Ovarian Cancer — Cancer Survivors Network

HRT for bilateral oophorectomy?

bibliophile — Tue, 07 Apr 2026 11:55:07 +0000

I hope you don't mind that I am crashing your board from CRC, but there aren't as many people over there dealing with surgical menopause… I'd just like to talk to people about their experience with long-term HRT on modern regimens and side effects. I also notice a definite difference towards the end of my week-long patch. My kids call it "Menopause Mondays" 🤣. Anyone else have this experience and have any advice?

Need Suggestions for Neuropathy Relief

Barneygirl — Fri, 30 Dec 2011 01:08:45 +0000

I have had 14 rounds of taxol, 4 rounds of Taxotere and 18 rounds of Carbo over the last 8 years and I am finally feeling the effects of neuropathy. It is suttle and comes and goes. Mostly in my hands, but sometimes in my feet too. Cold weather definitely makes it worse. What are you taking to prevent the further effects of neuropathy? I just started taking lipoic acid (200mg) and Metanyx (a form of B-12). I had been doing injections, but switched to a newer type in pill form.

Stage IV (4) Ovarian Carcinosarcoma - MMMT

grace289 — Fri, 14 Nov 2025 17:07:49 +0000

Hi all, I'm brand new to this message board.

I'm currently 44 and I've been fighting ovarian cancer since August of 2023. I had surgery to re move a ~20cm tumor, then immediately started paclitaxil/carboplatin (+bevacizumab starting cycle two) every 3 weeks for a total of 6 rounds.

Continued the avastin for a few more months until my blood pressure was too dangerous.

Took Lynparza (olaparib) concurrently until we found an increased retroperitoneal lymph node in october of 2024. Biopsy took forever to get approved, finally had it in January of 2025.

Metabolic activity confirmed, so I continued on with paclitaxil/carboplatin until I had a reaction to mvasi in round 2 (8 total), so we switched to cisplatin for the remainder and completed treatment in August of 2025. Total of 14 rounds of paclitaxil/carbo-cisplatin.

Last month, routine CT scan showed a new 2cm tumor in/around my colon. PET scan then revealed metabolic activity in the colon tumor as well as recurrent increased activity in the lymph node, and another tumor (are "tumors" and "lesions" the same thing, medically-speaking?) near my spleen. My gyn-onc told me the cancer is now considered platinum-resistent since it returned so quickly after these treatments.

Spoke with the radiological oncologist this morning and we're setting up the plan to do radiation for those spots (in December) and then look at next steps. My gyn-onc has been amazing through this whole thing and is also suggesting alternative chemo (doxil) options in concert with the immunotherapy.

He's additionally found a couple of clinical trials in the area so I'll be checking with my insurance to see if they cover clinical trials.

I pushed my oncologist for a life expectancy and I'm grateful that he told me what to expect. He said a year, maybe two. I know he's telling me the scientific/medical expectation and is working to get me more time. At the same time, I'm going to fight until there's nothing left to fight. I'm not done with this life yet.

I just wanted to introduce myself and see if anyone else was struggling with this (very rare) type of cancer. 💖

Chest Pain with chemo

carolannnasser — Wed, 25 Mar 2026 15:00:24 +0000

Yesterday, I recrived chemo and after carboplatin and paclitaxil, I started experiencing chest pain. BP went up to 155/85 (I am normally around 112/55). They took me to ER for chest x-ray, bloodwork, and evaluation. Was discharged.

Has anyone else experienced chest pains with chemo? This is my second round of chemo (6 rounds) with Avastin following for 14 rounds.

Avastin and Avastin/Doxil Side Effects

Little Annie — Thu, 11 Apr 2019 00:01:32 +0000

Hi Everyone, I am contemplating either Avastin alone or Avastin/Doxil as my next step along this journey. The published side effect look awful. I am looking for first hand information from you ladies that you might be willing to share on how well tolerated these drugs are......thanks.

ovarian cancer - overwhelmed

user701 — Sun, 01 Oct 2023 11:50:43 +0000

hi, my wife is presumably to have ovarian cancer.

big belly, bloating and loss of appetite started about one month ago.

Went to primary doc, then did an Ultrasound about 3 weeks ago, it showed 3cm pancreatic tumor and ascites. Scheduled for a CT scan the following week. Then her bloating/cough got much worse so we checked into the ER about 3 days after ultrasound.

In the ER, they did CT scan, biopsy, paracenthesis and bloodwork on 9/22. it showed she has two tumors about 10cm x 10 cm in pelvis area, one on each side. Her CA-125 is at 15085. Pancreas are normal. Still waiting for biopsy results.

