I had a complete hysterectomy and completed 6 rounds of chemotherapy with Abraxane

Your Follow-Up Plan After Stage 1C2 Ovarian Cancer Treatment

Thank you for that important context. Your treatment history (complete hysterectomy + 6 rounds of Abraxane chemotherapy) significantly informs your surveillance approach.

What Your Treatment Means for Follow-Up

Stage 1C2 with complete surgical staging and adjuvant chemotherapy is considered a favorable early-stage presentation. According to NCCN Guidelines for Ovarian Cancer, patients like you who:

• Had comprehensive surgical staging (hysterectomy + bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy)
• Completed standard chemotherapy (Abraxane/paclitaxel-based regimen)
• Achieved remission

...typically have excellent long-term outcomes, with 5-year survival rates around 85-90% for Stage 1C disease.

Surveillance Imaging Recommendations

For your situation, NCCN Guidelines recommend:

• Imaging is NOT routinely scheduled on a fixed interval for early-stage patients in remission
• Clinical evaluation every 3-4 months for the first 2-3 years, then less frequently
• Imaging ordered when clinically indicated — meaning when there's a specific reason (symptoms, exam findings, or tumor marker elevation)
• CA-125 monitoring if it was elevated at diagnosis (checked at each visit)

The key principle: Routine surveillance CT scans are not standard for asymptomatic patients in remission. Imaging is used strategically when there's clinical concern.

Red Flags to Watch For

Between your regular oncology visits, contact your doctor if you develop:

• Persistent abdominal or pelvic pain
• Bloating or abdominal distension
• Difficulty eating or early satiety
• Unexplained weight loss
• Persistent nausea or vomiting
• Changes in bowel/bladder habits

Questions for Your Oncologist

Since you're 2 years out from treatment, ask:

1. "What is your specific surveillance plan for me going forward?" (Some oncologists have individual protocols)
2. "Are you monitoring my CA-125? What level would trigger imaging?"
3. "How often should I see you for clinical visits?"
4. "At what point would you order a CT scan — what symptoms or findings would prompt that?"
5. "Given I'm 2 years out with no evidence of disease, am I transitioning to less frequent monitoring?"

Important Context

While the guidelines provide a framework, your individual oncologist may have specific reasons to monitor you differently based on:

• Your pathology details (grade, histology)
• Whether your CA-125 was elevated at diagnosis
• Any other risk factors in your case
• Your personal preferences about surveillance

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This information is for educational purposes only. Always consult your healthcare team for personalized medical advice and decisions.

Sources: NCCN Guidelines Version 3.2025 — Ovarian Cancer/Fallopian Tube Cancer/Primary Peritoneal Cancer; American Cancer Society Ovarian Cancer Survivorship Guidelines