Cancer Survivors Network

Hey Nancy,
Thank-You for the reply. I just do not know if I am any better off at a Stage 2. I could only find 1 other person and she has been clean for 9 years and had no re-occurances. The reason we caught it at a Stage 2, was because I was already being watched by an oncologist every 6 monthes because of my breasts and I was already having those symptoms that ovarian cancer produces, but not really paying them much attention, but the real kicker was I woke up in the middle of the night with a horrible stomach ache and I called the oncologist the next morning and he sent me immediatly for a CT scan. My re-occurance rate is still 25% or 35%, according to all the data. I just worry alot. By the way, I have been reading alot of these disscussions and you guys are like warriors. I admire you so much. This site is just what a person needs to get through these tough times. I love all of you and don't even know you that well. Thank-You for your time. Paula

I know a lady who was dx with stage 2C ovarian cancer, and happy to say she is doing fine after 14 years. Linda

I am not feeling like much of a warrior, I am trying hard to find someone that only did 4 rounds of the chemo instead of the 6. Know any?

Good Morning,
I do not know if you will get this reply, but I will try anyway. The only people I know that did only 4 rounds of chemo are Early Stage I people and I only saw that on the discussion board. Were you a stage II? Did you only do 4 rounds of chemo and why? I would be interested in knowing how you are doing. The standard treatment is 6 rounds of chemo. I have 1 treatment left. Hope you see this posting. Paula

Good Morning,
I do not know if you will get this reply, but I will try anyway. The only people I know that did only 4 rounds of chemo are Early Stage I people and I only saw that on the discussion board. Were you a stage II? Did you only do 4 rounds of chemo and why? I would be interested in knowing how you are doing. The standard treatment is 6 rounds of chemo. I have 1 treatment left. Hope you see this posting. Paula

Hi,
I am a 10 year very lucky survivor of ovarian cancer, stage IIc, diagnosed Sept. 1999. I was wondering about other survivors of ovca of over 5 years and googled that, came across this group. I used to be quite active on the ACOR.org website for ovarian cancer but have not been last few years. I will post some info about myself - create a profile. I haven't read all the posts on here but saw some were wondering about ovarian cancer survivors. IT IS POSSIBLE!!! Oh, 6 rounds of carbo/taxol. No reoccurences but 2nd look surgery. Clean. Very hard on me as I lost my mother to ovarian cancer in 1990. I wish all with ovarian cancer strength. I know it's so hard sometimes. I'm also a breast cancer survivor and lost my oldest son, 28 years old last Jan so as my friends say, a survivor in every sense of the word.
AM

Don't give up hope. I was stage 3...9 years ago and no reoccurrences as yet.

Dear Nancy

I was diagnosed with stage 2b ovarian cancer on feb 7, 2008. my ca125 was 246 before surgery. I did 6 rounds of chemo paxtol and cisplatan. I feel great. my grade of cancer was 3. I do carry the brca 1 gene and I am going to have the profilatic breast surgery to prevent the on set of Breast Cancer. I also had the robotic surgery. Did you have the robotic surgery? My grandma had breast cancer at 35 and died. My mother had ovarian cancer at 35 they got it no chemo year 1964 then in 1972 got cancer of the peritoneal and died at 43. My older sister died of breast cancer 10 years ago she was a 2 b and age 45. My other sister was diagnose with ovarian 8 months after me stage 3 for her she is find today.

Dear Linda,
Thank-You for your post. I did not have robotic surgery. I had the conventional de-bulking surgery. Stage 2B. Did six rounds of Carbo/Taxol. I also carry the Brca 1 gene. I have had Stage 1 breast cancer 3 times, but I am okay so far. That started happening 20 years ago. My grandmother has had Stage 1 breast cancer about 5 or 6 times, I lost count, she is 87 and doing fine. My mother died of ovarian cancer 12 1/2 years ago. She was 53 years old. I am 46 years old. My mom refused to have surgery, which we all know you can not do. Right now I am fine, with a clean scan and a CA-125 holding at 6. I will have breast surgery, but I have to wait a year from the last surgery. Right now I have an MRI done on my breasts every 6 monthes. Please keep us posted on how you are doing. Thank-You, Paula

P.S. I have no sisters or brothers. I have no daughters, but I do have 3 sons.

