Discharge Instructions for Cancer of the Ovary

You have been diagnosed with ovarian cancer. This is the abnormal and uncontrolled growth of cells in the ovary. Surgery is the most common treatment for ovarian cancer. Most healthcare providers recommend the removal of the uterus, fallopian tubes, and ovaries. This surgery is called a complete hysterectomy with a bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy. Lymph nodes in the pelvic and abdominal areas may also be removed during surgery. After you have healed, chemotherapy is often given to kill any cancer cells that may be left in the body. This sheet will help you remember how to care for yourself after surgery and chemotherapy. 

Home care after surgery

See below for what to do at home following your surgery for ovarian cancer:

Activity

• Ask others to help with chores and errands while you recover.
• To avoid straining your incisions, do not lift anything heavier than 10 pounds for at least 6 weeks after surgery.
• Do not vacuum or do other strenuous housework until the healthcare provider says it is OK.
• Limit stair climbing for the first 2 weeks after surgery. Climb stairs slowly. Pause and rest after every few steps.
• Walk as often as you feel able. While this may seem hard to do, it is important to move as much as you can as you recover from surgery. 
• Plan rest breaks to avoid shortness of breath.
• Don’t over-do it. If you get tired, rest.
• Shower as usual unless told not to do so by your healthcare provider. Ask a friend or family member to stay close by in case you need help.
• Do not drive for at least 3 weeks after surgery unless it is OK with your healthcare provider. Do not drive if you are still taking pain medicine.
• Ask your healthcare provider when you can expect to return to work.
• Speak to your healthcare provider if you have questions about your care.
• Ask your surgeon for specific instructions about your care after surgery.

Incision care

• Wash the incision site with soap and water. Pat it dry. Do not scrub or rub the incision.
• Do not use oils, powders, lotions, or creams on your incision unless told to do so by your healthcare provider.
• Inspect the incision site every day for increased redness, drainage, swelling, or separation of the skin Change the bandage as instructed.
• Be sure you have an appointment set up to have the sutures or staples removed. 

Other home care

• Take your medicines exactly as directed. Use your pain medicine if you need it so you can be up and moving around—do not stay in bed. 
• Continue the coughing and deep breathing exercises you learned in the hospital.
• Do not put anything in your vagina until your healthcare provider says it’s safe to do so. Do not use tampons or douches. Do not have sex until your provider says it's OK.
• If you ride in the car for more than short trips, stop often to stretch your legs.
• Report hot flashes, mood swings, or irritability to your healthcare provider. There may be medicines that can help you.
• Follow the diet your healthcare provider talked to you about
• Avoid constipation:
  • Eat fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.
  • Drink 6 to 8 glasses of water a day, unless directed otherwise.
  • Use a mild laxative or a stool softener if your healthcare provider says it is OK.
  • Don't use rectal suppositories unless your healthcare provider says it's OK.

Home care after chemotherapy

Here is what to do at home following chemotherapy for ovarian cancer. 

Mouth Care

Many people get mouth sores during chemotherapy. Do not be discouraged if you do, even if you are following all your healthcare provider’s instructions. Do the following to help prevent mouth sores or to ease discomfort:

• Brush your teeth with a soft-bristle toothbrush after every meal.
• Do not use dental floss unless your healthcare provider or nurse says it is OK.
• Use an oral swab or special soft toothbrush if your gums bleed during regular brushing.
• Use any mouthwashes given to you as directed.
• Keep your mouth moist. Use salt and baking soda to clean your mouth. Mix one teaspoon of salt and one teaspoon of baking soda into an 8-ounce glass of warm water. Swish and spit as often as you like.
• Watch your mouth and tongue for white patches. This is a sign of fungal infection, a common side effect of chemotherapy. Be sure to tell your healthcare provider about these patches. Medicine can be prescribed to help you fight the fungal infection.
• Talk to your healthcare provider or nurse about mouth dryness, pain, or sores. There are often things that can be done to help with these problems and keep them from getting worse. 
• If you have dentures, keep them clean and limit the time you wear them.

Skin Care

Minor skin problems are common side effects of chemotherapy. These side effects occur because the treatment affects normal cells as well as cancer cells. To manage these side effects, try these tips:

• Use unscented soaps and facial cleansers.
• Use unscented laundry detergent.
• Use baking soda. Add it to your bath water, and apply it instead of deodorant.
• Do not use acne products. These can make skin symptoms worse. These include products with alpha or beta hydroxy acid, retinoid, or benzyl peroxide.
• Avoid skin products that contain alcohol. This includes face cleansers, perfumes, and after-shaves.
• Ask your healthcare team what kind of makeup is best to use on your skin.
• Bathe and wash your hands with warm or cool water, not hot.
• Take short showers or sponge baths.
• Do not scrub – wash gently.
• Apply a water-based unscented cream or lotion on your skin as soon as possible after you bathe or wash your hands.
• Stay out of direct sun as much as you can.
• Use a sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher if you go outside.
• Wear a hat if you go outside.
• Wear clothing and shoes that are comfortable and not tight.
• Wear cotton instead of fabrics that can irritate, such as wool, linen, or synthetics.
• Put padded insoles into your shoes.

Manage other side effects

• Try to exercise, which keeps you strong and your heart and lungs active. Walk as much as you can without becoming dizzy or weak.
• Do not be surprised if your treatment causes rashes on your hands and feet. Some medicines can cause this to happen. Ask your healthcare provider or nurse what you can do to help prevent or relieve these changes and protect your skin.
• Let your healthcare provider know if your throat is sore. You may have an infection that needs treatment.
• Remember, many patients feel sick and lose their appetites during treatment. Eat small meals several times a day to keep your strength up:
  • Choose bland foods with little taste or smell if you are reacting strongly to food.
  • Be sure to cook all food thoroughly. This kills bacteria and helps you avoid infection.
  • Eat foods that are soft. They are less likely to cause stomach irritation.
  • Talk to your healthcare provider if you're having trouble getting in enough foods and liquids. There are many ways to help prevent or relieve nausea and vomiting. 

Talking with your healthcare team

Getting treatment for ovarian cancer can be tough on the mind and body. Keep talking with your healthcare team about ways to make the process easier. Work together to ease the effect of symptoms on your daily life. There are often things that can be done to help you manage treatment-related problems. Talk to your healthcare provider and/or nurse to get the help you need.

© 2000-2019 The StayWell Company, LLC. 800 Township Line Road, Yardley, PA 19067. All rights reserved. This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical care. Always follow your healthcare professional's instructions. This information has been modified by your health care provider with permission from the publisher.