Ovarian Cancer Stories from Patients & Survivors

Ovarian epithelial cancer, fallopian tube cancer, and primary peritoneal cancer form in the same kind of tissue and are treated in the same way. These cancers are often advanced at diagnosis.

The most common type is epithelial, comprising about 90% of ovarian cancer cases in the U.S. Less common types of ovarian tumors include ovarian germ cell tumors and ovarian low malignant potential tumors. (National Cancer Institute)

Explore below for in-depth ovarian cancer stories from our community members who share everything: first symptoms, treatment timeline, to navigating life with cancer.

Epithelial Ovarian Cancer

Heather M., Epithelial Ovarian Cancer, Stage 2



Symptoms: Extreme bloating, pinching pain in right side of abdomen, extreme fatigue
Treatments: Surgery (total hysterectomy), chemotherapy (Taxol once a week for 18 week, carboplatin every 3 weeks), concurrent clinical trial (Avastin) every 3 weeks
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Jodi S., Epithelial Ovarian Cancer, Stage 4



Symptoms: Extreme bloating, extremely tight skin, changes in digestive tract, significant pelvic pain, sharp-shooting pains down inner thighs, extreme fatigue

Treatments: Chemotherapy (pre- & post-surgery), surgery (hysterectomy)
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Low-Grade Serous

Maurissa M., Low-Grade Serous Ovarian Cancer



Symptoms: Pressure on bladder, throbbing pain, could feel growth on right side of abdominal area
Treatments: 5 surgeries (official diagnosis after 3rd)
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Alisa M., Low-Grade Serous Ovarian Cancer



Symptoms: Occasional rectal pain, acid reflux, bloating, night sweats
Treatments: Debulking surgeries, chemotherapy, immunotherapy
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Cheyann S., Low-Grade Serous Ovarian Cancer, Stage 4B



Symptoms: Stomach pain, constipation, lump on the right side above pubic area

Treatments: Cancer debulking surgery, chemotherapy (carboplatin & Taxol, then Doxil & Avastin)
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High-Grade Serous

Randalynn V., High-Grade Serous Carcinoma, Stage 1C



Symptoms: Pulling sensation when emptying bladder; abdominal pain

Treatments: Chemotherapy (carboplatin & paclitaxel), surgery
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Shirley P., High-Grade Serous Carcinoma, Stage 3C, BRCA1+



Symptoms: Pulling sensation when emptying bladder; abdominal pain
Treatments: Chemotherapy (carboplatin & paclitaxel), de-bulking surgery, PARP inhibitors
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Suzann B., High-Grade Serous Carcinoma, Stage 3C, BRCA1+



Symptoms: Inability to urinate
Treatments: Chemotherapy, de-bulking surgery, total hysterectomy
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Susan R., High-Grade Serous Ovarian Cancer, Stage 4



Symptoms: Pulling sensation when emptying bladder, abdominal pain

Treatments: Chemotherapy (carboplatin & paclitaxel), surgery
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Sara I., High-Grade Serous & Clear Cell Carcinoma, Stage 3A



Symptoms: Random sharp pains, unrelated scan showed ovarian cyst
Treatments: Debulking surgery, chemotherapy (carboplatin & paclitaxel), PARP inhibitors (clinical trial)
...

Clear-Cell

Sara I., High-Grade Serous & Clear Cell Carcinoma, Stage 3A



Symptoms: Random sharp pains, unrelated scan showed ovarian cyst
Treatments: Debulking surgery, chemotherapy (carboplatin & paclitaxel), PARP inhibitors (clinical trial)
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Stromal

Germ Cell Tumors

Gautami M., Germ Cell, Stage 3B



Symptom: Swollen abdomen

Treatments: Surgery (to remove cyst and ovary), chemotherapy (Bleomycin, Carboplatin)
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