Nancy I to was diagnosed with stage 2b in Nov 2009 and have the BRCA1 mutation. They caught mine early due to my pregnancy with my daughter. My NED was 6 weeks ago but now have an elevation of CA 125. Getting a scan on monday to see. Don't know much about the mutation.
Any 411?

Hello,
I am so glad to find another stage 2. You are only the 3rd person I have found. How long ago where you dx and have you had any problems or re-occurences. I have found a 9 year survivor and a 14 year survivor and neither one of them have had any re-occurences. I would be grateful for any information. Thank-You, Paula
And also, what kind of treatment did you take?

Hi,
I was dx in May 2009 too. I had surgery and now am on chemo, carbo/taxel. I have two more to go. I'm doing pretty good over all.
What treatment are you on? And how are you doing?
Kathryn

Good Morning,
I am on the same treatment as you and I also have 2 more to do. I was dx in June 2009. I had a full debulking surgery at John Hopkins in Baltimore. I had a tumor on each ovary. My nodes, ascites, and washing were clean. Did not spread anywhere else, but the doctors can not say if there is a cell floating around in there. My ca-125 post surgery, before chemo was a 10. It is now an 8. What was your ca-125 before chemo and what is it now. I am doing okay, except I do not like the port in my chest. It rubes against my bone. Do you have any hair left? Can we talk on the phone? My number is 304-279-7746. My name is Paula. Thank-you.

Hello,
wow, I found 2, Stage 2 people in 1 day. I was dx in June 2009. I was a 2B. I have 1 more chemo treatment left. Stage 2 people are so hard to find. I found 2 ladies, 1 is 9 years out with no re-occurances and the other lady is 14 years out with no re-occurances. I also am talking to another lady currently, who was a stage 2 and she has 2 treatments left and she is doing fine. This cancer is so hard to find early on. If you want to talk e-mail me at vintagehouse@comcast.net. We can exchange phone numbers. Thank-You, Paula

I was diagnosed with Stage 2C Ovarian and Uterine Cancer on December 22, 2008. I am happy to report that after 6 rounds of Carbo Taxol and 3 rounds of Brachytherapy (internal radiation) I am Cancer Free. The chemo went well, radiation was nothing (internal radiation doesn't leave you with burns)and my hair is growing back beautifully. I was diagnosed when I went to the hospital with back pain. Come to find out I had a tumor (14x13x10cm - yes cm) pressing on my pelvic bone and growing up into/around my stomach. I had a complete hysterectomy (during surgery they found the Uterine Cancer) then started my chemo in January, finished in May had radiation in June and I have never felt better. I still get tired and I still have some other minor problems but other than that I am healthy, happy and alive. Hope to hear from you soon.

Hello,
I answered your e-mail. Hope to hear from you soon. I am doing fine. If you do not get my e-mail let me know. Thanks, Paula

Had abdominal surgery - there were two tumors outside the ovaries and on the tubes - one had flopped over and stuck to my pelvic wall and my appendix =-so............total hysterectomy,oophorectomy, appendectomy, also removed my omentum and 45 lymph nodes and part of my pelvic wall. The wash was clean and so were the nodes - so no spread. I went through 6 cycles of carbo/platinum every 21 days in addition to 5 cycles of Avastin as part of trial. My ca-125 before surgery was 65 - just tested at 5 - have been told I'm in complete remission. I would like to believe I have beat this thing.................good luck to all of us with this disease!

I didn't really have any of the classic symptoms, went to a GYN urologist for urinary incontinence and THANK GOD he didn't think my symptoms sounded typical!!! U/S showed ovarian mass. Went in for laparoscopy thinking (hoping) it was endometriosis related, with an Onc/Gyn on call (again THANK GOD)just in case since my ca-125 was 67, ended up having the whole debulking, etc. Nodes/washings were clean, so I am very grateful! Went thru the 6 cycles of Carbo/Taxol, did pretty well, finished in July. My hair is growing back with curls! I love menopause! (it's the small things that make me happy :-)!) I just had my second CT scan, which was essentially OK and my ca-125 was down to 9. I really am feeling great! I tend to forget it all sometimes, but it all comes back with the 3 month checkups. It's great to hear from other folks with Stage 2 ovarian. There just wasn't much information available regarding Stage 2. I'm really just trying to focus on exercising, eating right, keeping a positive mind-set and living each day as well as I can! Each day is a gift!

