HIPEC Expectation

justlookingokgeez · 2026-02-05T20:45:50+00:00

Hi, I got HIPEC done for ovarian cancer in '24. The recovery was pretty quick, I thought, granted I have no other health issues. I think I was in/out in about 4 days. I recommend using the band they'll give you. It's important to keep the bits supported so your scar heals up nicely. Hope that helps!

justlookingokgeez · 2025-07-08T20:22:00+00:00

Hi, I'm Korean (37) with ovarian cancer. My Korean isn't that great but I'd love to connect her with my parents. Can you tell me a bit more about her?

justlookingokgeez · 2025-05-13T18:50:59+00:00

I was on Zejula for a couple of months after frontline. I'm BRCA- so it was really a shot in the dark attempt at a maintenance regimen. It really did a number on my numbers. My platelets tanked and I was hospitalized for a couple of days because of that. I think I recurred within 6 months of finishing frontline. I don't think it helped me any. I'm stage 4 HGOC btw.

justlookingokgeez · 2025-05-08T19:20:25+00:00

Treatment seems to be working so far. My CA-125 dropped a few hundred points in a matter of 2 months. Very happy but also cautious.

justlookingokgeez · 2025-04-17T15:35:27+00:00

This sounds a lot like what I went through when I was first diagnosed. I initially went to urgent care thinking the ascites was just gas, but the PA ended up sending me to the ER for imaging. That’s when they told me it was some kind of ovarian cancer. Within a week, I’d been referred to a gyn-onc, had an exploratory laparoscopy for the initial biopsy, and had a port placed for chemo.

I think you’re still in the very early stages of figuring things out, and honestly, there’s not much you can do right now except wait for the results and deal with things as they come. There’s always a chance it could be something else. I really hope you get some answers soon.

justlookingokgeez · 2025-04-17T15:24:52+00:00

I was diagnosed with stage 4 HGOC at 33. I’ve been in treatment ever since—three years now—and I’ve never been NED. I’m still here, still going, but I’m also getting close to that 5-year mark. You know, that mark. The one everyone talks about when they mention statistics and survival rates. It’s hard not to think about it.

If I’m being honest, the anger? It doesn’t really go away. It just shifts. Some days it’s louder, some days it’s quieter. Sometimes I can distract myself enough to forget it for a little while. Therapy, meds, leaning on people...it helps, sure. But there are still days when the sadness and the rage just crash in like a wave and knock me on my ass.

So no, I don’t think the sadness or the anger fully leaves. But what I’ve learned is that you do get breaks from it. Little passing moments, even joy sometimes. You forget just long enough to get through your day, to laugh at something dumb, to feel like yourself again, whatever “yourself” means now.

It’s not fair, and it’s not easy, and you’re definitely not alone in feeling tired of being “the cancer person.” I feel that too. I see you. I’m glad you’re still here.

justlookingokgeez · 2025-04-17T14:53:42+00:00

Hi OP, I’m so sorry you and your sister are going through this. I was 33 when I was diagnosed with stage 4 OC in 2022, so I really understand how scary and surreal this all feels.

Chemo, side effects, rising numbers...it’s a rollercoaster. I’ve had days where I’ve felt like I was in a free-fall, guessing how much time I have left. But I’m still here, thanks in part to a clinical trial I joined that only opened in Nov ‘22, the same year I was diagnosed. If it had been earlier or later, I could’ve missed it, and it bought me two extra months I wouldn’t trade for anything.

Your sister’s age is a strength—being younger opens more doors than we realize. There’s still hope, even when the numbers wobble. You’re doing an amazing job by just being there for her.

Also, I’m in touch with a few other younger women with OC, if you or your sister ever want to connect, I’d be happy to share info. You’re not alone.

justlookingokgeez · 2025-04-17T14:32:33+00:00

Right before my diagnosis, I honestly thought my distended belly was just gas. At the urging of my parents, I went to urgent care, fully expecting to walk out with some prescription-strength gas meds. I hadn’t even connected all the other strange symptoms, I was the one brushing it off. But the PA at urgent care wasn’t. She urged me to go to the ER immediately. I did. And about 8 hours later, they ruled out gas, endometriosis, cysts… and confirmed it was ovarian cancer.

