It’s what we fear the most: recurrence, or occurrence of a higher-grade (typical) ovarian cancer. We know, from existing evidence, that completion surgery is the most effective way to reduce a risk of recurrence. But can risk of recurrence be predicted? Ouldamer and colleagues think so. Essentially, they have developed a way of predicting the... Continue Reading →
3 – That’s the Magic Number
3 That’s the Magic Number Yes it is It’s the magic number De La Soul,... Continue Reading →
Want to share your experience?
I’ve been thinking about setting up a section on my blog for guest contributions for some time. Recent discussions in online groups have reminded me of the importance of finding spaces where we can share our experiences. There is currently very little available online or in the mainstream media about our experiences of BOT (and all... Continue Reading →
Let’s talk about it: prognosis v’s diagnosis
A great prognosis doesn’t remove the difficulties of living with the associated diagnosis. With appropriate treatment, a diagnosis of a borderline ovarian tumour (BOT) has an excellent prognosis. BOT - grade zero ovarian cancer (OC) - is normally treated with surgery alone. BOTs are slow growing, so chemotherapy is of no use [i.e. it’s not needed].Surgery, however, is... Continue Reading →
BOTs: evolving concepts, evolving diagnostic criteria
evolving concepts + evolving diagnostic criteria = my evolving confusionBut bear with me; this is a v helpful review article, published in December 2016.Based on a review of existing data (i.e. published literature), Hauptmann and colleagues have reviewed all the best-available-data about BOTs. They make some helpful conclusions, and relate existing data with the the... Continue Reading →
Latest data on fertility-sparing surgery
This study was published in December 2016 and is available online (open access).It’s the first prospective cohort of women who, after a BOT diagnosis, initially underwent fertility-sparing surgery (FFS). All participants (34 women) experienced recurrence. They received high quality follow up - including 2 experienced ultrasound examiners, with 15 years of experience in gynecological oncology ultrasound —>... Continue Reading →
It’s a new year and I’m still confused (about BOTs)
It’s a new year - and two and half years since my diagnosis and surgery. Despite trying to keep up with new research findings and trying to become gynae-oncologist-pathologist-surgicalmenopause literate, I still get confused about the confusion about BOTs (borderline ovarian tumours). And, frustratingly, I watch - through our ever-growing (closed) Facebook group - newly diagnosed BOT-ladies... Continue Reading →
The after-party
After I finished my PhD in 2010, I vowed to never get involved in any form of exam again. Ever. I had said that during school. I said it after I failed my driving test. I said it after school. And again during my undergrad. And after my MSc. I guess that didn’t work out exactly... Continue Reading →
It’s been two years
It’s been two years since I had surgery to remove what was found to be a stage 2c borderline ovarian tumour (BOT). It’s been two years of trying to be a (patient) patient. I’m still trying to figure it out. It’s been two years of medical intervention: a radical (Wertheim) hysterectomy and menopause at 35; 28 surgical... Continue Reading →
Power(puff) yourself
Good news!! My 4-monthly blood test and transvaginal ultrasound, and my 6 monthly abdominal and pelvic ultrasound were a-ok; my CA125 - not the best marker but as mine was so elevated at diagnosis it’s worth including in ongoing monitoring - is 9 (should be under 35, was 2,257 at diagnosis in July 2014). Anyway, I... Continue Reading →
jozi-ovari 