Hello,
Wow, I can't believe I found 2 more stage 2 people in 1 day. I was beginning to think there were no very many of us. I know 2 other ladies. 1 is 9 years out with no re-occurances and the other lady is 14 years out with no re-occurances. I was dx in June 2009. I was a Stage 2B. I have 1 chemo treatment left. I am currently talking to another lady who was a Stage 2 and she has 2 treatments left and she is doing fine. If you want to talk e-mail me at vintagehouse@comcast.net. We can exchange phone numbers. Thank-You, Paula

My wife was recently Dx with stage B ovarian cancer and had surgery Oct 2009. Dr put in 2 ports for the chemo but we have not decided yet on whether to use both of them. We are looking for feedback and trying to research as much as possible about the carbo/taxol treatments.

Dear Lamke,
I will tell what I have been through so far. I was DX stage 2B ovarian cancer in June of 2009. I had a total debulking surgery. I had a chest port put in and had 6 cycles of Carbo/Taxol treatments. I did fine with all the treatments, except the last treatment, It made me sick for some reason. My ca-125 after surgery and before chemo was a 10. My ca-125 is now a 7. I just had a CT scan and it was clear and I just had a check-up with the surgeon and everything is okay, for now. I will have my port flushed once a month and have a ca-125 drawn at the same time. I will get my port out in 6 to 12 weeks as long as everything stays okay. This is a very tricky cancer. I have seen ladies never have a re-occurance and some re-occur right away. I don't think any stage is 100% safe. We all have a chance of it coming back. I know things seem tough right now, but they do get better. If you have anymore questions just let me know. I will be happy to help you. Paula

My mother had stage 3 in 1997 and was in remission until 2002 and beat it again. Now it seems it came back in 2009. So it is VERY possible to beat it.

I was stage two b with Uterian and cervical as well. My CA 125 never went above a 5 from day one I never showed signs of any cancer until they went in for fibroids and found all 3. I had the Taxol in 2007 and not a problem so far. Still always praying. It's a very sneaky thing and don't ever let your guard down. but you can get through it with God's help. Your never going to do it alone. I am so Glad I had a great Doctor. In Jacksonville Florida Doctor Robertson. He said do you want to kill it than that's what the Taxol will do.

He was right.

Hello,
Glad to hear from you. Our Stage 2 group is very small so we welcome you. I am doing fine. I am finished with my chemo, I had a clear CT scan and my CA-125 is a 6. I am 46 and also BRCA1 positive. It is a good thing you had your breasts removed, because prior to getting ovarian cancer, I had Stage I breast cancer 3 times. I have had partial mastectomy. I know it is hard not to worry, but Stage 2's do very well. I am feeling great and try not to worry about it to much. After being sick for 6 monthes, it sure feels good to feel well. I thank god everyday. Here is my e-mail address vintagehouse@comcast.net. Thank-You, Paula

Hi Everyone,

I was just diagnosed with stage 2 cancer and i am starting Taxol/carbo on Wednesday.
Of course I am extremely scared and nervous. But I guess that is to be expected.I had a hyst on Oct 30, 2009. Good luck everyone on your treatments, I will let you know how Wednesday treatment goes

Hugs to all,

Sarita

Good Morning and welcome to our ovarian cancer sight. Please keep us up to date on your treatments and how you are doing. If you have any questions or just need to vent, we are here for you. We will all help you get through this process. This sight has been a life saver for me. I was a Stage IIB. I am out of treatment and doing well. Thank-You, Paula

Actually, you are an inspiration that one can beat this for 5 and 3 years to some of us. Thanks for your post. Keep up the good work. Saundra

Hi Nancy,
Thank-You for replying to my post. I see that you are almost 2 years out, in April, no problems. That is fantastic. My friend Kathryn and I were both Stage II and we are 8 monthes out, with no problems so far. We are keeping our fingers crossed. Her CA-125 is holding at 5 and my CA-125 is holding at 6 with clear scans. We are happy, happy, and more happy. Thank-You and keep in touch. Paula

Hi again Paula, It is now June and I am still doing well. My doctor just told me I can probably go to 6 month visits after July. I have gone every 3 months for 2 years. I hope you and your friend are still doing well. Nancy

I was diagnost with 2C ovarian cancer and stage 1 HER2 positive breast cancer february 14 2007. i am BRCA1 positive.My mom died july 2006 - ovarian cancer, she was 75.My aunt had 20 years ego breast cancer, and now had recurrency, at age 73. She live in Russua, St.Petersburg. I had 6 carboplatin/taxoter plus one eyar Herceptin every 3 weeks.Last July my dad (85 years). My ovarian cancer back. CA125 did go up from sept. to dec.-16,19,29,630. Januery 12 I start carboplatin and gemzar. PET scan light up 5 spots in pelvic. Doctor not recomended surgery, too many spots,:(! I hope it is will go in remission again. Sorry about my spelling. did not go scool for english. My russian better.I love to read how you help each other. God bless you all. With best wishes, Zina.:)
P.S. Tomorow my second chimo:(.