Had first consultation with an oncologist who has a clinic next to the ER hospital on 9/25. He suggested 3 rounds of chemo then surgical removal if biopsy result confirms it's ovarian cancer.

We also went back to the ER on 9/28 to do a thoracenthesis to drain fluid from her left lung, waiting for appointment to do her right lung.

She's having really bad constipation and severe bloating from anything she eats. She's already taking

docusate (stool softener) 2. simethicone (antigas) 3. spironolactone (water pill)

She's been eating very little, just one or two cups of chopped watermelon, a few spoonfuls of wheat noodle, that's about it.

some questions so far:

anything we can do about the bloating and what can she eat to avoid the severe bloating? she's cut out all diaries now, they seem to be the most troublesome
what is the typical tumor size that's too big for surgery w/o shrinking it by chemo. We're hoping she can just go straight to surgery.
We're in SoCal near Long Beach area. Is City of Hope a good place to get second opinion or cancer treatment? what about UCLA Irvine?

Thanks in advance.

Seeking help

JBreard — Mon, 25 Aug 2025 16:59:48 +0000

my wife was diagnosed with an aggressive form of ovarian cancer on June 21st 2025. She had a 20 cm mass removed, full hysterectomy and bowel resection done on July 20th. Her first round of chemo was this past Wednesday and needless to say this weekend was awful. What I really need is caregiver support. I’m looking for an in person group, someone to talk to asap. I’m not trying to make it about me, I’ve been taking care of her since we found out but I’m at the end of my rope. I had to leave work today because I broke down and couldn’t function. If anyone has info about someone to talk to, I could really use it. Thanks

Surgery scheduled at MD Anderson… cancer suspected

buzymom3 — Mon, 01 Dec 2025 21:11:10 +0000

5 years ago my local GYN found a 4cmx4cm tumor on ovary. I’ve already had Non Hodgkins and Breast cancer so she did CA 125 and ultrasounds every 6 months. Grew to 7.1cmx6.8cm. CA 125 raised but still normal. She refused to do surgery to remove.

Went to MD Anderson and had tests The radiologist and the surgeon agrees, explained that he thinks it is cancer because it keeps growing I’m 68, post menopause. Strong history of cancer and have Chek2 I’m terrified. I was told that if it is cancer they will do debunking while I am still under. Trying to figure out what I’m going to be waking up to? Any chance this cyst could be benign? lol yup I’m in denial. How long will a hospital stay be? We don’t live in Houston but they specialize in difficult surgery, so here I am. Any insights or help on how to cope would be appreciated.

Seeking Help For My Sister

MissBullitt — Sat, 23 Aug 2025 08:26:47 +0000

My sister was just diagnosed with Stage IV Metastatic Ovarian Cancer. They said they can add maybe a year longer to her life with immunotherapy. She had no symptoms and was seemingly completely healthy up until some abdominal discomfort 4 days ago. Is there anything else we can do to fight this and extend her life? Are there any survivors out there? She's only 44

New and scared

TexasKitty1959 — Sat, 25 Oct 2025 06:34:13 +0000

I was diagnosed with endometrial cancer stage one today.

I am being referred to a specialist (my gyno doesn't treat cancer).

It feels like standing on the edge of a high, high rooftop and looking down.

Any suggestions on managing the anxiety and feelings of being overwhelmed?

Thanks for reading

17 liters of yellow brownish ascites

TJTtttejjj — Mon, 17 Nov 2025 21:02:34 +0000

Worried???

TJTtttejjj — Wed, 12 Nov 2025 19:35:15 +0000

Hi I am new to this group, and would love inputs, my 32 year old daughter has a mass that is 15.9x15.6x16.9 with solid nodules along the margins…CA125 was 830 with large ascites can anyone give me their opinion she is seeing a oncologist Fri.

Chemo or No Chemo - Stage 1C1

melanieplane — Sat, 10 Feb 2024 02:59:03 +0000

Finding myself in the decision making stage for Chemo or No Chemo (Observance) for Stage 1C1. Single ovary cyst with recent surgery to remove cyst, ovaries, fallopian tubes. Spillage during surgery (due to cyst size, needed drainage prior to removal). Cyst results returned as Grade 1 mucinous carcinoma. All post-op CT scans/tests in as normal. No signs of any other cancer sites, etc. An otherwise healthy 56 yr old! At crossroads for considering Observance vs Chemo route (6 cycles).

