confused about surgery

[smac5]

I was originally "diagnosed" with Cancer of Unknown Primary.  It seemed to be in my breasts, so I was put on Femara, but my numbers didn't go down very much, so the diagnosis was changed to Ovarian and I had chemo (Carbo, Taxol, then also Avastin).  Eventually a genetic test showed that it really was ovarian.  I finished my 6 treatments and my numbers were in the normal range, buy my doctor wants me to stay on Taxol and Avastin (originally they said only Avastin) saying the longer I'm on Taxol, the lower my chance of recurrence.  The question I have it, why don't they remove my ovaries?  It would make sense to remove the place where it originally started even if there's no cancer there now, wouldn't it?

[cath81]

you might want to see another dr to confirm the cancer diagnosis. it seems strange that ur current doctor can tell u that the cancer was in ur upper peritoneum, yet there was never a tumor.

pleural effusions and elevated CA125 can be caused by other problems, it may not be cancer...

chemo drugs are highly toxic... and i know that u've alrdy done the 6 cycles, but as ur diagnosis sounds quite vague, it might be wise to consult another specialist for a second opinion.

[smac5]

Here's an update:  the drs don't think the cancer started in my ovaries--they are and have always been perfectly normal.  Instead, I have "ovarian-like" cancer in my upper peritoneum.  So they don't think there is any reason to remove the ovaries to prevent recurrence if it didn't start there.    I have never had ascites or any abdominal swelling, just a sense of fullness, but I did have pleural effusions twice (although there are no tumors in my lungs).  So that's where it would start again, they think.
The good news is the treatment is exactly the same for Ovca and the "ovarian-like" cancers of peritoneum and fallopian tube, and my CA125 is down to normal.
I guess there's no point in having surgery for no reason.  Since there was never a tumor, there's not much else to do but chemo.

[JC145]

IF you have ovarian cancer, you need to have a complete hysterectomy, etc. by a GYN/ONC .. and soon.

Judy

[jane65]

I absolutely agree with the advice of the other ladies, it doesn't sound logical to give you chemo and not remove the ovaries, and check for any other sign of cancer in your abdomen during the surgery.
Get that other opinion and take all your test results with you.
Jane

[Ramsay14]

I would be confused as well.  Have you had any surgery?  If I were you I would get a second opinion, lickity split.

[silver&gold]

It certainly doesn,t sound right that your ovaries have not been removed. I would seek a second opinion asap. This is not a disease to be messed with!!.
Let us know how you get on.

Best wishes
Angie

[Teresa222]

Yes, it seems they would and should remove the ovaries. In fact, I've NEVER heard of them leaving the ovaries after Ovarian Cancer is diagnosed.  Please see another doctor for another opinion. I hope you ARE seeing an GYN/Oncologist for this problem.
Best wishes,
Teresa