Ovarian Metastases – Could Surgery Be Reconsidered?

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

Parents
  • Hi Heather72

    Thanks for posting. I'm so sorry to hear about your situation. It sounds as though you're dealing with a lot at the moment, and the symptoms you're having are understandably having a big impact on your day-to-day life. I can appreciate why you're looking into all the options that might help.

    As nurses who aren't involved in your care, we're not able to give a medical opinion or recommend particular treatments. Your specialist team are really the best people to discuss this with, as they'll know all the details about your cancer, the treatments you've already had, and your overall health.

    Sometimes surgery can be used to remove as much of the cancer as possible, which can help improve symptoms for some people. Whether that's an option depends on several things, including where the cancer is, which areas are affected, and how well someone is generally. Your doctors will carefully weigh up any potential benefits against the risks and side effects.

    I wondered whether you've considered getting a second opinion. Some people find it helpful to hear another specialist's view, particularly when they're looking at what treatment options may still be available to them.

    I was also wondering if a palliative care team is involved in your care. Despite what many people think, palliative care isn't just for end-of-life care. They're specialists in helping people manage symptoms and improve their quality of life, and they can often be a valuable source of support. If they're not already involved, it's something you could ask your team about.

    I realise this may not be the answer you were hoping for, but I hope it helps a little. If you'd like to talk things through in more detail, you're very welcome to give our nurses a call on the freephone helpline. We're here Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm, on 0808 800 4040.

    Take care,

Reply
  • Hi Heather72

    Thanks for posting. I'm so sorry to hear about your situation. It sounds as though you're dealing with a lot at the moment, and the symptoms you're having are understandably having a big impact on your day-to-day life. I can appreciate why you're looking into all the options that might help.

    As nurses who aren't involved in your care, we're not able to give a medical opinion or recommend particular treatments. Your specialist team are really the best people to discuss this with, as they'll know all the details about your cancer, the treatments you've already had, and your overall health.

    Sometimes surgery can be used to remove as much of the cancer as possible, which can help improve symptoms for some people. Whether that's an option depends on several things, including where the cancer is, which areas are affected, and how well someone is generally. Your doctors will carefully weigh up any potential benefits against the risks and side effects.

    I wondered whether you've considered getting a second opinion. Some people find it helpful to hear another specialist's view, particularly when they're looking at what treatment options may still be available to them.

    I was also wondering if a palliative care team is involved in your care. Despite what many people think, palliative care isn't just for end-of-life care. They're specialists in helping people manage symptoms and improve their quality of life, and they can often be a valuable source of support. If they're not already involved, it's something you could ask your team about.

    I realise this may not be the answer you were hoping for, but I hope it helps a little. If you'd like to talk things through in more detail, you're very welcome to give our nurses a call on the freephone helpline. We're here Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm, on 0808 800 4040.

    Take care,

Children
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