To chemo or not to chemo? That is the question

cherryparker2001 — Wed, 15 Oct 2025 12:00:57 +0000

I was recently diagnosed with endometrioid carcinoma, FIGO grade 1 stage 1C. My doctor is recommending chemo because the ovary that the cancer was in was split open when he went in to do surgery. There was a lot of fluid in my abdomen and chest from the rupture of the mass that was on that ovary. The doctor said there was no way to test all of that fluid to know if there were cancer cells. I am unsure of what I want to do. I don’t want to have to go through chemo but I also don’t know if I want to take the risk. Im looking for any advice or experience with this. Thank you!

NEED INFORMATION

youwecan — Fri, 24 Oct 2025 11:59:05 +0000

HI BEAUTIFUL LIVES OUT THERE. ITS SO NICE THAT WE ALL ARE IN SUCH A GOOD HEALTH THAT WE GOT AN OPPORTUNITY TO BE HERE AND DISCUSS ALL THESE THINGS TOGETHER. FIRST OF ALL THUMS UP FOR THEM WHO ARE FIGHTING WITH THIS ILLNESS AND DOUBLE THUMSUP FOR THOSE WHO ARE GIVING CARE TO THEM. SO ITS THREE THUMSUP HERE. LETS ASSUME THAT THAT SECOND THUMB IS FROM THE SUPREME POWER IN WHHICH WE ALL BELIEVE.

MY BEAUTIFUL WIFE GOT NEWS IN AUGUST 2025 ABOUT 4TH ADVANCE STAGE OVARIAN CANCER.SHE WAS PERFECTLY FINE AND BUSY IN HER DAILY ROUTINE LIFE.SUDDENLY EVERY THING CHANGED,3 CHEMO DONE UNTIL NOW AND SHE IS WAITING FOR HER SURGERY ON 13TH NOVEMBER. WE ARE VERY POSITIVE AND LOOKING FORWARD FOR A BETTER LIFE.

PLZ LET ME KNOW THAT IF ANYONE IS WILLING TO DO A VIDEO SESSION WITH US TO DISCUSS ABOUT OUR JOURNEY AND YOUR JOURNEY SO FAR. WE ARE FROM INDIA AND SHE IS VERY VERY STRONG. MY KIDS CALLS HER A " A SUPER WOMAN" BEFORE BEING DIAGNOSED WITH CANCER AND NOW SHE IS ACTING LIKE A SUPER WOMAN ALSO. I AM SO PROUD TO HER.

PLEASE FEEL COMFORTABLE TO MESSAGE US. [Content removed by CSN Support Team.] LEAVE A MESSAGE AND WE WILL BE TOGETHER IN THIS TOUGH TIME .

HAVE A SAFE LIFE AND GOD BLESS US ALL

Vitamin C IV Infusion

sweetp1950 — Tue, 15 Sep 2009 00:10:21 +0000

Hi All, Looking for informatin regarding the Vitamin C IV Infusion. I am currently on my 2nd chemo treatment for Stage 3C OVCA. I saw a post that Nancy had put up concerning the Vitamim C. Can someone supply me with more information. As you all know, we all want to try and beat this monster and I can use all the help I can get. I am pretty new to the site. Thank you so much and I pray for all of you. God Bless Sweetp

HEATT

2timothy1 7 — Sat, 14 Feb 2015 16:34:19 +0000

Just curious has anyone consideeed the heatt trial in california (verthermia)?

Keytruda - Recurrence during treatment

soundsaroja — Sat, 18 Oct 2025 23:36:07 +0000

My mom initially diagnosed with high grade serous ovarian cancer in 2021 had recurrence to brain last year. After 18 cycles of Keytruda she got recurrence in abdominal lymph nodes and pelvic area now despite her scans six months ago were clean. Doctor suggested given her very weak condition and lack of progress to stop the treatment. We still don't know whether the cancer is making her weak or the treatment itself. Has anyone faced similar situation? We are losing hope..

Ketogenic Diet for cancer

paTtyGETweLL — Tue, 19 Jul 2022 17:07:11 +0000

Is there anyone that uses a ketogenic diet for cancer treatment along with chemotherapy to lessen the side effects? I'm 66, was diagnosed with stage III serous ovavian cancer. I surgery to remove the cysts, ovaries and fallopian tubes removed. I had already had a hysterectomy. I had a port for chemotherapy installed yesterdayand haven't received treatments yet. I would appreciate your feedback on using this diet.

