My Journey Through Stage 4 Ovarian Cancer Treatment

Hi Jami praise God you sound like you are on the road to full recovery. I have stage lllc (3c) primary peritoneal cancer. I've had 4 rounds of chemo now waiting to schedule my surgery to do a hysterectomy and remove what's left of the cancer. After my CT scan should the cancer had decreased 60 % I have several health issues,that make it a very risky surgery, diabetes, high blood pressure, copd. I have resolved myself to go ahead and at least try the surgery rather than just continue with the chemo and side effects. Which my Dr doesn't believe it will ever go away completely without surgery. I think even with these extra risk ,I will be better off. And my family finally understands .my thoughts (if I dont make it thru the surgery its the best possible scenario. I go in my sleep.. no more cancer pain or side effects from the chemo then the cancer comes back with avegence ).you see where im coming from

I definitely see where you’re coming from. I’ve had so many side effects and set backs. You can do this!! I was so scared before surgery. I was able to walk the first night. Everyone is different and You are in my Prayers. I hope everything goes just fine for you. good luck.

Jamie, how was surgery? Did you have to stay in hospital long? Did you have a lot of pain? My surgery will be in Aug. i have one more chemo treatment. I’m wondering how debilitating the surgery is and how long are you out of commission for? Thanks in advance

my surgery went as well as planned. They made a slight tear near my diaphragm but not my actual diaphragm. I’m lucky nothing happened but a little heartburn. I was in the hospital for 5 days but was able to walk the first night. I’d say 3rd day for pain was a little intense but it took a minute to adjust my pain meds. I know everyone is different. It took me 8 weeks to recover from surgery. I hope everything goes smoothly for you and You are in my Prayers. I did 3 rounds of chemo before surgery and 3 after surgery (doing my last round July 3rd) and last ct scan scheduled for mid July. good luck on your surgery in Aug, you got this. 🩵🙏🩵🙏🩵

Jamie, wow, that could have been scary. Glad they didn’t get the diaphragm. I bet you’re so happy to almost be done. Good luck to you as well!! We’ve both got this 💪🏻💪🏻💪🏻🙏🙏🙏

Hi Jamie, I almost have the same except 3c..what maintenance are you doing? I was ck for HRD (braca was negative. it sounds like maintenance is geared more for braca to prevent reoccurrence ?? Maybe just monitor it 🤔

Hi Jami , so glad your chemo is almost done . Your on your road as to recovery. I went through the same as you. I’m on maintenance medication now. At first it was too strong for me, so my surgeon reduced the mg. Don’t be afraid to tell your Doctor how it makes you feel. Praying for you 🩷💕

my maintenance plan is going to be bev & olaparib

Your story sounds very similar to mine. At age 49 I was found to have stg IVA ovarian. Hysterectomy and omenectomy on 8/1/24. No cancer detected in any of the tissue submitted. 3 cycles post surgery and have been on Avastin for maintenance. I am slated to finish in September. It's been one hell of a journey to say the least. Overall I'm thankful to be alive and have gotten my strength back. Wishing you the best!

yes very similar age 46 stage 4 and I’m so happy to be alive!! good luck to you as well!!

Hi Jamie. How was your last chemo and last CT scan in July? Hope everything went well. I’m so happy that you already graduated from the chemo rounds! (I can’t wait until my chemo is over. I have four more rounds to go.) I also stayed in the hospital longer than anticipated (4 days) after a long surgery (about 7 hours; stage 1c1) because I had blood transfusion on the 3rd day. The recovery also took about 8 weeks and it went well.

Carrie H. Did you have any side effects from the avastin? That's what my Dr's are going to give me after my last chemo infusion on Sept 26. Im hoping for no side effects. Just looking forward to feeling normal again.

Selviana B, My last chemo went great! How is your chemo ride going? I am now doing bev infusions every 3 weeks and am on Lynparza, which I had a very hard time as my Oncologist had me on 600 ml and now has taken me down to 200 ml because the side effects were so intense. I hope everything goes well for you and you will be in my Prayers. My journey continues with love in my heart and faith in my good Lord.

Hi Jamie! My dr. Is putting me on Lynparza too. How do you feel since they lowered it?

Kathy Becker, I’ve felt so much better since he lowered the dose .

Kathy Becker, also stay on top of your nausea meds and I know everyone is different but I advise not to start with 600 ml. I’m hoping it works out because I know my Oncologist didn’t like the idea of starting a new medication. Good luck with your treatment and God Bless!!

Thanks Jamie. I see my Dr. next week. I’ll talk to him. Luckily for me, with chemo, i never felt sick to my stomach and I pray it’s that way with lynparza too. One more chemo 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻 have a great day 😊

Reaching that final chemotherapy treatment is such a significant milestone, and it sounds like the treatment plan has been progressing well with positive scan results. The side effects from treatment can be really challenging to manage, and it's completely understandable that this journey has had its difficulties. Many others in this community have shared similar experiences with treatment timelines and the transition to maintenance therapy, so there's a lot of support here from people who truly understand what this process involves.