There is a dark side to cancer.  WARNING:  This may disturb some people.  Please feel free to stop here and move on to other posts if this topic is uncomfortable for you.

I will be mentioning a rather long list of possible complications and side effects of cancer and treatment.  These do not happen to everyone and I am sure I will be leaving some out.  This needs to be said and then we move on. 

Ovarian Cancer side effects include pleural effusion, ascites, bowel obstruction, weight loss, severe fatigue, bloating, GI issues like acid reflux, constipation, diarrhea, ureter blockage and  pain just to mention a few.

Debulking surgery, like any surgery, has certain risks.

I developed a superficial clot in my left arm the day before I was discharged and had to go on Lovenox injections for weeks. 

The lower part of my incision did not heal well so I had to pack it with iodoform gauze daily for weeks until it healed up. 

Once you recover from surgery you think, it is over but, NO.  Abdominal hernias are common after debulking surgery since chemotherapy begun soon afterward interferes with healing (according to my Gynecological Oncology Surgeon.)

Chemotherapy side effects include suppression of the immune system, nausea/vomiting, constipation, weight loss, loss of taste, hair loss, rashes, hand and foot syndrome, CHF, leukemia, high blood pressure, kidney damage, neuropathy, changes in vision, ringing in the ears, hearing loss,  dehydration, fever,  weight gain and difficulty sleeping due to steroids, changes in labs including severe anemia, low platelet count, elevated liver function test, abnormal renal labs, low absolute neutrophils, abnormal WBC’s and possible allergic reaction to a drug. 

That sounds really terrifying!  Many of the chemo side effects are specific to certain drugs and do not affect everyone on that drug.  Some people sail through treatment with minimal side effects.  Some people have more difficulty.

I mentioned “surprises” . Even as a retired Critical Care Nurse, sometimes “you do not know, what you do not know”.  I never called a EGFR on labs to the Nephrologist or any other physician.  I did not know the meaning of EGFR. So when mine was dropping for months, I did not recognize the significance of it.  Neither did my Oncologist or Primary Care Provider.  I had “trace” protein in my urine which was supposed to be acceptable.  Actually in hindsight sight, NO, it was not.  I developed stage 4 Chronic Kidney Disease from Avastin.  I had high blood pressure too that my Oncologist and my Primary Care Provider tried to remedy (I was on 5 BP meds!)  Finally, when we consulted a Nephrologist my blood pressure improved after being put on a diuretic. 

Perineal abcess was not mentioned as a possible complication from chemo because your immune system is down.  I have had several.  My personal hygiene was very good.  My Gynecological Oncology Surgeon said it was caused by my hair loss in my pubic area and my immune system being impaired.    Who knew?  Thank goodness, warm soaks fixed each one.

Passing out was not expected either.  Really, it was without warning, after I got out of the bathtub from soaking my abcess.  I had some diarrhea beforehand.  I think I was a bit dehydrated but it was scary.  I laid on the couch and drank a lot of water and except for a few bruises due to the way I fell, no harm done.

Unexpected hospitalizations is unfortunately,  not that unusual.  I have only had one due to “intractable nausea” due to chemo. I was only there 3 days but that was not what I had hoped for.

There are happy surprises too!  I had stable cancer for 15 months after my 3rd reoccurence and 1 year after being treated for my 2nd reoccurence requiring no treatment.

  I was NED (no evidence of disease) for 2 years after initial (Frontline) treatment.

  I was on a PARP inhibitor after my 1st reoccurence which had a few negative side effects but it did buy me 9 months.

I had good days even on treatment and many happy moments.  I am grateful for each one.

(I have deliberately left out the emotional, spiritual and practical challenges of an Ovarian Cancer diagnosis.  They deserve a separate post later.)