More surgery

Jue
Jue Member Posts: 80
in Ovarian Cancer #1

hi all , my numbers have been rising slowly a few points at a time after finishing 1st line treatment sept 2014, Avastin was started 3 weekly to prevent or at least slow down recurrance which I believe it has done, ca125 is at 86 at the moment and my oncologist is doing another ct scan and planning surgery for end June a month after my last avastin is due . Has anyone else had a second surgery to clear any Cancer they can see?  I'm pleased to be offered it here in the uk as I understand it's not normal protocol on our nhs , I believe it's part of a trial to see if it prolongs overall survival , something I hope it does as I'm 48 . Going to try to get a bit fitter before surgery as  avastin and menopause  has given me awful joint pain which has made me a bit lazy and Ive gained weight then when it's all over I'm having a holiday

Comments

  • wholfmeister
    wholfmeister Member Posts: 315
    #2
    No surgery

    I can only speak for my own experience.  My GYN-ONC said a repeat surgery is not an option, even though CT scan and rising CA125 indicate increasing disease.  He said even laproscopic surgery does not increase quantity of time of survival or quality of life.  I was disappointed...it seems like such a simple thing to go in there and cut out the offending masses.

    Don't get too far ahead of your self.  86 is high, but not that high.  Get the scan and see what the doctor advises.  Whatever the plan of action, I wish you only the best!

  • Defying Disaster
    Defying Disaster Member Posts: 12
    #3
    My research shows debulking

    My research shows debulking surgery does prolong survival if optimal debulking can be achieved. I am an RN and am on this board because my sister has ovarian cancer, low grade serous , stage IV.. She is not a candidate for debulking at a second look surgery because she has large flat plaque-like tumors on her bowel and liver that cannot be removed. However, debulking surgery along with IP chemotherapy does prolong life significantly in those who are good candidates.

  • Jue
    Jue Member Posts: 80
    #4
    Defying Disaster said:

    My research shows debulking

    My research shows debulking surgery does prolong survival if optimal debulking can be achieved. I am an RN and am on this board because my sister has ovarian cancer, low grade serous , stage IV.. She is not a candidate for debulking at a second look surgery because she has large flat plaque-like tumors on her bowel and liver that cannot be removed. However, debulking surgery along with IP chemotherapy does prolong life significantly in those who are good candidates.

    Thankyou wolfmeister and def

    Thankyou wolfmeister and def disaster it's nice to get different views on second surgery , I have the thought that if they can remove a recurrence before it takes hold it gives the chemo less to finish off . wishing you all the best xxx

  • wholfmeister
    wholfmeister Member Posts: 315
    #5
    Defying Disaster said:

    My research shows debulking

    My research shows debulking surgery does prolong survival if optimal debulking can be achieved. I am an RN and am on this board because my sister has ovarian cancer, low grade serous , stage IV.. She is not a candidate for debulking at a second look surgery because she has large flat plaque-like tumors on her bowel and liver that cannot be removed. However, debulking surgery along with IP chemotherapy does prolong life significantly in those who are good candidates.

    Clarification

    I did not mention in my previous post that I did have "optimal" debulking when I was diagnosed in 2012, followed by six months of IP chemo. I have been on various chemo drugs ever since.  I know I have the very best GYN-ONC managing my care, with two personal friends who are GYNs and researchers looking over his shoulder.

  • Defying Disaster
    Defying Disaster Member Posts: 12
    #6
    Jue said:

    Thankyou wolfmeister and def

    Thankyou wolfmeister and def disaster it's nice to get different views on second surgery , I have the thought that if they can remove a recurrence before it takes hold it gives the chemo less to finish off . wishing you all the best xxx

    CA-125

    Let me second what wolfmeister said about your CA-125. 86 is a low number. Levels can get up as high as 20,000. That is not a typo.

    Gather your strength, eat well, enjoy your life, fill it with love and then make the best informed decision you can. Please, do not make a decision when you are emotionally drained or overtired.

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