Video Q&A about Gynecologic Cancers

The updated version(2019) of the NCCN guidelines for ovarian cancer has changed the recommendations for stage 1A OCCC treatment to "observe" as an option. For many years, the need as well as the efficacy of chemo (carboplatin/taxol) has been questioned for this group of patients not only by international researchers, but in the U.S. as well. They appear to have only added one new study in the references for the 2019 NCCN version with regards to this specific situation. I had very strong reservations about subjecting my body to chemo, yet it was strongly recommended by two of the most reputable institutions treating cancer so I did follow this course. I'm now really concerned about the long term consequences of having had this treatment when it probably wasn't necessary (secondary cancer). I never understood why the NCCN included treatment of ovarian clear cell carcinoma with all of the other types of ovarian cancer as it is not the same disease. At this point, I am wondering why it took this much time to change the recommendation with all of the evidence that existed and to ask for reassurance that I did not allow for irreparable harm to my body by subjecting it to these toxic chemicals.

Oh! I was diagnosed at 3C three yeats ago,had a hysterectomy and carbo/taxol chemo treatment for 6 months and now just carbo(almost finished) for a recurrent spot. I am exhausted but the spot seems to be disappearing. “Irreparable harm”? Please explain. Will I ever regain the strength I once had? I am being encouraged to exercise. Feel so weak!

Hi @starko @rochellewisner @pauldale4 @leannn @odette @susu2 @chowmama2 @pat417 @margaret2 @corinneberg @bruges @hhereford @bluemeade7 @patricia5 @goldengirl2 @bjkingape @slm101 @jeanadair123 @gemma1960.

I'm writing to let you know about a Video Q&A happening today (May 9) at 2:30 Central time (3:30pm Eastern time and 12:30 pm Pacific Time). The Q&A will be hosted my Mayo Clinic oncologists Gerardo Colon-Otero, M.D., and Tri Dinh, M.D., who specialize in gynecologic cancers.

Please post your questions before and during the live session. The session will also be recorded and archived on this page so you can watch it any time. Hope to see you here in an hour. - Colleen

I was there too! OC 3C. Do the exercising as it will help you to regain your strength. Whenever the chemo seems intolerable, I forced myself unto the treadmill, perhaps slowly but with a minimum of 20 minutes and it helped relieve the trauma! Meditate, eat Mediterranean, get a new hobby. Exercise as much as possible! You will be well!

RAD50 mutation: what does this mean? BRACs all negative.
What medication is recommended for post chemo for RAD50 mutation?
Is organic honey on the good or bad list of foods post chemo?

Will we be able to view this later? I am at the hospital with my newborn granddaughter.

Sorry just read the rest of your message. I will have to watch it later. Thank you!

Congratulations on the brand new addition to your family @odette.

Your question is being answered right now.

Thank you for taking the time to do this Dr. Colon-Otero & Dr. Dinh. Very informative!!