At 29, I had stage 1a borderline ovarian tumor (they classify it as borderline malignant on my chart), had ovarian torsion, ovary and fallopian tube was removed. The remaining ovary was preserved, but they keep pushing me to do a hysterectomy. I have check ups every 3 months (sometimes more if there’s a new cyst they have to monitor), but it’s been every month so far because they stagger the blood work (CA125 and CA19-9), physical exam (rectal and vaginal) and vaginal ultrasound. I’m almost at my 2 year mark and they told me after that, monitoring can be reduced to every 6 months.

I feel the same as you do, it’s hard to “continue” with life when recurrence is this cloud hanging above you at all times. They told me the rate was 20%, but when I did more research, the recurrence rate is higher the younger you are. I didn’t realize this when I had my surgery (which was an emergency) and I thought I was going to be “cured,” Instead I have to do follow ups for the rest of my life, it’s really hard mentally. My doctor said I should be grateful because I don’t have to do chemo, but I feel angry and tired and constantly worried.