Hi Ladies! I'm so happy to find this thread. I was diagnosed w/ stage 2a ovarian cancer in 8/08, had a total hysterectomy and then 6 rounds of tax/carbo. My CA 125 was 7 for the first couple of check-ups after chemo, then 9 and now it's risen to 10. I am so grateful for the early diagnosis and how well I'm feeling now. However, the CA 125 is slowly creeping and I'm wondering if it becomes exponential. I'm only 43 and I have a 7-yr old son so I'd love to find some other survivors who have had similar experiences.

Thanks for sharing - you are an amazing group of women who inspire me!

Hello Tglover,
I was diagnosed a 2B in June 2009. I am 1 year cancer free. I get my CA-125 done every 30 days. After surgery it was a 10. After 6 chemo treatments it was a 5. It has bounced around between 5 and 7 the whole time. My oncologist says they are looking for "doubling of numbers or tripling of numbers". How often do you get your CA-125 done? I do not think you need to worry about a 1 or 2 or even 3 point jump over the course of a couple of monthes. It might go down the next time. Even with a CA-125 of 10, I do not think a CT scan is going to pick anything up. Frankly, I am tired of getting blood draws. Everyone else has it done every 3 monthes. Why do I have to get mine done every 1 month? Don't start worrying yet. I know it is hard to do, but I am just trying to live my life to the fullest and have a good time, just in case I have a re-occurance soon. Thank-You, Paula

Thanks for the quick reply, Paula! I get my CA 125 done every 3 mos and I'm not panicked. I just see the trending upward and I'd feel more comfortable if the variations went up and down over time, instead of simply creeping upward. I correlate survivability with how long that CA 125 can stay low and the time between re-occurances. Thanks for sharing!

Hi,

I was diagnosed with a 2c in May 2010 and underwent surgery. I have now had 4 rounds of chemo and have at least 2 more scheduled depending on my CA 125 levels which dropped from 353 presurgery to 17 now. I am very worried because although the levels initially dropped quickly, they have now slowed. Additionally, my white blood and platelet counts are very low. Overall, I am feeling very discouraged.--Roxanna

I am 43yrs old too with 3 kids, my younger ones are 6 and 4yrs. We were diagnosed around the same time too. I was dx'd Sept. 08. Easy for me to say but I wouldn't be concerned about a rise from 7 to 10. You are doing great! How often do you test?

Dear Nancy,

This is super helpful - thanks for posting. I get my CA 125 tested every 3 mos. and I love my oncologist. I feel like I'm in good hands. I also think that part of what had me feeling spooked was going in for my annual pap and having my regular gyno seem so surprised to see me and a little too amazed that I hadn't had a reoccurrence. I know it sounds weird, but she rattled me.

I would love to be in your position! I had a recurrence about 8months after completing treatment. I so worried about a recurrence. Now I wish I could go back and enjoy those days! I am now on carbo/gemzar and completed one round. Hopefully this will knock the cancer back. With summer approaching the kids will be out of school soon. I hope my energy level holds up being home with the kids all summer. I do have activities planned but I will have to do it around chemo.

Oh, Nancy - I'm so sorry that you've had a reocurrence and you're back on chemo. I will be thinking of you and please keep me posted about how you're doing.

Hi, I just joined this discussion board. I was diagnosed with Ovarian cancer in Oct 2007 and had 6 rounds of chemo. I now go to the oncologist every 6 months. I am concerned about your CA 125. Have you asked your oncologist at what level he/she thinks would be cause for concern? My CA 125 is currently at 6 and my oncologist said that if it got to 10 or over, she would want to do some tests. She also told me that I no longer need to have pap smears. I would ask the oncologist this also. I do have a gyn/oncologist and she was doing the pap smear. I am sure that your regular gyno did rattle you. It would bother me too if a doctor said that they were amazed that you hadn't had a reocurrence. How insenitive. You might consider another gyn after that.

