Clear Cell Ovarian Cancer

[aduncan1087]

Hello.  I am a 22 year, white female.  Last month I was diagnosed with clear cell ovarian cancer stage 1.  My doctor removed a 23 cm mass and my right ovary with no tumor on the left ovary and nothing abnormal turned up with bowel washes.  I am having an extremely difficult time finding information pertaining to this for someone my age (NONE!).  I am meeting with an oncologist this week to discuss beginning chemotherapy as a preventative measure to avoid recurrence.  Can anyone give any advice, because this is really worrying me.  Thanks!

[silver&gold]

Hi , so sorry you are having to go through this, it is a worrying experience. I had Clear cell Ovarian cancer stage  1A  the same as Jane, I had 6 chemo treatments and am now 5  1/2 years out from my diagnosis.
It is advised as the others have mentioned that Clear cell  should always be treated with chemo even in the very earliest stages ,mainly because the grade of the cell is usually 3 which can be quite aggressive.
Take a note book and pen to jot down any information given to you , you will get though the chemo , there are all sorts of meds they give you to manage the side effects. Please come back to the forum or message me if you have any questions. Good luck at your appointment.

Best wishes
Angie

[Jane39]

Bless your heart.  You are too young to have to deal with this, however, this disease does not discriminate.  I was diagnosed in 3/2006 with Stage 1A clear Cell Ovarian Cancer, had a complete TAH/BSO, as I was 39 and done with having kids, and had 6 cycles of carboplatin/taxotere.  I too am so glad you are opting for chemo, clear cell histology would be the reason to do so NO MATTER WHAT.  Like Marie said it isn't pleasant, but you are young, so you should sail thru with no worries, and in a blink of an eye, it will be over and you can live your life.  
I just read an article that states for some reason, clear cell is usually caught at an early stage, normally consist of a large cyst/tumor (mine was 30x25x12. And chemo is ALWAYS recommended for whatever stage IA-B-C and on.
Also make sure you get copies of everything!! Surgurical notes, pathology, CT scan/PET/CT/MRI reports, everything.  Unfortunately this is something you will have to deal with for the rest of your life (not meaning you will have cancer for the rest of your life, sorry), and it makes life alot easy when you can flip open a note book and provide the doctors what ever information they need.
Take Care, will keep you in our prayers, please keep in touch and let us know how you are doing.  Jane

[marie3B]

I am glad you are opting for chemo.. Some oncs don't do chemo for stage 1.. I would want it.  Chemo is no fun, but it can be done.  It will be over and you can live a long happy life.  Always go for regular follow-up checks.  I am sorry this has happened to you.  I am hoping that your chemo is easy on you.  Marie

[kcd86]

I am sorry that you have to be dealing with this especially at your very young age. I hope you have a good family support group as this is alot to deal with at any age.

Clear cell cancer of the ovary(ccovc) is a rare form of epithieal ovarian cancer. Under the microscope the"Clear Cell" resembles that of renal(kidney)cancer. Some reserach suggest patients with ovarian clear cell cancer frequently have a clinical history of endometriosis. It is often diagnosed in stage one disese at the time of discovery. CCOVC needs vigilant monitoring for any recurrence, it is imperative you are seen by a very experienced GYN/ONCOLOGIST  
Since this is a rare form of OVCA I would reccomend that you be seen at a large medical center that has large voloume of GYN/Oncology patients. My wife was diagnosed with a rare form of OVCA and we are very glad we went to a very busy cancer center because the surgeon knew what it was right away.
It is good news that your peritoneal washing were clear, how was the pathology report on your lymph nodes?
You have come to a very good web site as it has very knowledgeable and helpful group of people on it. You must be your own advocate, be aggresive and get copies of all your tests as you are entitled to them. Keep a note book ready so you can right down questions for when you see your physicians.
Please post with any other questions you may have.
I wish you all the best
Kevin

[francesca77]

God bless
I've not advice for you but I know that the chemio help to avoid recurrence
don't worry you must be strong and feel good for all your life
sorry for my english
god luck