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When I had my 10 paracentesis I never had any infections but had weekly taps with no port. They varied between 2700 ml to 500ml. Decreased by the 2nd cycle of chemo.
Yes! Many MyOvarianCancerTeam members have shared their experiences with paracentesis — a procedure where excess fluid is drained from the abdomen using a thin needle or tube. It's a common treatment for ascites (fluid buildup) in ovarian cancer.
Here's what some members have shared:
- One MyOvarianCancerTeam member said Show Full Answer
Dear ElaineWalsh2, Oh my, the ascites can become a whole new avenue of treatment so I use AI, plus other sources to verify. Please see INFO BELOW:
Chemotherapy is not the only way to stop ascites, and Avastin can absolutely be used alone without chemotherapy to control it.
Ascites—the buildup of fluid in the abdomen—occurs when tumors secrete a protein called Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF). This protein creates leaky blood vessels that spill fluid into the abdominal cavity. Avastin (bevacizumab) is an antibody that specifically targets and blocks VEGF. By "drying up" these leaky vessels, Avastin can successfully stop the production of ascites fluid even when given by itself.
Does Avastin Alone Stop It?
Yes, Avastin monotherapy (using Avastin entirely by itself) is a well-recognized and effective strategy for managing malignant ascites. While it is often paired with chemotherapy to aggressively shrink tumors, doctors frequently prescribe Avastin alone purely for symptom management and palliative control of fluid buildup.
When used alone for ascites.
Avastin helps:
• Drastically reduce fluid recurrence, extending the time between necessary fluid drainings (paracentesis) or eliminating the need for them entirely.
• Improve quality of life by easing abdominal pressure, bloating, pain, and shortness of breath.
Is Anyone Given Avastin Without Chemo?
Many patients are given Avastin without chemotherapy, especially in the following scenarios:
• Maintenance Therapy: After completing a standard course of chemotherapy, patients often transition to Avastin alone to keep the cancer and fluid under control over a longer period.
• Chemo-Resistant or Recurrent Disease: If the cancer stops responding to standard chemotherapy, doctors may use Avastin alone as a targeted therapy to starve the tumors and control ascites.
• Palliative Care: For patients who are too weak or fatigued to tolerate the harsh side effects of systemic chemotherapy, standalone Avastin offers a much gentler way to manage painful fluid accumulation.
Hope the info helps, i have other data also.
Hugs, Kaye🥰
Yes, 3 times. So far, two chemo treatments have continued to reduce ascites. Waistline down 5".
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