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I was diagnosed on October 1, 2024, with Stage 3C high-grade serous carcinoma of ovarian origin. My initial CT scan showed an almost complete bowel blockage caused by the tumor pressing against my colon, and I was placed on a liquid diet for four months. I began chemotherapy on December 6th, completing four cycles before undergoing debulking surgery on March 5, 2025, which resulted in a colostomy. I then completed two additional cycles of chemotherapy, finishing on April 30th. 

On May 6, 2025, my scan showed no evidence of disease (NED). My CA-125 level was 34.7 on April 30 but rose sharply to 556 by August 1, 2025. A recent CT scan confirmed that the cancer has returned. We meet with my oncologist today, August 15, at 11:00 a.m. Anyone else with an early recurrence within 3 months

@Cole sorry to hear you have had a recurrence so soon after finishing treatment.  I can imagine how I would be feeling.  What is the plan going forward?  I have heard some of the ladies on here have had short intervals between recurrences, so hopefully they will be able to respond here for you.  I'm not yet thru my first course yet, one more chemo to go then I go to the monitoring phase. Which is definitely scary.  All I can say is stay strong and keep positive and pushing thru.  You got this!  Please keep us posted.🙏🏻🩵

Thank you so much for your support!  I'll be on weekly chemo since this is an early recurrence, with occasional breaks if the disease responds. I'm trying to stay positive and taking it one step at a time. It's all overwhelming right now. I'll keep you posted! 🙏🏻🩵 Good luck on your journey 🩵 🙏 

@Cole

Hi. Good question. First, I'm sorry you had such a quick recurrence. What type of cancer have you been diagnosed with?

I am high grade serous. My first recurrence was after a 2-year period of NED. My second line of treatment was Carboplatin and Paclitaxel. I believe this is standard of care treatment order.

Have any Teal Sisters had a different treatment option for second line? 

How did your Dr appointment go today? Do you now have a care plan in place? Do you have any questions or concerns you'd like to share following your appointment?

We're here for you. 🥰

Thanks for asking. I have High Grade Serous Carcinoma Stage 3C. My appointment was overwhelming. It's no longer curable. It's only treatable. I go for weekly chemo treatment starting next week along with IV Caelyx. 

@Cole I've never been told I'm curable.  I have no stage only considered advanced hgsoc due to my initial presentation.  But I'm at least happy it's treatable at this point and for as long as it can be treatable.  Good luck with the upcoming chemo.  Keep us updated.🩵

Initially, treatment is with curative intent. Since this is an early recurrence within six months, I am considered platinum-resistant. I will be on weekly chemotherapy indefinitely, with possible 2–3 week breaks if the disease responds well. When I can no longer tolerate chemotherapy, I may transition to clinical trials. I feel very overwhelmed. I just completed 6 rounds of chemo and debulking surgery April 30th. I didn't get much of a break 😞 

@Cole

Breathe in…breathe out. Feel better? I totally understand and feel the "I didn't get a break" comment. I have found that Drs are flexible and understanding to our needs for a break sometimes. 

There is a new drug, Elahere, that is currently in the Health Canada approval process. Patients who have had 1-3 prior treatments and are FRa positive are eligible for the drug. The FRa testing is required for this drug. I think now would be a good time to discuss this option with your oncologist. You will first want to continue with your current treatment and you also need time to get the FRa testing done.

If you are truly interested in doing a clinical trial, ask for a referral to Princess Margaret. I could go on but I think OvDialogue administration might cut me off 🤣🤣 (kidding!). If you have any questions about trials, let me know…I have some experience in this area. 

Honestly, I would really urge you to start discussions for the Elahere option now. If your oncologist is not able to start the process, PMH would be the place to go to find out if the drug is right for you and when you should begin the process of applying for the drug and getting the testing (archive tissue sample or fresh from biopsy required).

Any way…you are on the right track. Self-advocate for what you want and take control of decisions for what you feel is best for you.

I wish you all the best as you begin your new care plan. 