Thank you. 🙂

State Disability, Social Security, Social Security Disability

kikz — Sat, 14 Jan 2012 19:48:48 +0000

Just thought I would pass this info on to anyone who might find it helpful. I may have mentioned some of this before. My last day of work was 2/26/2010. I was ill but didn't know the horrible truth yet. After literally begging my doctor for more tests I was given the CT scan which forever changed my life. I applied for State Disability (I live in California) and because of my diagnosis I began receiving benefits effective 3/01/2010. I was also receiving sick pay form my job. I went through treatment and though I pretty much knew I wouldn't return to work regardless of the outcome, I waited until the end of my treatment to decide and I retired effective 11/30/2010. My doctor was releasing me 12/01/2010. I applied for Social Security (I was 63). I applied online and a few days later received a call from a worker at the SS office. She advised me that I should be applying for Social Security Disability (SSDI) which puzzled me because I knew my doctors were releasing me to go back to work. She said she would apply for me and asked a few more questions. She then informed me that when a person is off work for five months and receiving State Disability (DIB) they are eligible to receive SSDI for the length of their disability as well. I explained that I was also receiving sick pay and she said that didn't matter. She told me I could choose to begin receiving the SS in October. I asked how that could be since I wasn't retiring until 11/30/2010. She said because of my earnings for the year; I had only worked January and February. Well, who is going to turn money down? So I received sick pay and DIB from 3/01/2010, began receiving SSDI (retro payments) effective 8/01/2010 and my regular SS started 10/01/2010. I was subsequently approved for permanent SSDI effective 10/01/2010 and received retro payments. This might sound muddled; I did not receive SS and SSDI at the same time. I was receiving SS and was switched to SSDI. She also informed me that I might receive the DIB for a full year even if I went back to work. I did receive the DIB through February even though I called and informed them that I had retired. I had worked for the government at the county level issuing public benefits for 17 years and my head was still spinning. The worker called me and requested a copy of my W-2 form for 2010 when I received it because she said she may be able to increase my benefits based on the actual income I earned. The income I listed on my application was considered an estimate because the year had not ended. I did receive an increase and retro payments again. I am writing this because even with my background I would have missed out on some of these benefits if not for an efficient worker. I couldn't believe I would be considered disabled when I could have returned to my job. I later checked on the Social Security website and ovarian cancer is listed as a compassionate allowance condition which enables a person to receive benefits. I qualified for SSDI because of my earnings and work history but there are other SS programs. Contact the Social Security Administration for information specific to your situation. I am sorry this went on so long but I know money issues can make this ordeal even more difficult but there may be help available. Karen

Brenner Tumor

LauraAT — Wed, 02 Sep 2009 01:19:59 +0000

Can anyone give me some information on a malignant Brenner Tumor? I would like to find someone who has been diagnosed with this type of tumor.

Apricot seeds

LPack — Mon, 20 Apr 2009 16:39:39 +0000

Have any of you ever taken apricot seeds? I am curious to hear your comments. I know of one young man at our church who had brain cancer stage III seven years or so ago and he said the seeds attributed to his health now. Then another lady I know just was told her dad was done with treatments so she is going to start him on that and other supplements. Any input from any of you teal warriors? Love you all, Libby ♥

Switching from Paclitaxel to Docetaxel

Luensmann4 — Wed, 09 Jul 2025 21:00:10 +0000

Anyone have any experience with Docetaxel? I had a bad allergic reaction to Paclitaxel so now going to try something different.

What is physiological FDG uptake on a PEt scan?

Lisa13Q — Tue, 08 Jun 2010 01:54:44 +0000

I am reading my mother's report and there is this Physiological FDG uptake in her brain and lungs. I'm thinking this is not very good. ANy thoughts?

