Hi Becky,
I don't know the answer to your question. My diagnosis is 3B. I am currently on Zejula to prevent recurrence, and I have been on it since April '23, after de-bulking surgery and 6 rounds of Chemo.
I also don't understand how they did actual "staging" of your cancer without a debulking operation. To stage, I was told, they need to put eyes on it, and do pathology of the many biopsies (21 specimens in my case, 19 were cancer positive) from the tumors (2 in my case), uterus, ommentum etc. and the lymph nodes (suspicious ones extracted) and any suspicious cells scraped, during debulking surgery.
As for "advanced" cancer, both stages 3 and 4 are considered advanced.
I would be asking questions and also for a second (and third) opinion. It is good that your ca-125 is down since treatment, as it shows that it has been effective. However advocate for yourself and make sure that you are on the best path to as healthy as you can.
All the best,
Ingrid
Did you have any symptoms of the recurrence?
I receive Keytruda; Avastin, and Cyclophosomide every three weeks. My number is at 41 down from 1005. I don't understand why I haven't had surgery yet?
Will definitely ask him at next month appt
Beckie, standardize care for ovarian cancer is for a hysterectomy and debulking. I’ll be interested to hear his rationale for not having surgery yet.