Primary Peritoneal Cancer

linn9

Hello everyone, Although, I'm not new to this site, this is the first time I've ever posted a topic. I'm a daughter of a breast cancer survivor. My mother (who is now 59 yrs old) has been fighting cancer since the age of 41! To make a long story short, she had a recurrence in the same area after the initial tumor, and was treated again with chemo. After the second bout with cancer , her doctors put her on Tamoxifen for about 4yrs. Less than a year later (2001) she started showing symptoms of endometrial cancer (a side effect of Tamoxifen). Not only that, she has developed cataracts and glaucoma. In Feb. (on Valentines Day) she had a total hysterectomy surgery. No chemo given, thank God. Exactly a year later, she was complaining about pain in her abdomen. She was terribly constipated and felt awfully bloated. There were days she couldn't walk around because of the pain. Doctor's diagnosed her with irritable bowel syndrome. Months later and after a CT scan and an exploratory surgery, they found tumors and fluid in her abdomen. She was diagnosed with primary peritoneal cancer. What a blow! If my mother hasn't been through enough already!!! Yes, she's been treated with taxol, topetecan (?spelling), hycamtin, and NOW they're trying DOXIL. All of this in the course of a year and a half. I'm terrified of the effects of the chemo treatments she's received over the years! But I'm praying that she gets through as she did with the others. My mother has never smoked or drank alcohol a day in her life! I believe that's the reason her body has been able to handle all of these drugs. Has anyone been exposed to this much chemo? Has anyone tried the use of complimentary treatments to lessen the toxicity of the chemo? If there's anything I could do to help my mother's quality of life, I am open to hear suggestions. Please, I need to hear some words of encouragement to give to my mother. She's been very strong throughout, but how long can she hold on? Why does she have to go through life worrying about CANCER for the rest of her life. I know it's a silly question, but I can't understand why someone who really tries to take of their health has to be consumed by such a horrible dis-ease! I'm angry. I'm confused. Just imagine what she's going through! Thank you for letting me vent.

Linn9