I was dx stage 2B ovarian and 1A uterian in 2007 when I was 49. What brought me to this site was I was looking for answers to my rising CA125. I was being tested every 4 mo and it was going up by 2 points every 4 months, then it went up 7. The last test was 32. I just finished a test on Thursday and it went down to 26! One has to have nerves of steel to play this game. My mother died in Sept of '09 from Ovarian cancer and she survived for 8 years of almost non-stop chemo and I'm not sure I can go through all that. My medical history is a page long as it is. I had a blood clot that was in the Inferior Veina Cava (almost in the lung) so they couldn't put a filter in at the 6 month mark of my chemo. I inherited a blood clotting gene from my mother so now I am on coumadin for the rest of my life. I wasn't even in pre-menapause when everything came out and after the surgery my bones are falling apart. I don't have any cartlidge between my wrists, I've had a thumb joint replaced and my spine is osteopenia. Also, I had thyroid cancer in 2001.

You all keep up the kind words to each other, as it makes others like me feel that there are people out there that have feelings and care even for strangers. I wish you all the best.

Welcome to the boards. I am sorry to hear of your illnesses - you have had your fair share :( This is a good place to come and off load when you are feeling down. You will get such a lot of support and kind words.

Keep us all up dated on your treatment and I wish you all the good luck.

Much Love Tina xx

I wonder if all the ladies that responded to this thread almost 2 years ago, are still doing okay??????? Would love to hear from you. Thank-You, Paula

Hi Paula
I joined the board a few months ago, I was dx with Stage 11C in June '10, am doing well now (apart from bloody joint pains!!)
How are you doing?
Michelle x

Hi Michelle,
I guess I am doing okay. I passed my CT scan, breast MRI, Dr.exam, and I will have my CA-125 results back tomorrow or the next day. This is all so exhausting. I am so tired of being scared. I almost fainted when I had my blood draw today, just out of fear. Sometimes I am so past this and sometimes I am not. I had about 15 to 20 responses to my post and I have no idea how any of the ladies are doing or if they are okay. I only talk to 1 girl on a regular bases and she is fine. Since it has been almost 2 years, my family does not seem to want to talk about it anymore. It is over for them, but I am still very scared. I feel like I am the only person in the world that is scared. I try very hard to stay positive, but somehow I always revert back to negative thoughts. Anyway, I know you did not ask for any of this information, so to answer your question, I am fine. Thank-You, Paula

Paula and the rest of the Ladies,

I didn't respond to the original post, but I wanted to post to let you know that I was dx Stage 2C August 26, 2005, I passed the 5 year mark with out recurrance, and went and saw my onc in Feburary and I was released to 1 year check ups and the real kicker is, I don't have to see him anymore I can just follow up with my gyne. I feel truly blessed that I was dx early and have done so well! At first I was scared but now it seems it is a distant thought and I live my life to the fullest. If there is one thing that I have learned on this cancer journey that I was to take, is you can't let the "What If's" take over and don't let that nasty word cancer own you! Your mind has a way of playing dirty tricks on you if you let it!

Serentity Prayer:

God grant me the Serentity to accept the things I cannot change, Courage to change the things I can, and Wisdom to know the difference...

If you or anyone else need someone to talk to, I am available and here for all of you.
Take Care,
Leslie

Leslie,
Thank-You for responding. I wish the other 15 or 20 ladies would respond. I do let all of those dirty little words get into my head. The only thing I can do, is try and stay busy. I will be 2 years out in June. I just had a CA-125 done. I am waiting for the results. Drives my absolutly crazy. I do need to talk to other people about this and so does my other friend. She was also a 2C and I was a 2b. e-mail: vintagehouse@comcast.net Thank-You, Paula

Hi Paula
How did the CA125 test go, do you have the results???
I have regular check ups every 3 months, 1st one was last month, next is 31 May. I don't get my CA125 done my onc gives his patients the choice. He is a firm believer that if there is a recurrence chemo shouldn't be started until the patient is symptomatic so if there are no symptoms there's no need to do a CA125!!! I admit this is a bit scarey but so far it's working for me.
Michelle x

There was a point in my treatment where I became very stressed, and called the nurse in tears. My oncologist called me back right away, and said something that has stuck with me ever since: "Let it go and try to relax, because nothing is worse for you than stress. The cancer will feed off stress." Here are some ideas for not going absolutely crazy worrying about the CA-125 and other things...

