To chemo or not to chemo? That is the question

cherryparker2001

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!

thatblondegirl

Dear CP2001,

I’m a visitor from the uterine/endometrial page. You can click on any of our usernames and visit our profile pages to read details of our experiences. I’m also a visitor from the lung page (a SECOND primary cancer I developed and SURVIVED!), but that’s a different story!

I check the ovarian board because I was diagnosed with Stage IIb Fallopian Tube cancer, which is about like ovarian in that I had a positive “peritoneal wash” and 4 tiny tumors spread around my pelvis. I don’t know why they told you there was no way to test the fluid……because there certainly is!….suck it up in a syringe and look at it!! I personally think it was CYA because they should have done a wash before they touched anything! And then a second one after the ovary burst.

Now….to your question.NO ONE has tried to talk their way out of chemo more vigorously than I did! I begged to not do it! But here’s the thing….almost 5 years later with no recurrence, I am grateful that I did it. This is just my opinion, but what you desperately want to avoid is a recurrence. Eventually chemos stop working. Time and time again I’ve seen on theses boards people who didn’t do chemo and then cancer recurs. Not always. There are lots of women who will disagree with me.
it”s a very difficult decision. There are many variables that will influence your survival. I wish you the best of luck. You will be in my prayers, as are all my friends on these boards.

😎, A

cherryparker2001

https://csn.cancer.org/discussion/comment/1724870#Comment_1724870

Thank you so much for the reply! I have decided to so the chemo. I hate it and I’m dreading it and I’m scared but you’re right. I dont want a recurrence. It’s too big of a risk.

thatblondegirl

You’re welcome! I’m glad you decided to do the chemo. I think it’s your best chance for long term survival.

There are many posts/threads on the uterine board with helpful tips about getting through chemo. I actually had a worse time of it than most & yet I was still able to power through!! You can do it!

The analogy that I used to describe the cancer in my pelvis was the difference between cancer confined within an organ to one that was spread out elsewhere. I likened it to horses contained within a barn versus those roaming around in a pasture. “My cancer was in the pasture of my pelvis!” My GYNONC was an excellent surgeon and spent hours removing every spec of cancer he could see. The chemo got the microscopic stuff!

Good luck! The uterine board is usually more active than this one and there are many ladies there who are wonderful and available for encouragement and advice! And they welcome all GYN ladies!

😎, A

cherryparker2001

https://csn.cancer.org/discussion/comment/1724880#Comment_1724880

Thank you! I will definitely check out that board. Thank you for the encouragement and advice.

Charliesmom1

https://csn.cancer.org/discussion/329733/to-chemo-or-not-to-chemo-that-is-the-question

I’m coming up on 5 years cancer free from stage 1 ovarian cancer. I had no fluid in my abdomen, no visual sign of cancer during surgery. I definitely would do chemo to give you the best change to see NED “No Evidence of Disease. “ Chemo kills the microscopic cancer cells. I didn’t hesitate although it was difficult. Ovarian cancer has a high risk of returning. I hope all goes well. Take care! Nancy

cherryparker2001

https://csn.cancer.org/discussion/comment/1724965#Comment_1724965

Thank you so much for the reply! Everyone who has had cancer has responded with “get the chemo!” This definitely helps me make the decision to do it.

MaddyD

Hi Ladies,

I am a Stage 2b ovarian cancer survivor . I had surgery, chemo and now am on Zejula, a maintenance drug. I agree with everyone's comments regarding chemotherapy. It is the best chance to destroy the microscopic cells left behind. Best of luck and sending healing prayers to all .

Maddy

cherryparker2001

https://csn.cancer.org/discussion/comment/1724987#Comment_1724987

Hey MaddyD! Thanks so much for the reply! Chemo is the advice I’m getting from everyone I talk to. Prayers for continued health for you!