Re: Need help with this and some more questions

Christine B.
Christine B. Member Posts: 137
edited March 2014 in Ovarian Cancer #1
Thank you everyone who gave me support and information. I am sure you know how much this means to me. More than I can say. My cancer is CA Metastic to Pleura; CA Ovary Stage 4. In the surgery I had on Sept. 10 there was so much cancer in the abdomen and the intestine was blocked. Tumors were removed from the abdomen and omentun and the intestine blockage repaired with a colostomy. I began to lose blood and my blood pressure was dropping, so the surgery had to be stopped before any debulking or hysterectomy etc. On October 12th I will begin chemo to try to shrink the tumors. From there maybe more surgery, but the doctor says to try to think only to the chemo for now. gyn oncologist has always said that that ovarian cancer responds well to chemo and has been positive about people going into remission. The oncologist said that it is treated like a chronic condition people can go to 5 years with Stage IV when the percentages drop and to think of a list of goals for a year, then after that year set more goals.

I try to think this way, but I wonder if my Stage IV is so that I have more than most people and that going through all the chemo might be prolong my life, but will I have quality in between. Are these questions that some of you had?

I am still recovering from the surgery, the incision opened in a couple of spots that my husband has learned to pack and they are healing. He helps me with the ostomy bag too. I am getting stronger. The pain I have is mostly in the evening and night when my back aches and I cannot sleep. Does anyone have this back experience?

There is so much I still want to do and live for.

Thank you,
Christine

Comments

  • newhopechurchli
    newhopechurchli Member Posts: 126
    #2
    The last thing you said...
    "There is so much I still want to do and live for"......That statement says it all. I believe it is better to try than do nothing at all. Yes.... it will be difficult, yes - there will be pain... but only God knows the outcome. You may get through the harsh treatment and recover and have many more years. Please keep that in mind when making your decision. Christine, I will keep you and your family in Prayer.
  • Hissy_Fitz
    Hissy_Fitz Member Posts: 1,834
    #3
    I know a woman who was
    I know a woman who was diagnosed with Stage IIIc over 11 years ago. She has been in treatment most of that time, but her quality of life is great. She works full-time, cuts her own grass, and plans to live another 40 years or so.

    Today's chemo is so much better than what was available years ago. The side effects are minimal, in most cases. I have been in treatment for a year, as of Nov and I have a terrific quality of life.

    You will know when it's time to stop treatment and call in Hospice. Hopefully, that time is a long way off. Personally, I figure that any day I wake up on this side of the ground is a good day.

    Carlene

Discussion Boards