Digital Guide: Making Chemotherapy Decisions - Columbus

After surgery for ovarian cancer, a woman will meet with her doctor to discuss recovery and the final pathology. Essentially, you'll discuss the stage of your tumor (if any is remaining) and what the next steps will be. 

There are several options your medical team can choose from when giving chemotherapy after ovarian cancer surgery. Some women may get intraperitoneal chemo (or "belly bath" chemo), which is infused directly into the abdomen, and others may get a completely intravenous drug treatment. 

When it comes to ovarian cancer, intraperitoneal chemotherapy (or "belly bath" chemo) can allow for a higher dose of chemotherapy, so that more cancer cells can be killed. However, this type of chemo is difficult to administer -- and it may not be offered at all cancer centers.