Is watching and waiting the right approach after ovarian cancer treatment?

I was diagnosed with stage 3 ovarian cancer. I had 6 rounds of chemo and have surgery next week. How did your surgery go. Did it take you long to recover?

Hi Charlene I'm stage 3c primary periteneol cancer diag.march 3rd had 4 rounds of chemo then surgery on Aug 6th then 2 more rounds of chemo.this last chemo sept 26 was pretty rough. Still recovery from the surgery its been 8 weeks and I think I over did it last week carrying laundry. I've had a lot of abdomen pain. If your surgery is going to be laproscopic, beware of the right shoulder pain afterwards it hit me about 3 weeks after surgery .I was worried it was a heartattack. But its normal after that type of surgery.due to them pumping ur stomach with air to have a better visual of your insides during surgery. I googled it .im sure you will be fine good luck.

Marsha I have to agree we have enough to worry about to be so non chalant.

Marsha, Did they test for HRD? If you are HRD positive, you are likely a candidate for maintenance therapy. if you are negative, I really think the only option, as I understand it, is watch and wait.

Do not know what HRD is. They did a signatera blood test from the port. Also sent tissue samples to Texas for RNA of the disease I think to find a way to treat if and when it shows up again.

Charlyne, I recovered pretty quickly after surgery although the whole lower abd and incision line was extremely bruised for weeks. Back to 12 hour shifts in six weeks and wanted to ride my bike but they said no until 8 weeks due to incision, removal of mesh and omentum.

The "watch and wait" approach after completing treatment is a common and often appropriate strategy that many oncologists use, especially when scans show positive results. This period can understandably feel uncertain, and it's completely natural to question whether this monitoring approach is the right path forward. Many patients in this community have shared similar feelings about the balance between active monitoring and peace of mind, so you're definitely not alone in wondering about this approach.

I have stage 3c and am about 9 weeks out of surgery. I had 35 staples and once they took Those out after 12 days, I felt much better. It does take awhile to get your strength back. I’m now walking everyday and taking exercise classes. I feel pretty good. I tested negative for braca and HRD. My oncologist is not waiting to see what happens. I’m going to be taking Lynparza for a year or two. Good luck to you!! You’ve got this. 🙏

hello everyone i am newly diagnosis ovarian cancer - just completed first chemo therapy treatment. today i joined this site for support

Welcome Joanne!! This is a great site and everyone is supportive. Do you have any ?’s. I’m Stage 3c and have had surgery and am done with all the chemo. I’m in remission. I do take a maintenance drug called Lynparza. I feel pretty good. Trying to eat healthy and exercise. It’s hard to wrap your head around, but you will. Try to have a positive attitude and take care of yourself. If your tired rest. Let your loves ones take care of you. 🙏💪🏻