What Happens After An Ovarian Cancer Diagnosis?

“The process of going through initial treatment for advanced ovarian cancer is complex, and we want to make sure we set patients up for success,” says Dr. Alpa Nick, a gynecologic oncologist at Tennessee Oncology.

Once receiving an initial ovarian cancer diagnosis, women will go through routine evaluations to determine their medical history and health. This includes medical assessments, computed tomography (CT) scans to see if the disease has affected the chest, abdomen, and pelvis; lab evaluations to examine tumor marker levels, kidney and liver function, as well as hematology levels; and evaluate the person’s functional and nutritional status. These evaluations occur over a handful of consultation visits with oncologists which will lead to discussions about surgery.

The surgical evaluation includes a diagnostic laparoscopy, which identifies whether a patient will benefit from debulking surgery. This procedure removes all visible cancer from a patient, and by performing evaluations, doctors can determine whether the surgery will be most successful for certain patients.

“We work towards keeping the initial evaluation as efficient and streamlined as possible, so we do typically get all visits completed within two visits to the office,” Dr. Nick explains. “Then, if a patient is appropriate for the operating room, [they will] be scheduled within seven, but no later than, ten days from their primary presentation to our office. That way their symptoms and diseased are addressed as efficiently as possible.”

How To Cope After An Ovarian Cancer Diagnosis

It’s understandable that many women experience increased anxiety after an ovarian cancer diagnosis. Luckily, there are ways women can manage anxiety while going through treatment in order to cope with stress.

Counseling and support groups can be valuable resources for women diagnosed with ovarian cancer. During treatment, some days are better than others, so counselors or therapists will be able to help tailor your sessions to your specific needs and concerns. This includes offering tips and strategies for coping with your new cancer diagnosis, validating your concerns, and ultimately just being someone you can talk to through difficult times.

Support groups offers a way for patients to connect with other women who have gone through, or are currently going through, the same experience. This fosters a sense of community, which can be incredibly important for patients’ mental health. Through support groups, women can share their experiences openly and honestly and feel supported by their peers.

In some cases, medication might be prescribed for those managing anxiety, but it will depend on whether doctor’s believe it’s the best option for their patient.