Choosing NOT to treat

swampthing — Thu, 15 Jul 2010 11:16:46 +0000

I decided decades ago, after watching several generations of women die of cancer, that I would not be treated when (not if) I developed cancer. That decision has never wavered; what I've seen since has made me more determined and content with my choice. So here I am. But it turns out that doctors don't particularly appreciate that decision; when I explained that I wouldn't be opting for surgery or chemo, or volunteering as a lab rat (I didn't put it that way!) I got yelled at and tossed aside. Not more than I expected, to be honest, but less than I might have hoped for, as the only reason I even bothered getting diagnosed was because the pain and exhaustion are beginning to eat away at my life balance. And when I didn't fall in line, the doctor told me he wasn't going to bother writing me a pain scrip. I love the medical profession, it always lives down to the standards I've come to know and loathe. Although I realize that this isn't the way most people see or experience health care -- try it without having insurance. You're less than dirt beneath most of their feet. All I need to do is get through until I'm declared a lost cause -- Oregon rocks, in that it provides the goodnight pill! But it turns out doctors prefer patients that bring up their income... so how am I going to make it until then? I don't want to to be penalized for choosing a quicker outcome or spend months fighting for pain medication; I'd rather fit in a last trip overseas. So many of the social and healthcare nets have been quietly dismantled and closed over the last year -- there's really nothing left. I do NOT want to spend precious hours in an ER, not to mention I'd end up on the street, paying ER costs just to obtain basic med needs, which I *can* pay for, day to day. I can explain my decision, but I can't *create* a doctor that will treat me pallatively, outside the surgical/chemo system, and this major metropolitan city has become a wasteland of shuttered care options. Which is what has really made the situation so difficult. What I need is a broad plan. And a starting point. And a pony. I don't have any of those things.

Keytruda side effects

soundsaroja — Sun, 30 Mar 2025 13:48:06 +0000

My mom is in 10th cycle of keytruda for ovarian cancer recurrence. Last month her PET scan showed initial all lesions in brain and inguinal lymph nodes resolved. Doc said to continue treatment for six more cycles. However she is extremely fragile, lost 20 kilos, could take only fluids via tube and nervous all the time. Has anyone had similar effects and how did you deal with them?

Cravings?

leesag — Fri, 02 Jul 2010 17:41:09 +0000

Ok...so this weird and a bit light hearted, but we all need to think of something weird and wacky from time to time! I have found that since my diagnosis, I have experienced a range of cravings...have you experienced the same thing? Initially, after diagnosis, I really wanted wine and chocolate..lots and lots of wine and chocolate! Before surgery, I was a diet coke addict, I drank diet coke for breakfast and throughout the day, since surgery however, I'm sure the coke company will be posting a significant loss in profits, because I can't STAND the stuff! I woke up from surgery craving ginger ale and Luigis Lemon Italian Ice. That craving continued well into the second chemo. Then around the third chemo, I started craving apples...gala apples....cut into wedges...at room temperature. A very specific and weird craving, it lasted until between the fourth and fifth chemos. The most recent craving, since about chemo #5, has been citrus. I crave all things citrus. Lemonade, Orange Juice, Extra Limes in my Corona, starburst fruit juice...if it's citrus I must have it! What are you craving? I have to run to the store for more lemonade ...I'll check in when I get back! Leesa ;)

L-Glutamine for Neuropathy

Susan523 — Fri, 10 Oct 2008 00:03:06 +0000

Hello again ladies, Can anyone tell me how many milligrams to take of L-Glutamine and B-6 to help neuropathy?? I tried Lyrica, and it didn't help. Thank you; and God Bless all of you!! ~Susan xoxo

Avastin only for maintenance?

MMMT SURVIVOR — Sat, 02 Jun 2018 19:05:08 +0000

Hello, I posted this on the uterine board but only received one reply. I was hoping maybe someone here would be able to help. I'm on Avastin only for maintenance after going through chemo (carbo/taxol) 3x. I received my 11th infusion this week and have been doing well. My onc said my situation is a dilemma because the question becomes when is it time to come off. I asked if Medicare allows taking a break and then restarting but he said no, they only give you one shot at Avastin. I suppose because of the expense. He also said Medicare can bump you off at anytime. I don't know where things are headed but I was wondering if anyone has been on this treatment and/or if anyone knows the out-of-pocket cost of the drug. Just trying to do some planning. Any thoughts appreciated.

thanks,

Mary Ann

1/2011 - Dx MMMT/TAH/Carbo/Taxol/Brachytherapy

1/2013 - Bilateral lung wedge resection for 2 nodules followed by carbo/taxol

9/2015 - Stereotactic radiation for one lung nodule

12/2017 - Radiation for pelvic tumor followed by carbo/taxol

10/2018 - Started Avastin only for maintenance

Ovarian and uterine cancers

beth2924 — Mon, 27 May 2024 05:34:24 +0000

I was just diagnosed. Total hysterectomy was done April 23 for endometriosis, pathology came back with stage 3 uterine and stage 1 ovarian diagnosis. I guess you could say that I'm lucky that the ovarian cancer was caught early. I can't get a straight answer from my surgeon about chemo and prognosis. Every cancer website says something different. The chemo plan prescribed addresses both cancers, but no one will tell me how likely it will be successful. I welcome any tips or suggestions for getting the information.