Stage I BRCA1 Ovarian Cancer: Carol's Survivor Story
This ovarian cancer diagnosis at a glance
- Stage at diagnosis
- Stage I
- Biomarkers
- BRCA1 mutation
- Treatment
- chemotherapy and surgery
- Outcome
- Cancer-Free / NED
Treatment course, step by step
- In June 2020, risk-reduction surgery removed the ovaries and fallopian tubes and unexpectedly found Stage I cancer in the left fallopian tube.
- About 6 weeks later, the patient had staging surgery to remove the uterus, cervix, lymph nodes, and omentum.
- The patient then received 6 rounds of carboplatin and paclitaxel.
What happened, in summary
After treatment for triple-negative breast cancer, this patient tested positive for a BRCA1 mutation and began high-risk gynecologic follow-up. CA-125 levels remained within the normal range, but the gynecologic oncologist recommended risk-reduction removal of the ovaries and fallopian tubes.
The surgery was delayed during the early COVID-19 pandemic and was eventually performed in June 2020. Pathology unexpectedly found Stage I cancer in the left fallopian tube, which the patient’s story describes as ovarian cancer. There had been no ovarian cancer symptoms before surgery.
About 6 weeks later, the patient underwent a staging operation that removed the uterus, cervix, lymph nodes, and omentum. This was followed by 6 rounds of carboplatin and paclitaxel to reduce the risk that microscopic cancer cells might remain.
The diagnosis created a second cancer journey after breast cancer treatment. Concern about ovarian cancer recurrence remained, but the patient felt reassured by having a plan for continued care. At the time of the story, there was no evidence of either cancer. The ovarian diagnosis had been discovered only because BRCA1-related risk-reduction surgery was performed.
Where this story comes from
This is a lay summary of an account first published by MD Anderson. Read the original in full
How we source and attribute stories Accuracy and limitations
These are lay summaries of published cancer stories, for information only. No two cancers behave the same way, and nothing here predicts your own diagnosis or replaces advice from your oncology team. Read the full disclaimer