New and so confused in this

Hello Heather~

 First thing I would do is find another group of “theys”.  Two cancers in one year is a big deal.  No it’s not normal to have cancer PERIOD.  Sure you’re scared and rightfully so.  It would only make sense to have some type of chemotherapy for a cancerous ovary.  All the references noted below state that “chemotherapy” is a standard treatment if one has been diagnosed with Ovarian Cancer.  And I can see that you’re not happy with what your current set of physicians have stated.

 Set aside the fact that you’ve not been really sick.  That really isn’t the determining factor as to what’s going on inside.  When I went to the ER because I thought I had a hernia, I learned 2 hours later that I had Stage IV cancer.  At first it was located in the Peritoneal fluid in my abdomen, and a 2^nd opinion found it was also in my ovaries. 

 What would I do if I were you?  Like I said, Have a SECOND Opinion.  Whoever “they” are seems to not realize that even if the ovary is removed that there could be cancerous cells already making their way to another organ.  Knowing what I now know about Ovarian cancer, if I were you, I would not “settle” for this kind of “treatment.”  Not sure of where you live, but it would appear that you are not receiving the best advice.

 If you are near a major cancer center, I would suggest you start there.  I had a 2^nd opinion at UPMC (University of Pittsburgh Medical Center.  A PET/CT and exploratory surgery revealed   that not only was the cancer in the Peritoneal fluid of my abdomen, but also in my ovaries as well.  Who is to say that you are now cancer free just because you have had your ovary removed?  You have every right to be worried about what might be going on inside your body that you don’t know about. 

 For starters, I asked “Dr. Google” about the stages of Ovarian cancer to see if I could find some help for you.  Up came a very helpful page.  While I’ve not been treated at the Cancer Treatment Centers of America, and do not know anyone who has, the web link seems to have some good advice.  On the very first page, I see two videos talking about how important it is to be “staged” if you are found to have cancer in your ovaries.

 Another short video is from a radiologist that says treatment is decided on, after a complete workup has been done.  The different stages of Ovarian cancer will determine what treatment one should have.  There’s a place to chat with someone on that page as well.  So why not just access their page as a place to begin.  Then you could find a reputable medical facility closer to your home, and ask them to set up a second opinion. 

 Some places require a referral, others do not.  Of course, as usual, one needs to check with their insurance carrier to see what they will pay for.  You may have a policy that requires you to be treated by someone in their NETWORK of physicians.  But I would hope you have copies of your medical records.  If not, I would make it a point to gather them together as soon as possible.  That would include the actual scans and accompanying reports of any kind.  Doctors will review those scans and then make assessments of their own.  To begin with I’m sure you would have a CT scan of the abdomen, chest and pelvis as a “starter.”  That’s where I “started” and ended up with a Stage IV diagnosis.  So I hope that you don’t find yourself there, but you must “take charge” Heather.  You’re doing the smart thing.  “Don’t worry be happy”, may be “their” advice, but I would not accept it!  So check it all out, and “get going girl!”

 Loretta Marshall

 Some references to help you on your search below.

 1.  http://www.cancercenter.com/ovarian-cancer/stages

 “…Stage I ovarian cancer - In stage I ovarian cancer, the cancer is limited to one or both ovaries. Stage I is broken into three separate subcategories:

        IA: Cancer is confined to one ovary. No cancer cells are present on the surface of the ovary or in the pelvis or abdomen.

• IB: Cancer is present inside both ovaries, but no cancer cells are present on the surface of the ovaries, in the pelvis or the abdomen.

• IC: Cancer is present in one or both of the ovaries. In addition, cancer cells are present on the surfaces of one or both ovaries, one tumor has ruptured or cancer cells are found in fluid samples from the abdomen.” 

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• 2.  http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/ovarian-cancer/basics/definition/con-20028096

  “OVARIAN CANCER – Definition - By Mayo Clinic Staff

 Ovarian cancer is a type of cancer that begins in the ovaries. Women have two ovaries, one on each side of the uterus. The ovaries — each about the size of an almond — produce eggs (ova) as well as the hormones estrogen and progesterone.

