What do we do now? It's back.

megbrorn
megbrorn Member Posts: 13
edited March 2014 in Ovarian Cancer #1
It ia the middle of the night and I can't sleep. We just found out on 4/14/05 that my mother in law's cancer is back and has invaded her bowel. She has some ascites and is having trouble catching her breath. Her original gyne/onc says we can start chemo or just try and make her comfortable. We are not giving up that easily. I am a nurse and have made arrangements to have her seen at University of Chicago to explore treatment options. I guess I am just looking for hope and someone who has been through this. Since I have so much medical knowledge, I am extremely frightened about the future. I also want to be able to give our family the most acurrate information, but also be able to give them hope. Thank you for any support anyone may have.......

Comments

  • BonnieR
    BonnieR Member Posts: 1,526 Member
    I am so sorry to hear your mom's cancer has returned. You are so wise to get another opinion as I am survivor of over 2 years and have had 3 different types of chemo. I know other women who have had their colon removed when the cancer spread to their colon and others who have had chemo to shrink the tumors. There are many possibilities and it is always good to get another opinion. I know I would. Our uncle was told by Mayo he had 6-9 weeks to live and he went to another clinic and they tried a chemo on his pancreatic cancer and he is here 4 years later and doing very well. You know Drs have MD after their names not GOD. :-)

    We will say many prayer for all of you. Please let us know how the second opinion comes out.
  • megbrorn
    megbrorn Member Posts: 13
    Thanks Bonnie for you reply and hope. U of C was very positive that this cancer could shrink and we could get some more lovely years to enjoy. She is starting her chemo tomorrow. They are trying a platin drug because it has been two years since her first cancer and they thought that she responded well to that. We will keep you posted. Good luck and God Bless to you.
  • mopar
    mopar Member Posts: 1,972 Member
    I'm also sorry to hear you must deal with this again. Please know that you are all in my prayers. I don't know your beliefs, but I hope that you can find comfort in the fact that so many people here will be praying for you as well. I'm glad to hear that the doctors give some encouraging news. Hold on to that - try to be as positive as you can. The time is better spent focusing on what needs to be done and trying to live in the moment rather than looking ahead to what 'might be'. If we look ahead of us or behind to the past, we can't live TODAY. God bless all of you.
    Monika
  • megbrorn
    megbrorn Member Posts: 13
    My Mother in law has gotten her first round of Carbo/Taxol and it is really taking it's toll. I was wondering with mother's day approaching, what would be a good gift to give her while she is battling this disease? I got her some cool head wraps and am considering making some meals to freeze; (but she doesn't have much of an appetitite). By the way, in the midst of this, I have a mass on my ovary that needs to be removed. I am thinking positive. Please pray for us.
  • mopar
    mopar Member Posts: 1,972 Member
    megbrorn said:

    My Mother in law has gotten her first round of Carbo/Taxol and it is really taking it's toll. I was wondering with mother's day approaching, what would be a good gift to give her while she is battling this disease? I got her some cool head wraps and am considering making some meals to freeze; (but she doesn't have much of an appetitite). By the way, in the midst of this, I have a mass on my ovary that needs to be removed. I am thinking positive. Please pray for us.

    You certainly are getting more than your share of bad news. Believe me, I emphathize - I've have been there many times.

    As for Mother's Day, I think it is so sweet that you are so attentive to your Mother-in-law. Your ideas are great. How about getting some videos (maybe some comedies or ones that you know she loves) and watching with her? Laughing is always a good thing, even if she can't muster up the strength to laugh out loud. It will get her mind off of everything, at least for a little while - and you too! My Mom loved Mr. Bean and 2 weeks before she passed away I sat and watched the Mr. Bean Movie with her and my sister. We really had a nice time. And even though my Mom didn't have a hearty laugh to give at that point, she smiled and really enjoyed seeing my sister and I laugh.

    Does she like to play cards? Or maybe another type of game? These things can be pretty passive and not use up a lot of strength. But you both deserve some 'time off'.

    Please let us know what becomes of your 'mass'. Will the surgery be soon? We DEFINITELY will be praying for you. Keep us informed. I'll be waiting to hear.

    Until then, 'The Lord is my Strenth and Salvation - whom (OR WHAT?) shall I fear?'

    Monika
  • megbrorn
    megbrorn Member Posts: 13
    My surgery is scheduled for Monday 5/9 by a gyne/onc. I wanted to do it after mother's day for my familiy's sake. We will have a great day since my mother in law doesn't get her next chemo until next week. She feels great this week!
    I am praying that this mass is just benign. The waiting is the worst feeling and being a nurse, my mind goes wild. Thank you for your thoughts and prayers. Happy Mother's Day!
  • megbrorn
    megbrorn Member Posts: 13
    The tumor came back benign!! Such wonderful news when I woke up from surgery. It was the size of a softball. My Gyne/onc was very thorough and did peritoneal washings which were all negative.
    My mohter in law is wiped from her second chemo treatment. She may need some procrit though. Does that help? He gave her something to help her sleep; so she is sleeping better. We are just waiting for her CA 125 results.