As you mentioned, talking with others is great! Vent, then let it go. Exercise. Fresh air. As you mentioned, stay busy. A glass of wine. Anti-depressants if stress/depression lingers. I got a dog a year ago, and she has provided countless hours of comfort and amusement.

I was IIc ovarian + Ic endometrial (uterine), and my surgery and staging were in September 2009. I'm platinum-resistant and have been in nearly continuous treatment. But, I've had recent success with Doxil.

Each day is a gift. I try to remind myself that if I'm stressed about the cancer, then that's a day that the cancer won. Hoping your CA-125 was in the range you want, and that you have joy-filled days ahead!

Leslie,

Thank you so much for posting and letting us know what you went through.. I had stage 2b and stage 3a Uterian. I had surgery 10/2008 and now I just got advanced to 6 months. it's a nice feeling and I pray someday I can have great news like you with the 1 year. :))

Thanks for the prayer I love that one.

Lisa

Paula, I replied to your post in 2009. I had surgery for stage II ovca in April of 2008. I am now 3.5 post surgery and still doing well. I still see my Oncologist every 6 months and my CA125's have been 1 and 2. I hope this finds you well and happy.
Nancy

I was dx with Stage 2C in Aug. of 2009. My ovary also spread and attached itself to the pelvic wall, with wash and lymph nodes clean. My last chemo (which I consider my 2nd birthday - so I get two birthday dinners from my husband!) date was Jan. 11, 2010. So I have been NED for over a year. It has taken a while for my body to get back into shape and get my strength back, but it is coming. One thing I did during chemo was I continued to work. I have a terrific boss and I did what I could and went to the office when I felt OK. Working kept my mind off of the effects of chemo - it challenged me, especially with chemo brain. I still suffer some long term effects, like some numbness on the bottom of my feet and tinnitus. And I still get very nervous right before my oncologist visit. But I am glad to be where I am and I thank God everyday for another day! God Bless!

I had terrible pains in stomach from about june this year and when checking myself i felt a mass in my abdominal area , went to docs to get it checked who then sent me straight away for ultrasound scan .. got results back and was instantly referred to hospital ... on seeing the gynecologist she recommended a full hysterectomy , biopsy etc , also recommended to have a ct scan just to get a better idea of how big mass was , as they couldn't see where it started and ended in the ultrasound one . went through op on 11 Oct and got results 2nd nov .. i have stage 2c clear cell cancer .. is there anyone else out there had this type apparently its rare . I had first of my chemo sessions on 22nd Nov and have been feeling ok no nausea or tiredness as yet but have got aching bones , ie feet , legs , hips ... when u first hear that u have this the outlook isn't great when u look on the net for information , but just so glad to hear that we have people on here that can reassure that it might not be all bleak .. so thanks for being here .. it has really made me appreciate every day i have and to fight for the rest to come .. x

Hi,
I'm a 2C as well. Hopefully your tests will show no cancer! I think there are several things that can elevate those numbers. I'm glad to hear you have been doing well! Let us know what you find out.
Kathryn

Hi
Please let us know how you get on at the docs next week, i'm hoping all be fine.
Michelle x

I was diagnosed last March 2010 with this disease. I wanted to be a part of a group that are survivors. I want you to know that I experienced much joint and bone pain after chemo was over. It is something we have to go through. It has been almost a year since my last chemo treatment (Sept. '10) and it is going away slowly but surely.

Has anyone here experienced back pain. I recently started experiencing lower back pain of which I have never experienced. Going to get a CT-Scan on Monday to see what is going on. Also, my CA-125 levels are going up. It started with five now it is 20. I asked my doctor about it and she said levels fluctuate depending on what is going on in the body. Any type of inflammation can cause your levels to go up. I am praying because I don't want this back in my life.

