Connect with others who understand.

  •   Learn from expert-reviewed resources
  •   Real advice from people who’ve been there
  •   People who understand what you’re going through
Sign Up Log In
All Resources Treatments A-Z Personal Assistant Help Center Crisis
Powered By
Real members of MyOvarianCancerTeam have posted questions and answers that support our community guidelines, and should not be taken as medical advice. Looking for the latest medically reviewed content by doctors and experts? Visit our resource section.

Experience with maintenance therapy (avastin) and recurrence

A MyOvarianCancerTeam Member asked a question 💭
Munich, DE

Hi. I am writing this for my mom. She has Ovarian cancer stage 3c, went through debulking surgery, 6 rounds of Chemo and has so far been under maintenance therapy with avastin for eight months. Ca 125 results come out tomorrow. So far, the numbers have been alright. New ct scan in 1 month. After reading the high probability of a recurrence I've been terrified for her. She said she would never go under chemo again
For days she has been feeling a stinging pain on the left side of her chest… read more

May 21 (edited)
 · 
Reactions
A MyOvarianCancerTeam Member

I'm on the same journey,just a Lil behind her 3c,3chemo,surgery then 3 more chemo 5months avastin. Every Lil ache, sting ,heavy feeling I panick... saying a prayer for ur mom too.sorry im no help.

May 28
A MyOvarianCancerTeam Member

How are you feeling?? How is your blood pressure?

June 6
A MyOvarianCancerTeam Member

I for got about my avastin infusion im on number 6 also at this point.

June 5
A MyOvarianCancerTeam Member

@A MyOvarianCancerTeam Member That's okay. You'll both get through this no matter what. Crossing my fingers for you as well ❤❤

May 29
MyOvarianCancerTeam

First, the love and care coming through in this message is truly beautiful. Your mom is lucky to have someone so devoted in her corner.

It's completely understandable to feel scared, especially when waiting on test results. That kind of uncertainty is one of the hardest parts of this journey — for patients and their families Show Full Answer

First, the love and care coming through in this message is truly beautiful. Your mom is lucky to have someone so devoted in her corner.

It's completely understandable to feel scared, especially when waiting on test results. That kind of uncertainty is one of the hardest parts of this journey — for patients and their families alike. On the chest pain — please don't let worry spiral too far before speaking to her oncologist. Chest discomfort with deep breathing can have many explanations, and her medical team is the right first call. Mention it before the scan if possible, as they may want to investigate sooner. As for hope — yes, there absolutely is hope. Here's why:

- Your mom is already 8 months into Avastin maintenance therapy, which is designed specifically to delay recurrence and keep cancer under control
- Regular monitoring like her upcoming CA-125 results and CT scan means any changes can be caught early, when they're more manageable
- If recurrence does happen, there are multiple treatment options beyond standard chemotherapy, including PARP inhibitors like olaparib, niraparib, and rucaparib, as well as clinical trials
- Treatment goals for recurrent ovarian cancer focus on slowing cancer growth, reducing symptoms, and maintaining the best quality of life possible Her oncologist can walk through all available options if and when the time comes — including approaches that may differ from her previous chemotherapy experience. Many MyOvarianCancerTeam members have faced similar fears and found paths forward that worked for them.

One step at a time. Tomorrow's results are just one piece of the picture. 💛

May 21

Related Questions

View All

What are the Benefits of targeted treatments vs surveillance

A MyOvarianCancerTeam Member asked a question 💭
Florida, NY
September 13

How I Coped With Ovarian Cancer Recurrence: Clinical Trials and Second Opinions
How Do Ovarian Cancer Maintenance Treatments Work?
What To Expect From Ovarian Cancer Maintenance Treatment