What is Ovarian Cancer
Ovarian cancer is a malignant ovarian neoplasm (an abnormal growth located on the ovaries). It is the fifth leading cause of cancer death in women, the leading cause of death from ...
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I am 22 and was recenly just diagnosed with stage 1 ovarian cancer in just my right ovary. I really can't afford to take off work till july. Would it hurt if I waited till July.? Will it spread really fast?
Also they are going to give me oral chemotherapy after my surgery. How long will i prolly be off work? Also am i going to lose all my hair or will it just thin out? Posted on 05/20/09, 11:05 am |
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Sorry to hear of your diagnosis.. I hate it loads when this happens to someone so young. I'm glad you have found us here and hopefully we can reassure you and support you through this time.
Stage1, with the disease contained in one ovary, is the best place to be.. also your age is hugely in your favour for a great prognosis.. I was told that stage1 A carries a 98% chance of a cure in someone so young. I would not wait for surgery in your situation. The doctors can not tell whether your particular cancer is very aggressive or not without a biopsy and tests.. there are several different types of OC, with different characteristics. Also, during the op, the surgeon will make a very thorough examination of your insides, searching everywhere for any evidence of spread that can not be detected in other ways.. You are at the best stage of OC, at the moment, with the best chances of a cure.. I would fight to maintain that status and get it dealt with as soon as possible.. Because of your age I don't imagine it would take you very long to recover from the op.. probably a couple of weeks tops, if you pamper yourself loads and take it easy. You may not have to be off work during the chemo at all.. Many women carry on working throughout.. and I believe that the chemo you will be having wont be too taxing.. again your age is in your favour. Without knowing what chemo drug you are on I can't say for sure about the hair. Do you know what it's called? Usually carboplatin is the first choice and with that you don't lose your hair.. if taxol is added, as it sometimes is, then you will.. I hope this is helpful to you and that you keep us informed of what you decide and how you are getting on.. You are not alone in this and there are lots of wonderful women here with lots of experience and support to give. Wishing for all the best for you.. Inka xxx 
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Please, please have surgery as soon as you can. I have daughers about your age and would urge them to have the surgery right away. I would say that you can't afford not to have the surgery at this stage of the cancer. Everything Inka said about it is correct. There are several different types of ovarian cancer but don't take chances with any of them. Plus, the surgery is less extensive the smaller the cancer. This will help you get back to work sooner and on to living a normal life again. Best wishes, Janet
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There are different types of ovarian cancer. Often younger women have a type called "germ cell" that is different from epithelial (the most common type) and responds to a different type of chemo. The fact that you are getting oral chemo suggests to me that this is what you may have. This type of ovarian cancer is very curable but spreads fast. I think without more information about what you have any advice you get here could be confusing.
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Regardless of what type of cancer you have the earlier it is dealt with the better the prognosis. An early diagnosis, such as you have, offers the best possible chance of a cure.. Your doctors are the best to advise you on this and I believe they would have given you a date for surgery which they consider in you best interest.. xxx
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