Thank you so much for this. I really appreciate your insight and encouragement 💕. My tumour has already been sent out for FRa testing, and I've also been referred to Princess Margaret. I agree with you,  it's definitely the right time to start these discussions, and I feel a lot better knowing the steps are already in motion. Your support means so much as I begin this next phase. 🩵💪

Hello @Cole

Thank you for sharing your story and as others have already said, I'm so sorry that you had a recurrence so quickly. If you have time and are interested, do a search in the bar above for 'platinum resistant'. I recall there's been discussions on this topic in the past and your search may yield information that could be helpful as you navigate this stage of your journey. I did a quick search and there were 79 'hits' on the site. I don't intend this to overwhelm you, rather to help as you seek guidance and to build your questions. I'm also pleased that your team is progressing your plan so quickly. That is good to see.

@GloHo is also an expert when it comes to new drugs, clinical trials, self advocacy (I could go on) and I appreciate the advice and counsel she provided. 

I have no doubt you are overwhelmed and I hope the Teal Warriors on this site can help you as you move forward. Please ask us any questions. This group is pretty darn resourceful. Sending you lots of positive energy.

#Recurrence #Treatmentandsideeffects

Thank you so much for your kind words and encouragement. 💙 I really appreciate you pointing me toward the "platinum resistant" discussions. I'll definitely do that search and start reading through. It helps so much to know there are others who've walked this path and are willing to share their experiences.

I agree, it's a relief that my team is moving quickly with a plan, it gives me some comfort to know we're not waiting around. I'm so grateful for the wisdom and support in this community. I'll definitely reach out with questions as I go along. Thank you again for sending positive energy. I feel it, and it means a lot. 🩵

@GloHo This is great info and advice.🩵🙏🏻

@Cole sorry you are feeling overwhelmed, I think anyone of us would feel the same.  The ladies here have lots of knowledge and support.  Know you are not alone in this battle.  We are here to help hold you and any teal sisters up furring our fights.  Sounds like you have a good plan going forward,  glad things are getting started for a trial , sounds promising.  Sending hugs and strength.

Hi @Cole ... just checking in to see how you are doing? I believe your first chemo infusion was this week. Hope it all went smoothly. Thinking of you.

Thanks for checking in and thinking of me. I start weekly chemo Aug 27. I was supposed to start last week but the nurse gave me this date. I was ok starting later. I wasn't really prepared for this. I had more time to process. 

Hi @Cole it is no doubt a lot to process in a short period of time. I'm glad you have a date so that there is forward momentum however, am also sorry that you are having to go through this so quickly. Will your infusions be at PMH? I know you mentioned being referred there however, that might have been related to clinical trials. I'm asking as I know that this is as much a physical as it is a mental game. I'm hoping you have some support to help you emotionally. Through PMH I was referred to a therapist who has been very helpful at helping me through some of the emotional/mental side of this journey. I'm hoping you have something similar and if not, please ask your medical team for a referral (of course only if that is something that you feel would be of value to you.) Regardless, I'm putting lots of positive energy out into the universe that the chemo will be the positive boost your system needs to stabilize.

Please if you feel like it, keep us posted. I know there are lots of Teal Sisters behind you here!

Thanks for checking in. My chemo is in Sudbury, my home town. I do talk to a Social Worker from the Cancer Centre. She's been great. I have a village of support. My 4 daughters, my grandchildren. My Mom, my family, friends, neighbours. I'm truly blessed with love and support ❤️ 

@Cole ... I'm so glad you have a wealth of support 🩵

P.S. I was near your area recently when I was at the French River. It's so beautiful up there!

@Cole. Wishing you good luck this week as you start chemo.  Keep us updated when u feel up to it.😘🤞🙏🏻🩵

Thank you so much 🩵

Hi @Cole 

I believe you had your first chemo infusion on August 27th. I hope everything went well. No doubt you are resting. Just wanted to let you know I was thinking of you and sending Teal Warrior strength your way. 🩵

Thanks for checking in. I received Paclitaxel and Bevacizumab yesterday. It went well. I'm feeling good. No symptoms yet  🤞 

Hi @Cole glad to hear it went well and you are feeling good. I hope for no or at least minimal side effects. Drink lots of water. Rest up. Let that 'village' of support around you take care of you!

@Cole. Glad to hear your treatment went well and no reactions.  Hopefully you will get some rest this weekend.