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Ovarian Borderline Epithelial Tumor treatment
My fiancé was recently and unexpectedly diagnosed with this subset of ovarian cancer (but not cancer) in late August. It was from the cytology washings and right ovary w negative fallopian tubes. In younger ages they would simply monitor. In our case they are recommending removal of the left ovary and uterus/cervix. She has had a hysteroplexy previously.
She is nervous about the hysterectomy and the hormonal changes with the loss of both ovaries and hormone replacement is not recommended or significant interest.
Does anyone have some insight on treatments, recovery, and long term factors to consider pre surgery for consideration. Her age is 50.
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@mack2023 You are loving person in your fiancée’s life for coming here to ask these questions.
What did the oncologist or her consulting physician say about the ovarian borderline epithelial tumor? Do you know from the pathology report what was diagnosed? This diagnosis will help her figure out if the tumor is a non-aggressive tumor and if the “wait and watch” is still an option to discuss with her doctor.
I understand how worried she is about a radical hysterectomy (removal of remaining ovary, fallopian tube, uterus and cervix). At age 50 I’m thinking she is heading toward menopause but not there yet and so would be menopausal after surgery. Since HRT is not on the table (for medical reasons or because she does not want it?) there are other options available and this would require a doctor who will work with her in a long term way.
I had a robotic laparoscopic radical hysterectomy. While I was fatigued after the surgery it was a same day procedure. My surgeon reminded me that while I had little tiny incisions on my abdomen that would heal quickly the healing on the “inside” was as if I had an open hysterectomy. So I left the hospital with all kinds of information about recovery including not driving my car for at least a week, not lifting anything heavier than a grocery bag, and resting when I needed it. I felt back to normal energy within about a month but I was 67 years old at the time of the surgery. I was post-menopausal. Since I had endometrial cancer the estrogen cream I used (Estradiol) could not be used anymore so I’ve pivoted to non-estrogen over-the-counter vaginal moisturizers.
There are other women in this support group who have had hysterectomies prior to menopause and with removal of both ovaries can better provide you with what has worked for them.
What other questions do you have? Is the surgery scheduled yet?
Surgery is scheduled for the 3rd.
They classified her case as a borderline stage 3 case with involvement in the right ovary, nothing detected in both fallopian tube nor uterus, and scant abnormal cells in the abdominal washings consistent with the borderline findings of the ovary. This is the non aggressive cell form based on the pathology findings at this time. CRP and CA125 are normal. HRT was not recommended due to concerns some tumors or cancers are stimulated by that.
I should add, the oncologist comment was that if child bearing they would simply watch and wait before a hysterectomy. But at her age and concerns about cancer (no family hx though) surgery was recommended and would allow final staging. If she were to wait, I think the cells discovered in the washings will cause more fear/anxiety with any twinge or sensation that a tumor has started and if it’s something different and truly cancer vs just the borderline growths.
Her /our key concerns are bleeding risks for hysterectomy knowing the prior hysteroplexy and sacral attachment, risks of nerve damage impacting intimacy, and of course rapidly adjusting to menopause which was already beginning.
She’s an inpatient oncology med/surg nurse as well but it taints her views of success when she commonly sees the worst of the worst and not the outpatient successes.
Appreciate the feedback and sharing of your perspectives or experiences!