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.

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Ovarian Cancer Symptoms

Epithelial Ovarian Cancer

Heather M., Epithelial Ovarian Cancer, Stage 2

Cancer Details: Also diagnosed w/uterine cancer 1A same time.
1st Symptoms: Extreme bloating, pinching pain in right side of abdomen, extreme fatigue
Treatment: Surgery (total hysterectomy), chemo (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 (IV)

Cancer Details: Metastatic
1st Symptoms: Extreme bloating, extremely tight skin, changes in digestive tract, significant pelvic pain, sharp-shooting pains down inner thighs, extreme fatigue
Treatment: 4 rounds of chemotherapy, hysterectomy, 3 rounds of additional chemotherapy
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Low-Grade Serous

Maurissa M., Low-Grade Serous Ovarian Cancer

Cancer details:Makes up approximately 10% of cases of serous ovarian cancer
1st Symptoms:Pressure on bladder, throbbing pain, could feel growth on right side of abdominal area
Treatment:5 surgeries (official diagnosis after 3rd)
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Alisa M., Low-Grade Serous Ovarian Cancer

Cancer details:Makes up approximately 10% of cases of serous ovarian cancer
1st Symptoms:Occasional rectal pain, acid reflux, bloating, night sweats
Treatment: Debulking surgies, chemotherapy, immunotherapy
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Cheyann S., Low-Grade Serous Carcinoma, Stage 4B

Cancer details: Makes up approximately 10% of cases of serous ovarian cancer.
1st Symptoms: Stomach pain, constipation, lump on 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, Stage 1C

Cancer details:Account for up to 70% of cases
1st Symptoms:Pulling sensation when emptying bladder; abdominal pain
Treatment:Chemotherapy (Carboplatin & Paclitaxel) & surgery
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Shirley P., High-Grade Serous Carcinoma, Stage 3C, BRCA1+

Cancer details:Account for up to 70% of cases
1st Symptoms:Pulling sensation when emptying bladder; abdominal pain
Treatment: Chemotherapy (Carboplatin & Taxol), de-bulking surgery & PARP inhibitors
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Suzann B., High-Grade Serous Carcinoma, Stage 3C, BRCA1+

Cancer details:Account for up to 70% of cases
1st Symptoms:Inability to urinate
Treatment: Chemotherapy, de-bulking surgery & total hysterectomy
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Susan R., High-Grade, Metastatic

Cancer details:Account for up to 70% of cases
1st Symptoms:Pulling sensation when emptying bladder; abdominal pain
Treatment: Chemotherapy (Carboplatin & Paclitaxel) & surgery
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Sara I., Clear-Cell, Stage 3A

Cancer details: Account for ~ 5-10% of ovarian cancer cases
1st Symptoms: Random sharp pains, unrelated scan showed ovarian cyst
Treatment: Debulking surgery, chemotherapy (carboplatin & paclitaxel/Taxol), clinical trial of PARP inhibitors
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Clear-Cell

Stromal

No post found

Germ Cell Tumors

Gautami M., Germ Cell, Stage 3B

Cancer details: Pediatric case, diagnosed at 13
1st Symptoms:Swollen abdomen
Treatment: Surgery (to remove cyst and ovary), chemotherapy (Bleomycin, Carboplatin)
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