Wife

Man2

My wife was dianosed about a year ago after undergoing a hysterectomy that she has stage one 1c ovarian cancer since then she has received chemo and had second look surgery with no sign of cancer at second look. She is 55 years old what are the chances of her at this stage of the game dying an old old women someday at home in her own bed

mopar

Man2, I was there also - Stage 1C, complete hysterectomy, omentum and lymph node removal, 6 rounds of heavy chemo (Taxol/Carboplatin) - blood work every month, CT scans and chest x-rays every 3 months. That began in March 2000 and my last chemo was in September 2000. Now, I go for blood work every 2 months, CT's and chest x-ray every 6 months. Need to schedule a colonoscopy (due to history and age). All of us who have been touched by cancer will always wonder, 'will it return?' It's something that will always be looking over my shoulder. But, I do the best I can - eat a diet that is nutritionally sound AND THEN SOME!, exercise, and just try to take one day at a time. Statistically, well, I don't even want to go there. There are many opinions regarding OVCA, recurrence, etc. So I can't really answer your question, except to say what I said before- one day at a time. Your wife needs to be really aware of her body, what's right for her, etc. The CA125 test is really just a screening. However, as her tests come in, be sure to find out what the levels are. It will fluctuate, but find what the average is for her. If it jumps substantially higher, her doctor should notice. And, that in itself is not indicative of cancer. It could be other things - infections, stress, etc. For me, it just keeps me in tune with what I am doing for myself. For I have found that proper diet and weight training have brought my level substantially down. And I like those lower numbers! I believe it is because we women need to boost our testosterone and lower estrogen. Sounds contrary to some beliefs, but estrogen is NOT a friend to OVCA and some breast cancers. Well, I won't ramble on. If you ever have any other questions, please feel free to come back. And tell your wife this is a great place to 'vent' and just share with people. We try to answer as many questions as we can, usually from our own experience, or direct you to someone who can help. In the meantime, enjoy the time with your wife. Send your cares and worries to the One who will take your burden. I'll be praying for the both of you and your family. By the way, I am 49 years old, and I am also planning to spend MANY MORE years with my husband and children!

rosiegirl

I too am a Stage 1C patient, dx in January, currently in the middle of 6 rounds of taxol/carbo. I am 49 and am wondering the same things you are. Most of what I read pegs Stage 1c with relatively good survival stats, but I'd like to hear from others with this stage dx about their experiences and prognosis.

Rosiegirl

groundeffect

You might want to look at the National Institutes of Health site: cancer.gov to see what they have to say about Stage 1c ovarian cancer survival statistics. I know they're pretty good for 1c, having looked them up myself in different publications. The book "Gilda's Disease" by Dr. Steven Piver is a good reference that you might want to read to learn more about the disease.

tinao99

Well what are any of our chances of dying an old old woman in our beds. We should all be so lucky! But the best thing to do is take it one day at a time and enjoy it to the fullest. I am a 10 yr and counting survivor of this disease and every year more and more are suriving longer and longer! Hope that you and your wife can continue to live a FULL and Wonderful life time is not what is most important! God Bless and keep you both
Tina

pshnyc

Dear Man2,

I was dx with Stage 1C ovca in April 2001. Mine was discovered during surgery for what was expected to be a routine cyst removal. I had 6 rounds of carbo/taxol. A year later, I had an elective total hysterectomy. Next week I will celebrate 3 years cancer free. Someone recommended the book "Gilda's Disease," by Gene Wilder and Steven Pilner. It is a good book, but it is very outdated. Since its publication, the survival rates are higher for all stages of ovca and particularly for Stage 1 disease. There are no guarantees and no absolutes in life for anything. I live in New York City and my risks of dying by being run over by a taxi cab are far greater than for ovca. I just live every day, treasure family and friends, visit my doctor every three months and pay attention to my body. Your wife is very lucky to have a husband who is caring and concerned.

Good luck and best wishes to you both,

Pamela

hamggeor

Man2, our experiences with this disease are as individual as every person is. What I can tell you is that I was diagnosed at age 36 with either stage 1c or stage 3 - they could never decide. After surgery and high dose platinum and cytoxan (they usual rx back then) I too knew that life would be just one day at a time. I had a three year old to raise, and after my treatment ended I adopted two children. That was more than 16 years ago, and I still take it one day at a time. There is hope!