As a woman living with stage 4 ovarian cancer, I have been on my own journey of healing. I have had to learn about nutrition and supplementation, exercise, and even how to take care of my skin like never before. It’s a lot to take in. However, one thing I haven’t experienced much is support from the community.
What are the stages of ovarian cancer?
There are five stages of ovarian cancer, which are based on how advanced the cancer is. These stages are:
- Early-stage ovarian cancer is the least serious type of ovarian cancer and includes tumors that have not spread to other parts of the body.
- Localized stage Ovarian cancer includes tumors that have only spread to nearby tissues but have not yet spread to other parts of the body.
- Moderately advanced ovarian cancer is when the tumor has grown larger than two centimeters (0.8 inches) and has started to invade surrounding tissues.
- Advanced Ovarian cancer is when the tumor has grown larger than four centimeters (1.6 inches) and has invaded nearby organs or lymph nodes.
- Metastatic stage Ovarian cancer is when the tumor has spread to other parts of the body, including to distant organs.
Stage 4 ovarian cancer overview
When you are diagnosed with ovarian cancer, your world can suddenly change. You may feel scared and confused. There are many things you need to know in order to begin your treatment and move on with your life.
This blog will provide an overview of stage 4 ovarian cancer and what to expect during treatment. We will also discuss how to move on after treatment.
Symptoms of stage 4 cancer
When ovarian cancer is diagnosed, many women are left with little hope. But there is still plenty that you can do to prepare for and manage the disease.
The stage of ovarian cancer is important because it tells doctors how aggressively to treat the cancer. The following are the four stages of ovarian cancer:
Stage 1: This is the earliest stage of ovarian cancer and it only affects a small number of women. Symptoms include pelvic pain, irregular periods, and a feeling that something is caught in the menstrual cycle.
Stage 2: This is when ovarian cancer has started to spread beyond the ovaries. Women in this stage may experience pain during sexual intercourse, a change in bowel habits, nausea, vomiting, and weight loss.
Stage 3: In stage 3 ovarian cancer, the cancer has spread to other parts of the body. Women in this stage may experience extreme fatigue, anemia, and difficulty breathing.
Stage 4: At this point, most ovarian cancers have spread beyond the ovaries. Women in this stage may experience extreme abdominal pain, difficult vaginal delivery, and life-threatening bleeding.
Treatments for stage 4 cancer
If you are living with stage 4 ovarian cancer, you may be feeling overwhelmed and scared. But don’t worry – there is help available.
Many people find it helpful to talk about their cancer experience with others. Talking can help to make sense of the situation and can provide comfort and support.
There are many different treatments for stage 4 ovarian cancer, and each person’s treatment will depend on their individual circumstances and health condition.
Some common treatments for stage 4 ovarian cancer include surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and hormone therapy. Many people also choose to combine different types of treatments in order to improve their chances of survival.
It is important to know what options are available to you and to speak with your healthcare providers about your treatment plan. Together, we can work to make sure that you have the best possible chance of beating ovarian cancer.
How to move on from a diagnosis
If you are diagnosed with stage ovarian cancer, your first priority is to get the best care possible. You should seek out a team of specialists who can help you start treatment right away.
Once you are diagnosed, it is important to start moving on with your life. This may include canceling any events that you had planned and making new arrangements. It is also important to stay positive and focus on your health. You should keep in mind that ovarian cancer is treatable and there is always hope for a cure.
