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
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.
A MyOvarianCancerTeam Member asked a question 💭
Hacketts Cove Nova Scotia Canada
September 10
 · 
Reactions
A MyOvarianCancerTeam Member

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.

September 14
MyOvarianCancerTeam

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

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, "It's a relief to get the ascites drained. It doesn't really hurt you to do it."
- Another shared that after the procedure they "was actually able to enjoy dinner for a change and take a deep breath."
- One MyOvarianCancerTeam member noted they need draining every 10–12 days, showing it can be an ongoing part of managing symptoms. It's worth knowing that while paracentesis is generally safe, there are some risks to be aware of, including:

- Infection
- Bleeding
- Possible intestinal injury
- Fluid leaking near the insertion site
- Loss of protein, which can affect nutrition

Since fluid can return after draining, multiple rounds may be needed. Always talk to your care team about what to expect and how to manage any side effects. 💙

September 10
A MyOvarianCancerTeam Member

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🥰

September 29
A MyOvarianCancerTeam Member

What stops the ascites? Is chemo the only way? Does Avastin alone stop it? Anybody just given Avastin without chemo?

September 16
A MyOvarianCancerTeam Member

Yes, 3 times. So far, two chemo treatments have continued to reduce ascites. Waistline down 5".

September 14

Related Questions

View All
A MyOvarianCancerTeam Member asked a question 💭
New Jersey, NJ

A MyOvarianCancerTeam Member asked a question 💭
Myrtle Beach, SC

Continue with Facebook
Continue with Google
By joining, you accept our Terms of Use, and acknowledge our collection, sharing, and use of your data in accordance with our Health Data and Privacy policies.
Already a member? Log In