Peritoneal Carcinomatosis from Breast Cancer

tdpinokc
tdpinokc Member Posts: 9
in Peritoneal Cancer #1
My wife has been undergoing chemo treatments following surgery last March. The surgery was orginally for an intestinal blockage which was later diagnosed as Peritoneal Carcinomatosis linked to her breast cancer which was treated back in 2002. Chemo started with Taxal and latest try has been Navalbene (sp?). Not getting results that we need. Afraid she is now starting to experience another blockage. Have been researching Cytoreduction and Hyperthermic Intraperitoneal Chemotherapy. Any help and information would be appreciated especially recommendations on chemotherapy types as there are many.
thanks
Tdpinokc

Comments

  • Tethys41
    Tethys41 Member Posts: 1,382 Member
    #2
    Breast Cancer
    Is this breast cancer that has metastasized to the peritonium? If so, is it hormone sensitive or triple negative?
  • tdpinokc
    tdpinokc Member Posts: 9
    #3
    Tethys41 said:

    Breast Cancer
    Is this breast cancer that has metastasized to the peritonium? If so, is it hormone sensitive or triple negative?

    hormone is negative
    Her 2 Neu is negative. Is that what you mean? Do you know if the Gemzar I'm on (chemo) will help the "bloat" I'm experiencing? I just started Gemzar last Thursday. Taxotere and Navelbine didn't do anything....
    thanks for your reply,
    christina
  • Tethys41
    Tethys41 Member Posts: 1,382 Member
    #4
    tdpinokc said:

    hormone is negative
    Her 2 Neu is negative. Is that what you mean? Do you know if the Gemzar I'm on (chemo) will help the "bloat" I'm experiencing? I just started Gemzar last Thursday. Taxotere and Navelbine didn't do anything....
    thanks for your reply,
    christina

    ER/PR
    Do you know if the cancer is ER/PR negative also. That would make it triple negative. I know that triple negative breast cancer is not very responsive to chemo. But it is responsive to alternative treatment. Is your bloating due to ascites? This is fluid that can accumulate in the abdomen. If it is ascites, doctors always say that the chemo will help dry it up. If it becomes very uncomfortable and interferes with eating or breathing, it can be drained, which brings almost immediate relief. I hope the Gemzar helps.
  • tdpinokc
    tdpinokc Member Posts: 9
    #5
    Tethys41 said:

    ER/PR
    Do you know if the cancer is ER/PR negative also. That would make it triple negative. I know that triple negative breast cancer is not very responsive to chemo. But it is responsive to alternative treatment. Is your bloating due to ascites? This is fluid that can accumulate in the abdomen. If it is ascites, doctors always say that the chemo will help dry it up. If it becomes very uncomfortable and interferes with eating or breathing, it can be drained, which brings almost immediate relief. I hope the Gemzar helps.

    I will find out today if
    I will find out today if it's ER/PR negative. However, I think it's positive. With the Her2Neu being negative. I've had the ascities drained 2-3 times. I may have to have it done again soon since eating is nearly out of the questions since I feel so full all the time. I was reading about the "Bloat" from peritoneal cancer and was wondering if there was any help for that or will that go away in time as the chemo treatments kick in. Tethys41, thank you so much for your reponses to my posts.
    Chris
  • Tethys41
    Tethys41 Member Posts: 1,382 Member
    #6
    tdpinokc said:

    I will find out today if
    I will find out today if it's ER/PR negative. However, I think it's positive. With the Her2Neu being negative. I've had the ascities drained 2-3 times. I may have to have it done again soon since eating is nearly out of the questions since I feel so full all the time. I was reading about the "Bloat" from peritoneal cancer and was wondering if there was any help for that or will that go away in time as the chemo treatments kick in. Tethys41, thank you so much for your reponses to my posts.
    Chris

    Ascites
    Chris,
    I'm so sorry about the ascites. If it is interfering with eating, it is best to have it drained. Don't dispair, I had ascites so bad I had to have it drained every three days for two months. Keep an eye on your albumin protein level. The doctors will test for it. When you have ascites drained numerous times, your albumin level can drop. If it drops too low, your tissues will not longer hold fluids and that will add to the ascites. If it falls below 2.0, ask the doc about TPN (total parental nutrition or IV nutrition). I was on it for 3 months and it got my protein back up. I could not have gotten it back up by eating alone. Good luck. If the chemo is working, the ascites should stop forming, as long as your albumin level is high enough.
  • Tina Brown
    Tina Brown Member Posts: 1,036 Member
    #7
    Intestinal blockages are
    Intestinal blockages are quite common with peritoneal cancer. The cells wrap around the organs and restrict the movements. I have had problems and now I take regular stool softeners that prevent my bowel for having to work too hard - thus preventing pain. I was also advised to eat a low residue diet that is free from fibre. No veg, no fruit, no bran etc.

    I am on Cisplatin and although it is a tough chemo for me it has worked really well in reducing my cancer.

    Take care, Tina xxxx

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