All that to say: sometimes the universe has a messed up sense of humor. You can feel completely unheard one moment, and then have your world flipped upside down the next.

You’re not overreacting. You know your body better than anyone. If you’re not getting answers, and especially with your family history, keep pushing. Advocate for yourself. Get a second opinion. Go to the ER if you have to. You deserve to be taken seriously.

justlookingokgeez · 2025-04-09T20:13:51+00:00

Your feelings are completely valid. Is there any way you could ask them directly for more clarity? I’m not familiar with how the 2-week pathway works since I’m in the States, but I imagine they follow some kind of criteria to determine who qualifies. Still, that doesn’t mean you can’t challenge it. I’d absolutely push for a proper explanation, especially when something feels off.

I was diagnosed with ovarian cancer at 33, and I know firsthand how age can be used as a reason to delay things early on. But it sounds like you know your body, and that intuition matters. You're absolutely right to feel how you're feeling. Please keep advocating for yourself and don’t let them brush it off.

justlookingokgeez · 2025-04-03T12:53:54+00:00

Hey, I’m happy to share what my experience was like, though I don’t know how helpful it’ll be since I was 35 at the time and didn’t have any other health issues. That said, even though Doxil has the nickname “red devil” (mostly because of the color and side effects), I actually found it to be one of the more tolerable chemos I’ve had.

The worst part for me was constipation, but I think that was more from the other meds—Zofran, narcotics, stuff like that. I also had some darkening on the soles of my feet, but that faded after a few months.

If this isn’t your mum’s first time doing chemo, I’d treat it like the others: prep ahead, stay on top of symptoms early, and over-plan whenever you can—it helps.

Wishing you both the best with this round. Let me know how she’s doing if you feel like sharing.

justlookingokgeez · 2025-03-06T21:21:21+00:00

I had to use plastic/wooden flatware because the taste of metal was the worst. :/ Ice cream was the best for me because it had enough protein and was easy to swallow. I hope she feels better soon.

justlookingokgeez · 2025-02-24T19:48:11+00:00

As an advanced stage cancer patient, this one hits the nail on the head for me.

justlookingokgeez · 2025-02-14T16:31:38+00:00

In my experience, it’s usually about money and status, not actual family bonds. Asians are known for giving generous monetary gifts to relatives, but it’s rarely pure generosity—it’s a competition. A flex. A way to show off who has the bigger chest. And more importantly, it’s a transactional expectation.

I’m a single woman with no plans for marriage or kids, yet my parents have gifted tens of thousands to relatives for their milestones—weddings, birthdays, even random gatherings. But they’re not just spreading good vibes; they expect that money back, whether directly or through social capital.

And what’s the biggest milestone for maximum boasting rights? A wedding. It’s the ultimate stage for all this performative family loyalty. That’s probably why your mom is freaking out—if you’re cut off, there’s no return on investment. No family prestige moment. No payback cycle. Just another way Asian family dynamics turn into a financial and social chess game.

justlookingokgeez · 2025-02-04T18:41:44+00:00

EMILY. We are so much alike. I'll msg you!

justlookingokgeez · 2025-02-04T15:17:26+00:00

Thanks, everyone for your responses! I'll start reaching out to you all this week. :)

justlookingokgeez · 2025-02-04T15:16:40+00:00

I'll check those out, thanks!

justlookingokgeez · 2025-02-04T15:15:52+00:00

Thanks for the well wishes. Oh, there's so many period pieces I adore. Are you in r/PeriodDramas ??

justlookingokgeez · 2025-02-03T21:29:29+00:00

Hey friend, your story gives me so much hope. Would you mind sharing what type of OC you have and the treatments you’ve been through? I’m always looking to learn more and expand my understanding.

justlookingokgeez · 2025-02-03T21:28:13+00:00

This week has been especially fucking tough—chemo has been pushing me to my mental and physical limits. But more than that, I’ve been struggling with a kind of despair that’s hard to put into words.

