Round III

lindachris

My wife received the discouraging news that after 3 months of very slowly rising CA-125 counts on the heels of 1.5 years of remission, they found a mass in her lower pelvis area (5 X 8cm). Scheduled for consultation next Wednesday where they've hinted we'll be counseled on chemo options. Linda has already done Taxol/Carboplatin (Round 1. 2005) and Cisplatin/Gemzar (Round II, 2007) that seemed to knock it out good and fast. But here we are again. Staring into that chemo void.

She's not reacting so strongly this time around as last, but I am still very concerned for her emotions. I'm really going to try to get her on this board this time. She need to talk with those who've been through this.

In the meantime, my heart is just aching.

Chris Cudworth

Lisa13Q

Dear Chris
I'm so sorry to hear this news. I found that the news of recurrance for my mother was much much harder for me than the original diagnosis. I don't know why but I think that is common. I, too, wanted to hook my mother up to the board, but it isn't her thing. So I come and post and read to her from the boards when there is a relevant post. Otherwise, I really come for me. It's hard to be a caretaker for someone we love with this disease and this board is very helpful. I know your heart is aching, mine was too, but there are many many chemos out there and a year and a half remission is awesome....your wife can obtain another one. Currently my mother is on doxil, and there is avastin, and topotecan and trials etc.....a recurrance is just another journey on this long and winding road. Keep hope up....because there is hope. They really are treating this disease as a chronic condition now, and they are developing new drugs all the time. Your wife is lucky to have someone like you to care so much for her. Hugs and prayers to you.....Keep checking in.... Lisa

Unknown

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lindachris

Lisa13Q said:

Dear Chris
I'm so sorry to hear this news. I found that the news of recurrance for my mother was much much harder for me than the original diagnosis. I don't know why but I think that is common. I, too, wanted to hook my mother up to the board, but it isn't her thing. So I come and post and read to her from the boards when there is a relevant post. Otherwise, I really come for me. It's hard to be a caretaker for someone we love with this disease and this board is very helpful. I know your heart is aching, mine was too, but there are many many chemos out there and a year and a half remission is awesome....your wife can obtain another one. Currently my mother is on doxil, and there is avastin, and topotecan and trials etc.....a recurrance is just another journey on this long and winding road. Keep hope up....because there is hope. They really are treating this disease as a chronic condition now, and they are developing new drugs all the time. Your wife is lucky to have someone like you to care so much for her. Hugs and prayers to you.....Keep checking in.... Lisa

Thanks
Lisa and Nancy your words are both encouraging. I read them out loud to Linda. We're sitting on our 3-season porch (our favorite room when the mosquitos are too bad to sit outside, and the skeeters are bad here in Illinois this year) listening to the rain quietly fall from the trees after a windy storm passed through. How very symbolic, in a way. The storm rocked and swayed the trees, and the rain blew horizontally, coating the windows my wife just cleaned. Life is like that. Even our best efforts get mussed up. And our best laid plans. I think Linda thought/wished/hoped she was "home free." But every time I rub her arm and feel that port, which has been in all this time, I know differently I guess. It's likely not going to be easy this time but I'll ask advice on whatever chemo they recommend. Again thanks to everyone as always. This board has been very helpful to me these five years. Sometimes I drift away but often I quietly check in to read about others. Not being a woman I don't always have a lot to say. But you're amazing, kind people who deserve all the good things life can bring. God Bless. Talk to you later I'm sure!

Karen9182

unknown said:

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terrible on facebook
i couldnt find us. tried to use your link but with no luck... ;-(

saundra

Dear Chris and Linda
Well, join the club. I am now on Cisplatin and gemzar after a fast growing tumor showed up after the 2nd debulking/colonoscopy surgery in two months. That was a low blow for me but I seem to have settled into the schedule. I find these two chemicals pretty easy to take with little side effects (sleepy). I also got a Rx for an appetite enhancer that is working wonders on helping my eating. I am craving food!!!!! Let us hear what she will be taking this time. Saundra

LPack

Sorry to hear but
Chris,

Sorry to hear but many of us are in recurrence. So wonderful that she had 1.5 years of remission. Mine may have been less than 6 months which is not so good.

Taxol/Carbo(Round 1 2008 - did not finish), Hexalen (Round 11 for only two cycles)recurrence Cisplatin/Gemzar (Round 111 2009), break after April 2010 chemo (Carbo/Gemzar - as I had become allergic to Cis) and started round 4 July 19 with Doxil on the ABT-888 Clinical Trial.

Did not usually finish as my blood counts got too low every time. But my doctor (private practice gyn/onc from West Penn in Pittsburgh sent me to The James Research Center in Columbus Ohio in June and now I have a team of doctors and nurses. Hopefully I can continue this treatment and the cancer will become dormant!

It is so hard on the caregivers. I notice my husband is the one who takes the naps in the afternoon!! I choose to live life to the fullest and take each day one at a time.

Lots of wisdom, encouragement, been there women on here who give good advice and are very caring and loving.

Living for Eternity,
Libby ☺