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Gyne Cancer (ovarian) Foregoing Treatment

Posted by hoffie @hoffie, Nov 5, 2022

I am strongly considering NOT to receive treatment for ovarian cancer, 3c. Any experiences you can share?

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Gynecologic Cancers Support Group.

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ckeintz | @ckeintz | 1 day ago
In reply to @katycot "I am wondering what is driving your decision. Is it because you feel the treatment may..." + (show)
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I am wondering what is driving your decision. Is it because you feel the treatment may be too difficult, or perhaps you think the survival percentages are too pessimistic?

I had 3c in 2004, took chemo and have not had a recurrence until this year. I jus finished chemo for recurrence. In both cases chemo was manageable, and I would say this time it was far easier than before even though I am much older, mostly due to advancements in side effect management.

There is also immunotherapy options which may be something you can consider. I am taking Avastin as maintenance now that chemo has concluded.

I wonder if you have had your surgery, and if it was performed by a gynOnc specialist with lateral incision, or standard hysterectomy. If the standard was performed I strongly suggest you seek multiple opinions as I believe your risk of recurrence is higher.

If you decide to not take treatment, I hope you will be having routine scanning and CA125 tests; but these still could miss a metastasis.

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@katycot how did you discover your recurrence? I have recently finished my treatment and I seem to be clear. Wondering about asking for CT sans, blood work to monitor CA125 and HE4. Thank you for any guidance

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Helen, Volunteer Mentor | @naturegirl5 | 1 day ago
In reply to @ckeintz "@katycot how did you discover your recurrence? I have recently finished my treatment and I seem..." + (show)
Profile picture for ckeintz @ckeintz

@katycot how did you discover your recurrence? I have recently finished my treatment and I seem to be clear. Wondering about asking for CT sans, blood work to monitor CA125 and HE4. Thank you for any guidance

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@ckeintz Welcome to our Gynecologic Cancers Support Group.
May I ask if the kind of cancer that you were diagnosed with? What kind of treatment did you have?

When I was diagnosed with endometrial cancer (endometroid adenocarcinoma, Grade 1, Stage 1a), I had a hysterectomy that removed my uterus, ovaries, fallopian tubes, and ovaries. The hysterectomy was laparoscopic. When I returned for follow-up about 6 weeks after the surgery my gyn/oncologist gave me a Cancer Survival Plan that included information about my cancer, my pathology reports, and the recommendations for follow-up - how often and kind of follow-up.

What has your cancer care team told you about your follow-ups - often referred to as cancer surveillance appointments?

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