primary peritoneal carcinoma

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G-moma-66
G-moma-66 Member Posts: 3
edited March 2014 in Ovarian Cancer #1
I was diagonosed with primary peritoneal carcinoma/ovarian cancer when I was 55 years old. That was in April 1999. Now thanks to medical science and Jesus, I am a survivor of 11 years. My story is similar to most. I was in perfect health and began experiencing symptoms of bloating, gas and a sense of feeling full. When I began passing blood, I immediately went to my primary physician who found a small mass when he examined me and sent me for tests which revealed a tumor on my left ovary. Major surgery followed and the cancer which began in my omentum had spread throught my abdominal area and I was in stage 111c. 4 weeks later I began the first of many chemo treatments which now number 100 over the past eleven years. I have never been in remission but have had a few "breaks" from time to time. I am currently on Abraxane. I just want to give hope to all who are going through the same thing. I know very few survivors and I do not know of anyone who has survived this long with this chronic type situation. Is there anyone out there? I would welcome you response. G-moma-66

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  • Geeko
    Geeko Member Posts: 5
    #2
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    Primary Peritoneal Cancer
    My mother was diagnosed with poorly differentiated fallopian tube cancer, in addition to hodgekins lymphoma, in 2007. She had a partial hysterectomy which confirmed the fallopian tube diagnosis...then 6 months of taxol and carboplatin...6 months of ABVD...and in Nov of 2008, she underwent a completed hysterectomy which showed no signs of malignancy. She is monitored every 3 months and unfortunately a catscan revealed that the cancer has returned to the peritoneal cavity. Her CA-125 is normal and has always been normal, however, the doctor does not paint a hopeful prognosis, as they are saying it is a stage 4. We are taking it a day at a time and will be meeting with the Doctor to determine if a biopsy is necessary or just start chemo based on the cat scan and her clinical history. They have found several nodules on the lining of the peritonuem and I have been told time is of the essence and chemo should be started sooner, than later. I am confident that with God's grace she will be fine, but am wondering if there is anyone who has this illness, but never experienced an elevated CA-125. Also, it is hopeful to read that you have been in remission for over 10 years. May you continue to be blessed and a source of inspiration to all.
  • Tina Brown
    Tina Brown Member Posts: 1,036 Member
    #3
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    Geeko said:

    Primary Peritoneal Cancer
    My mother was diagnosed with poorly differentiated fallopian tube cancer, in addition to hodgekins lymphoma, in 2007. She had a partial hysterectomy which confirmed the fallopian tube diagnosis...then 6 months of taxol and carboplatin...6 months of ABVD...and in Nov of 2008, she underwent a completed hysterectomy which showed no signs of malignancy. She is monitored every 3 months and unfortunately a catscan revealed that the cancer has returned to the peritoneal cavity. Her CA-125 is normal and has always been normal, however, the doctor does not paint a hopeful prognosis, as they are saying it is a stage 4. We are taking it a day at a time and will be meeting with the Doctor to determine if a biopsy is necessary or just start chemo based on the cat scan and her clinical history. They have found several nodules on the lining of the peritonuem and I have been told time is of the essence and chemo should be started sooner, than later. I am confident that with God's grace she will be fine, but am wondering if there is anyone who has this illness, but never experienced an elevated CA-125. Also, it is hopeful to read that you have been in remission for over 10 years. May you continue to be blessed and a source of inspiration to all.

    I have PPC
    Hiya
    I am a regular on these boards, but I have PPC & not ovca. I was diagnosed Nov 09 after I had bloating and an uncomfortable feeling of fullness. I also had fluid in my pleural cavity which caused severe breathing difficulties. I had a CT scan which showed that all my internal organs are clear (including my ovaries) but I have nodules or cancer cells in my peritoneum so PPC was diagnosed. I have stage IV because of the fluid around my lungs. My doctor called it "malignant plueral effusion"

    I have just finished 6 rounds of chemo - carboplatinn & taxol. My CA 125 was 1119 before chemo & is now 65. I didn't have surgery because the cancer cells were too wide spread and small. The doctor said it was like "a sheet"

    I am now on a waiting game. I will have another CT scan next month and a CA 125 in June. It is really encouraging to hear you are 11 in remission, eventhough you are living with a chronic condition, you are still living. What inspiration :) I have a friend who I have met since I was diagnosed who is 2 1/2 in remission and she has had no problems since she finished chemo.

    I wish you both well and keep posting on these boards.

    Tina
  • Geeko
    Geeko Member Posts: 5
    #4
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    Primary Peritoneal Cancer/Ovarian
    Hi,
    I appreciate your comments and your story of hope. My mother was diagnosed with fallopian tube cancer that spread to the peritoneal lining in 2007 and was in remission up until now. According to a Catscan it has spread, however, all of her blood work is normal. Her CA 125 is 25 and has never been abnormal. I pray that it goes into remission again, but can't imagine how you have handled having conisitent chemotherapy for the past 10 years. What else have they treated you with and have they changed the type of chemo? Does the cancer build a resistance? Thank you, Margaret
  • Geeko
    Geeko Member Posts: 5
    #5
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    Tina Brown said:

    I have PPC
    Hiya
    I am a regular on these boards, but I have PPC & not ovca. I was diagnosed Nov 09 after I had bloating and an uncomfortable feeling of fullness. I also had fluid in my pleural cavity which caused severe breathing difficulties. I had a CT scan which showed that all my internal organs are clear (including my ovaries) but I have nodules or cancer cells in my peritoneum so PPC was diagnosed. I have stage IV because of the fluid around my lungs. My doctor called it "malignant plueral effusion"

    I have just finished 6 rounds of chemo - carboplatinn & taxol. My CA 125 was 1119 before chemo & is now 65. I didn't have surgery because the cancer cells were too wide spread and small. The doctor said it was like "a sheet"

    I am now on a waiting game. I will have another CT scan next month and a CA 125 in June. It is really encouraging to hear you are 11 in remission, eventhough you are living with a chronic condition, you are still living. What inspiration :) I have a friend who I have met since I was diagnosed who is 2 1/2 in remission and she has had no problems since she finished chemo.

    I wish you both well and keep posting on these boards.

    Tina

    PPc
    thank you for your response. My mother's CA-125 is 25, however, they have informed me that it does not matter, the cancer is still out of remission. I will pray for you and hope that your cancer goes into and stays in remission. The doctors are hard and fast with their outlook, however, I believe with the right mindset and faith, anything is possible. God Bless you and I will keep you posted. Margaret
  • esjpedsrn
    esjpedsrn Member Posts: 7
    #6
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    Primary Peritoneal Carcinoma
    G-moma-66
    I am so glad that you are a 11 yr survivor. I was diagnosed with PPC in May of 2009, had surgery in Aug. 09 followed by Hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemo. I really haven't heard from anyone who has had this type of chemo treatment so I really don't know if this type of chemo is better than IV chemo or what, but I was told given my age at diag. (37) it would give me a better long term prognosis. I am having some symptoms now and am due for a pet/ct on the 24th. Thank you for giving me the extra hope for many more years to come.

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