Gyne Cancer (ovarian) Foregoing Treatment

Although my cancer is different. I declined chemo/radiation. I posted something yesterday about my uterine cancer experience. It gives a little more detail….yesterday I learned I had 1a stage grade 3 because it is aggressive. I had a hysterectomy. The doctor recommended chemo and radiation even though tests showed it hadn’t spread. But the doctor wanted to make sure in case microscopic cells were other places. I said I wasn’t interested in chemo nor radiation. My post from yesterday can give you more details.

I have had not had ovarian cancer. I did have endometrial cancer in 2019 with a recurrence in 2021. You typed "3c". Does this mean the cancer was staged as 3C? May I ask what recommendations you were given by your cancer care team and why you made the decision that you did? This must have been a very difficult decision for you to make. I think with more information you will receive more responses from our members.

Will you come back and let me know how you are doing?

Hi @hoffie. I encourage you to reach out to other women who have experienced ovarian cancer and foundations that offer scientific navigation to help guide your decision. Foundations in the ovarian cancer space include Clearity https://www.clearityfoundation.org/ovarian-cancer-treatment-options/
OCRA https://ocrahope.org/
NOCC https://ovarian.org/
SHARE https://www.sharecancersupport.org/ovarian-cancer/
Sharsheret https://sharsheret.org/ovarian-cancer/newly-diagnosed/

Thank you for your response and reference to reliable info sources. I will follow up

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.

Hello Katycot: thank you for your thoughtful comments. I am a 76 yr. old widow with no children or remaining family ( lots of great & supportive friends). I have had a wonderful, full life/marriage/career and now prefer to concentrate on quality of life rather than extending it with a challenging treatment. I have a wonderful gyn/onc - Head of Dept. at local university who will support me thru this process. I am in a good place with this situation and at peace with what is ahead. Thanks again for your response. I wish you all the best.

I also had stage 3 uterine clear cell cancer and after an attempt at Taxol in which I had a terrible reaction, I decided to forgo chemo and just do radiation. I know my doctors did not agree with this but I really felt in my heart and souls that chemo was not the right choice for me. I sometimes struggle with this choice but am trying to stick by my faith and convictions despite what some people say to me. All the best to you.

I agree you know your own body and soul. Make the decision and always do what’s best for you. I’m not at that point in my journey yet but I know someday if I’m ready, I’ll know…❤️🙏🏻

You sounds to be a wonderful woman full of the grace and peace we all wish for. I hope you will continue to enjoy the good life for many more years.

Thank you for your sweet words. I wish that all traveling this road find a place where they are at peace with their situation and care decisions. Sending bouquets of hope to you and all our fellow travelers.