What type of chemo is given for ovarian cancer?
I have been diagnosed with ovarian cancer. I have had a full hysterectomy and I'm off to see the oncologist today. I may still need chemo as the cancer had ruptured and they want to make sure they have got all of it. What sort of chemo will I be offered and is there a chance the cancer may have already spread to other areas in my body? The reason I ask is I am having trouble with my bowels and have had this for some time now. They don't work too well and when I do manage to go there is a lot of mucous there.
Expert Answer
Ovarian cancer tends to spread widely within the abdomen. When it attaches to the covering of the bowel, it tends to exude fluid called ascites. That can cause bloating and bowel disfunction. Another issue affecting the bowel might be actual blockage of the bowel contents or inflammation of the bowel causing mucus production. Also, there is the possibility of post operative adhesions blocking the flow of bowel contents. A belly Xray or CT of the abdomen may help.
Chemotherapy is usually worthwhile, especially after tumor rupture and contamination of the coverings of the bowel. You will need to monitor your bowel function and take plenty of fiber and bacterial cultures such as Yogurt with live cultures. You may need to have a colonoscopy to rule out blockage or tumor as well as the source of inflammation and mucus. But again, chemotherapy with one of several successful published drug programs using groups of drugs is indicated in most patients with what you describe.