diameter. I was told I had no choice if I was to survive. That was 15 years ago.

I had large tumors, there was no doubt about surgery for me. I wanted to have a chance to live longer.

@onthetrain Welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect and to our Gynecological Support Group. I'm tagging a few other members in our support group who have written and experienced ovarian cancer @sistermarcy @jhardy123 @jacquelineb68

I have a few questions that I think will help us to support you.

What is your oncologist's recommendation? Are there other treatments such as chemotherapy recommended prior to surgery? What other options are you considering?

I was actually given a choice but I was diagnosed with what is called psomammas carcinoma of the ovary which is a low grade serous cancer. It was an incidental finding when I was admitted for diverticulitis. I was asymptomatic. My GYN oncologist gave me three options 1) do nothing as I was asymptomatic 2) do nothing and monitor or 3) treat. I chose to treat.

I had surgery to remove both my ovaries and fallopian tubes as well as an omentectomy. And I’m currently doing chemo therapy.

I wanted the best chance of survival plus knowing this indolent disease was growing in side me I didn’t want to take chances that if or when I became symptomatic it would be too late.