Anyone have debulking after 6 rounds of chemo? (Cross posted in Ovarian group)

jillfromGA

Hi everyone. I was diagnosed with stage 4 uterine with spread to omentum and peritoneal carcinomatosis in late Feb 2024. Not a candidate for immediate surgery. I did 3 rounds of carbo/taxol and Jemperli (immunotherapy) then a CT scan that was essentially unchanged but stable. I completed 3 more rounds followed by another scan earlier this month that still shows the carcinomatosis BUT my CA125 has gone from ~3600 to 27. WEIRD!!
My GYN-ONC thinks the scan is showing dead cancer cells that have scarred down and wants to do surgery next week likely followed by more chemo 6-8 weeks later. She would start with a scope to really see if she could get optimal debulking. If everything looked favorable she would proceed with open surgery. I’m especially nervous about the peritoneal involvement as she mentioned risk for bowel resections and even the need for possible ostomy. She has assured me she will only proceed with the surgery if she feels confident it will improve my chances of reaching remission but I’m still quite nervous. 
Has anyone had debulking after 6 rounds and had positive outcomes? I’m hoping to read success stories to calm my nerves a bit💜

Side note…my team is now pretty convinced this is ovarian not uterine despite the original biopsy result back in February. Also found out I am BRCA 1. She will take additional biopsies to help determine the final diagnosis and what happens next. Thanks for listening and I hope to hear positive outcomes soon!

rdubins

Hi Jillfrom GA—Yes, I've been there. Had 4 rounds of carboplatin/paclitaxil, and those treatments knocked down the cancer significantly. Then I had MAJOR debulking surgery.. with bowel resection (but not required stony), also lost my spleen and appendix. I had major peritoneal involvement - even had my entire diaphragm scraped off, as there were cancer cells clinging to it. Get ready for that - it's no cake walk, but absolutely needed. Following surgery I had 3 more rounds of chemo, just to "sweep the streets" as my guy put it. There are undoubtedly cancer cells cut loose from the surgery, the chemo post surgery takes care of it all. YOU'LL BE OK. Sure, it scary, sure it's no picnic, but you'll be OK. You've got something going for you: You're BRCA1 positive. Many of the best OC treatments now are targeting specific mutations, and while I don't have ANY of them, limiting my options, you do. You can do this.. May I suggest that you pick up a few long, loose nightgowns? PJs won't do it. You're not going to want anything across your belly as you recover from the surgery. Things start to get better once you're on the other side of the post chemo. You'll be OK. Ruth

Kim25

Hang in there. You can do this.

If you need to wear pants or pj bottoms: on old pair of sweat pants try cutting the front elastic out (about an 2” section) maybe into a “v” so there is no pressure on abdomen. Then roll it over or if it has tie strings tie them. I needed to wear pants and this worked since I wasn’t moving fast enough for them to fall down.

Good luck and hoping for the best for you

JeanneteCT

Be strong & always pray.

God has a plan for you ..to heal your body and bless your future.

Take care always