 Ovarian cancer often goes undetected until it has spread within the pelvis and abdomen. At this late stage, ovarian cancer is more difficult to treat and is frequently fatal. Early-stage ovarian cancer, in which the disease is confined to the ovary, is more likely to be treated successfully.

 Surgery and chemotherapy are generally used to treat ovarian cancer…”

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 3.  https://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ovariancancer.html

 “…Summary - The ovaries are part of the female reproductive system. They produce a woman's eggs and female hormones. Each ovary is about the size and shape of an almond.

 Cancer of the ovary is not common, but it causes more deaths than other female reproductive cancers. The sooner ovarian cancer is found and treated, the better your chance for recovery. But ovarian cancer is hard to detect early. Women with ovarian cancer may have no symptoms or just mild symptoms until the disease is in an advanced stage. Then it is hard to treat. Symptoms may include

1. A heavy feeling in the pelvis
2. Pain in the lower abdomen
3. Bleeding from the vagina
4. Weight gain or loss
5. Abnormal periods
6. Unexplained back pain that gets worse
7. Gas, nausea, vomiting, or loss of appetite

To diagnose ovarian cancer, doctors do one or more tests. They include a physical exam, a pelvic exam, lab tests, ultrasound, or a biopsy. Treatment is usually surgery followed by chemotherapy.  NIH: National Cancer Institute…”

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4.  http://news.cancerconnect.com/types-of-cancer/ovarian-cancer/

 Overview of Ovarian Cancer

1. Screening & Prevention
2. Stage I
3. Stage II
4. Stage III
5. Stage IV
6. Recurrent
7. Surgery
8. Radiation Therapy

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5.   http://news.cancerconnect.com/newly-diagnosed/getting-a-second-opinion/

 “Getting a Second Opinion - THE IMPORTANCE OF A SECOND OPINION

 A second opinion is an important part of becoming educated about your cancer and your treatment options. The more you can learn about your diagnosis and your treatment options, the better chance you have of receiving the most appropriate treatment. Cancers are now more treatable than they once were, but there are also many more treatment options and more complicated procedures. Getting a second opinion will help you understand these options and help you make an informed decision about which is best for you. Second opinions will not offend competent physicians. Second opinions will, however, provide reassurance to you and your family and ultimately allow you to receive the most appropriate therapy.

 WHAT IS A SECOND OPINION?

 A second opinion is a review of the cancer diagnosis and the treatment recommendations of the physician who is treating the cancer by another, independent physician. Either the patient or the primary physician can initiate the process of getting a second opinion. Usually, patients obtain a second opinion after being referred to a second physician or to a special team of experts in a cancer center, called a multidisciplinary team. This doctor or team of doctors will review the following:

• Pathology report (how the cancer looks under the microscope),

• The extent of cancer

• The physical condition of the patient

• The proposed treatment

  The doctor(s) then communicate their opinion regarding treatment to both the patient and the primary physician.

  Second opinions are more likely to be comprehensive, or inclusive of every possible perspective, when performed in a cancer center with a multidisciplinary team, which usually includes surgeons, oncologists, radiation therapists, and sub-specialist oncologists…”

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Heather, Loretta is right.  You need to get a second opinion, or even a third opinion, until you feel that a doctor took the time and you fully understand whats going on.   Don't feel like you can't ask questions.   And if you do and the doctor makes you feel like you shouldn't, then get a new doctor.   A doctor should listen to you and you should feel comfortable with that doctor.   Believe me, I know.  I had to get a new doctor and boy what a difference.   Yes, you may get the same results, but its all how it is delivered.

You shouldn't come out of a doctor's office feeling like you were just a number or the next case, but you should feel comfortable with your doctor.

Also, request a copy of your records for yourself.   Get a copy just in case you do seek a second opinion.   Then you can see what is on the records.   Its your life and you alone are in control and must speak up.   I went a whole year seeking out why I was feeling a certain way.   I was told I was depressed, and then told I needed a hysterectomy.  It wasn't until after the hysterectomy that they found cancer.

Like Lorestta said, you need to find out your results.   I know it is scary and there is so much information out there.   Another suggestion is don't google stuff.  You can get way outdated material.   There are sites that are good for research which other posters have posted on this site.

My best to you,

Kathy