Please respond.

i am an ovc stage 2c person, diagnosed feb. 2010, currently "in remission", but
going for a CT on july 13th to see if i have any masses...ca 125 keeps rising
last count 119... i was hovering around 50 for a few months, post chemo,
then it went to 67, 93, and 116

marann, i have back pain, but i have scoliosis, which has lead to arthritis, so my
back usually hurts, and i take pain meds every day... this time of year for me is
bad because i am terribly allergic to molds, and living in texas "aint helping things"
so, i get a lot of swelling from the allergies, and not sure if some of the swelling is
more cancer... i will soon find out, once i go for the CT

was prescribed Arimidex, post chemo, which can cause some bone pain... if i take
arimidex every day, it causes some serious pain in the digestive area, and i cant
even sleep, so i have to skip it every couple of days...
if my CT does not show any masses, i am going to get on Tamoxifan...hope that
works a little better than the arimidex....i think its all crap, but not much else to do
than take it

my onco doc's RN told me that with ovc, its pretty standard to have recurrences,
then more chemo, and that my doctor likes to try to give a break from chemo, cuz
it basically sux...
my sister died in 1998 from ovc, but she was diagnosed stage 4... stupid doctors
ignored her symptoms, which is not all that unusual... a lot of the symptoms are
of the digestive kind, and if you are menopausal, there is the abdomenal swelling
from that...

i had no idea i had ovc... must have been in denial... even in the ER, i was not thinking
cancer... when the ER doctor pulled his chair up close, and had a very serious look on
his face, is when it hit me... i cant recall if i said "i have cancer, dont i?" , but i think that
is the way it went

my family has had a lot of experience with cancer, but they do not give me much support
now... they are the kind of people who do the bare minimum, and then go back to their
lives... its futile to expect anything extraordinary or even better than the bare minimum,
so i have decided to distance myself from them again... dont need the heartache and
anger!

ok, i need to try to get some sleep

dreamer

Dreamer: I'm on the same roller coaster with you. My ca-125 jumped up so I'll be going for imaging scans soon. Unless there is a discrete tumor that warrants surgery, I'm gonna wait as long as I can to stay off chemo. There's no survival benefit in getting on chemo sooner rather than later.

I was reading in the book "Defeat Cancer" that someone visualized talking to their cancer & said: "If I die, you die, too!" So I'm doing the same thing.

I'm gonna start on the bindweed & pancreatic enzymes to add to the 50Gm ascorbic acid IVs that I've been on. The ascorbic acid seems to be keeping the ascites away so far (thank God for small favors!).

LQ

So the MRI scan looks slightly improved while the CA-125 is 5x the upper limit of normal. Brain MRI was fine. I just gotta wait around and see what happens next I guess. I feel better now than I did when the CA-125 was < 10.

LQ

Hi Mary Ann,

Yes, it's normal.. I had the worst bone and joint pain, it was so bad I had to take oxycodin and it was a pretty high dose. I felt like this until about 8 month.. it would come and go but I would take the pain meds and it was managable.

I would say after about almost a full year I felt like me again.. I started having enegry and my body aches and pains were almost completely gone. Today I am med-free. however, on occasions I do still have the bottom of my feet hurt when I get out of bed.. it feels like I'm walking on my bones so I have to wear these well paded shoes i got for when they feel like that.

Are you taking any pain meds right now?

Hope you're feeling better soon!
Lisa

Mary Ann, I had the carbo/taxol treatment in the summer of 08. I had terrible bone pain which followed the chemo as well. I felt exactly the same regarding a recurrence in the bones. The pain finally went away and I have been doing well for 3.5 years. I was also stage IIc. Good Luck.
Nancy

You and your wife are in my prayers...

Lisa

I was diagnosed March of 2010 and had the 6 cycles of Taxol,Cisplatin which was finished in Sept of 2010. I feel great now, working full time and enjoying life! I had pretty intense joint pain for awhile, but it has subsided. I keep getting good 3mo checkups and my MD is very uplifting and makes me feel great about the way things have gone.

Do you ever get to a day that you dont think about it coming back?

Shaz....this is a really old thread. Not many of the people who initially responded are still on the board. Paula and a couple of the others are still around, but I don't think any of them have clear cell.

There is a woman in my real life support group who was diagnosed with clear cell OVCA years and years ago. She was stage II and has never had a recurrence.

Carlene

Thanks, Carlene, that is very encouraging, since I will be approaching the 3 year mark soon. Some of these girls did have clear cell, including me. As you know, I am in nursing school, I am making it, but it is killing me. Luv Ya, Paula

Hi, everyone. I just read about cryotherapy in google. Have you ever know this methode ? What do you think about that ?
It applies nitrogen or argon gas at extremely cold temperatures to destroy diseased tissue. Cryoablation causes cell structure damage and cell membrane obstruction; it also causes imbalance of electrolysis in and out of the cells and osmosis pressure as well as protein denaturation, in this way Cancerous cells are destroyed.