Dr. Scott Rushing's Guide to Chemotherapy for Ovarian Cancer

Chemotherapy for ovarian cancer usually includes a combination of two drugs, called carboplatin and Taxol, given every three weeks for six cycles. The dose and timing may be adjusted depending on a number of factors.

Chemotherapy before ovarian cancer surgery -- called "neoadjuvant chemotherapy" -- can be the better option for some women with advanced ovarian cancer and for women who might be too weak for surgery first.

When it comes to ovarian cancer, intraperitoneal chemotherapy (or “belly bath” chemo) can allow for a higher dose of chemotherapy, so that more cancer cells can be killed. However, this type of chemo is difficult to administer — and it may not be offered at all cancer centers.

Chemotherapy has a cumulative effect and leads to reduced energy levels among patients. Patients’ ability to work while undergoing chemotherapy relies on the amount of exertion needed while on the job.

A portacath is a small chamber that sits beneath your skin, hooked up to a large vein on the right side of your chest. It can be used at many different points during treatment, but its most common uses include drawing blood and administering chemotherapy.