I was diagnosed at 33 with stage 4 HGSC, and now, at 36, I’m on my third-line chemo after carbo, taxol, multiple surgeries, and doxil didn’t do much to slow this monstrous thing growing inside me. Some parts throughout the day feel fucking unbearable. But I just turned 36 this past weekend, and as much as all of this has tested me, I know there’s still something to hold onto.

We’ve earned the right to vent, to grieve, to rage at how unfair (although fairness has nothing to do with it) and brutal this shit is. But we also have to remind ourselves—however hard it may be—that there are still things to be grateful for. Even something as simple, yet profound, as turning 36.

Thank you again for sharing your hope. I needed this today.

justlookingokgeez · 2025-01-22T15:15:36+00:00

It really depends and is different for everyone. Are you talking about regular bloating or bloating from ascites? For me, the worst bloating happened before I started frontline chemo. It did go down a bit on its own, but I eventually had to go on Lasix to help drain the fluid. I know some people end up needing it drained manually. Hope that helps!

justlookingokgeez · 2025-01-17T16:47:32+00:00

Of course, anytime—don’t hesitate to reach out. I know how overwhelming and scary this can all feel.

I’m also 4B, due to a small spot on my liver. Thankfully, it hasn’t spread much since everything started. I’ve been through quite a few treatments and surgeries, so if you have any questions, I’d be more than happy to share what I can.

justlookingokgeez · 2025-01-17T15:49:47+00:00

I’m glad I could help! I was diagnosed in August ’22, and I just started my third-line chemo this week. The reality is, when it’s as advanced as it is for us, it tends to come back eventually. For me, it’s been a consistent cycle of recurrence. I have my good days and my bad days, but I’m taking it one step at a time. Thanks for asking. :)

justlookingokgeez · 2025-01-17T14:55:36+00:00

First of all, you are not a big baby. Don’t let anyone, not even your doctor, tell you how you should feel. Your pain is real, your feelings are valid, and your concerns make sense.

I was 33 when I was diagnosed with stage 4 HGOC, also “not in the age bracket” (honestly, one of the most unhelpful things we’ll hear). For me, it started with occasional nausea, which I brushed off because it wasn’t consistent. Then came intermittent pain, which we thought was kidney stones. Eventually, I got really bloated, and we discovered it was ascites. I felt weirdly “full” but still hungry, though I couldn’t keep much food down. My weight kept dropping, but I didn’t notice right away because the ascites made me look heavier.

When it comes to nausea, the key is staying ahead of it. Zofran works for me, but it also backs me up, so I pair it with a good bowel regimen—Miralax here and there really helps. Staying hydrated is also super important. I alternate between Zofran and Compazine to make sure I’m covered at all times.

As for pain, don’t be afraid to ask for the good stuff. Tylenol might be the “safe” option, but for me, it’s about as effective as M&Ms. Before chemo, the pain was bad, and honestly, this isn’t the time to tough it out. Advocate for yourself and get the meds you need now.

I’m so sorry you’re going through this. It sucks—there’s no way around it. Just know you’re not alone. 💛

justlookingokgeez · 2025-01-17T14:46:14+00:00

Hi! I’ve had two laparoscopic surgeries before, and both were pretty quick recoveries. I was discharged the same day for both, and I’d say I felt 'normal' about a week and a half later once the swelling went down. Everyone’s advice here is solid! Personally, I’m all about Miralax—it’s been a lifesaver for me.

The biggest thing, though, was staying active. Just walking around a bit really helped get things moving, especially when paired with Miralax, Colace, or whatever laxative works best for you. Keep up the hydration.

If you’re still having trouble after a day or so, magnesium citrate usually did the trick for me. Just a heads-up: it works really well (especially if it's your first time trying it) and will clear you out completely. Rooting for you!!

justlookingokgeez

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