Hi,

I was diagnosed with bowel cancer in September 2025, which subsequently spread to my ovaries, peritoneum and spine.

After 10 cycles of chemotherapy, I had a good response and was given a treatment break. Surgery to remove my ovaries was discussed but ultimately ruled out as it wasn’t felt to offer enough benefit.

Unfortunately, the cancer progressed during my break, and I’m now back on chemotherapy.

The pelvic growth is now causing significant problems, including pressure on my bladder, requiring a long-term catheter, concerns about kidney function and swelling in my right leg.

Given these new complications, could there now be a stronger case for reconsidering ovarian surgery? Not necessarily to prolong life, but to relieve pressure on surrounding organs and improve quality of life.

I’d be interested in the nurses’ thoughts and whether anyone else has experienced something similar, particularly where surgery was initially ruled out but later reconsidered.

Thanks,

Heather