Ovarian cancer: what happens after treatment?
Recovery from ovarian cancer treatment is different for each woman. It depends on the type and stage of ovarian cancer you have and also the amount of treatment you have needed. You will need to have regular check-ups with your specialist. These may include blood tests, X-rays and ultrasound, and physical examinations.
It may take some time for you to recover from the various types of treatment. You will find that there are physical changes as well as many emotional changes to cope with. It is important that you, your partner and family are prepared for this. You may also need to talk with your employer about how the treatment may affect your work.
Tiredness
Many women complain that tiredness is a major problem. This is hardly surprising, as most women need chemotherapy before they have had time to recover from their operation. Your tiredness may continue for quite a while even after treatment has finished. Some women find that it takes them up to one or 2 years to feel really well again.
It may help to talk with your family and friends about how you feel and discuss ways in which they can help you. You may need to plan your activities during the day so that you get regular periods of rest.
Premature menopause
If you have had both ovaries and your uterus removed, you will no longer have your periods and it will not be possible to become pregnant. If you have not been through menopause already, you may experience premature menopause. Because your ovaries have been removed suddenly, menopausal symptoms such as hot flushes and vaginal dryness could be more sudden than they would be with a natural menopause. You will need to talk with your doctor about the need for hormone replacement therapy.
Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) may be given to control the symptoms of menopause. Oestrogen, a female hormone normally produced by the ovaries, is given to replace your natural oestrogen. Hormone replacement therapy can also reduce the risk of heart disease and osteoporosis (thinning of the bones) in the future.
Some women, however, are concerned that hormone replacement therapy may increase their risk of cancer, in particular breast cancer. The evidence about this is unclear. While many studies do not show any increased cancer risk after several years of hormone replacement therapy, there are still some unanswered questions.
Discuss the issues with your doctor to help weigh up the benefits and possible risks for yourself. There are also many useful books about menopause which may help you with your decisions.
Bowel problems
It is not uncommon to have bowel problems after surgery for ovarian cancer. These can occur for some time after treatment and may include diarrhoea, cramps or constipation. In particular, it is important not to become constipated. Talk with your doctor, nurse or the dietitian about ways you can prevent constipation, and relieve any other symptoms.
Sometimes the bowel becomes blocked because of the surgery you have had. It may also occur because the cancer has come back. This blockage is called a bowel obstruction. If you have symptoms such as feeling sick, vomiting, abdominal discomfort or pain you should see your doctor or specialist as soon as possible. Quite often a bowel obstruction can be relieved with simple treatment in hospital. Occasionally you may need another operation to relieve your symptoms.
Lymphoedema
Lymphoedema is swelling of a part of the body, usually the arms or legs. It may occur after treatment for ovarian cancer if you have had some of the lymph nodes in your pelvis removed (a lymphadenectomy). Removal of the glands may prevent normal draining of the fluid from the legs. As a result fluid can build up in one or both legs, causing swelling. This usually does not occur until some time after the operation.
It is not possible to predict whether you will have problems with lymphoedema. You should seek advice from your specialist or nurse and you may be given special stockings to wear after your operation. Some hospitals have a specialist physiotherapist or nurse who can advise you on how you may be able to reduce your risk of developing lymphoedema. They can also help you manage if lymphoedema does occur in the future.
Ascites
Ascites is a collection of fluid in the abdominal cavity. This can be uncomfortable because of swelling and pressure. If it becomes a problem there is a simple procedure to drain away the fluid and relieve discomfort. This is called a 'paracentesis'. It is usually done on the hospital ward and you may need to stay overnight.
Pleural effusion
Sometimes fluid can also collect in the lining of the lungs. You may feel short of breath and have some pain. Again this fluid can be drained away to give you relief.
Last Reviewed: 20 April 2001
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