Recurrence 2m after surgery

Hi, I feel lost.  Went Friday for oncology review after 1st of 6 paclitaxel/carboplatin infusion.  Had hysterectomy with bilateral salpingo om. 22/12.  Biopsies confirmed it had not spread to lymph nodes and peritoneum but had to my omentum, and was found in both fallopian tubes and ovaries, cervix, endometrial layer and uterous.  All had HGSOC, fallopian tube origin believed.  I know there is a high recurrence rate in a short period of time expected, as it is fast growing and aggressive bur was not prepared for it this quickly after total removal of everything.  A cat scan and ca125 combined (now 21, was 53) revealed I had at least 2 tumour markers, noted on the scar tissue from surgery.  As it grows as lesions, without going in they can't be any more accurate.  I was not prepared for this news, and went aline, my husband struggled parking so now feel I have questions.  Wondered if you could help or if I should speak again with my oncologist.  Can I find out where they are growing, what organs may be near, if further surgery may be required after chemotherapy finishes, or if immunotherapy may be ready for after this and possibly radiotherapy?  Not sure what to expect and feel scared, I know there has been little advancement for a long time with HGSC and at stage 3B, internet mentions odds of 17% over 5 years so not great.  I am young at 49 for this, by 20+ years and was also beleived pre-menopausal.  I am between 2 hospitals for specialists in surgery and different therapies.

I am now scared but continuing with chemo Friday at highest dose, and will continue this, as long as I an cope and my body tolerates it.  Just hoping you could help me with what to expect to happen or what I should do to find this out.  Thank you in advance x

  • Hello and thank you for posting.

    I am sorry you are going through all this, I'm sure it was a nasty shock. Unfortunately, I'm not sure I will be able to answer your questions. Do talk these things through with your doctor and specialist nurse as they know you and your cancer, so they will be able to be more accurate with you about what may happen next.

    Our page on ovarian cancer treatments may be helpful at this time.

    Once you have spoken to your team and you know more of their plans do contact us again in case there is anything we can go through with you. Our helpline number to call is Freephone 0808 800 4040 and the lines are open from 9 am till 5 pm Monday to Friday.

    Take care,

    Sarah.

  • Thank you Sarah, I have contacted the surgeon, they are going to look at the results and liaise with the other hospital where I have the chemotherapy and discuss between mdt meetings.  I  know importance was on speed after surgery for chemo, but strikes delayed the process for this starting, so I am in a position where I am, well I don't know?  But it is what it is, I will see what happens, try and work through and get chemo out the way Friday.  Thanks for your reply, I will continue trying to get advice about where I stand, it's very scary, most of my hair fell out over the last 2 days, whilst worrying about the recurrence already and preparing for chemo, I guess I am just looking for a bit of help with what to expect, I guess but lost who best best to ask.  Thank you, I'll be back in touch when I know more from the team.