Ovarian Cancer Support Group

I also had a lot of ascites when I was diagnosed with a recurrence of OC. We were going to drain it but decided to see if the chemo would get rid of it.. and it did. Within a week of the first dose it had cleared up on it's own.. so there is hope that with chemo the same will happen here. It can happen that the ascites comes back but for now let hope that the chemo puts a stop to it for your mother.

I think you should ask the doctors whatever you want to ask.. it can help to make a list of questions. With chemo beginning it will be very much about waiting to see how effective it is and how well your mother tolerates the side effects.. if she gets any. You will be able to talk to the nurses during the treatment and ask what to expect. I will be wishing for the best for you both.. Please feel free to ask any questions here as there is a wealth of first hand experience.. Inka xxx

I was diagnosed with IIIC ovarian cancer two years ago. They drained 5 liters of ascites during my surgery. I have a copy of the surgical summary and it said that ascites continued to be produced throughout surgery. I couldn't wear any of my regular clothes until after chemo was finished because of the swelling in my abdomen. Eventually it went away. They will probably monitor your mother's response to chemo with a CA 125 test. I agree with Inka, ask any questions you want. Best wishes, Janet

Thank you ladies! They did tell her that chemo should help the ascites, but when there was still so much just 2 days after chemo and being drained, I was worried. I'll try to be hopeful that this will be taken care of.