What are the chances

donald51
donald51 Member Posts: 62
in Ovarian Cancer #1
Hi,
I have been a member here at CSN for a few years due to having Follicular NHL and have been NED since Aug. 2008. A few days ago my wife went to her ob-gyn and found out that her right side ovary was enlarged. The Dr. said that it has to be removed to find out if it is benign or not. The Dr. I saw back in '08 told me I probably didn't have anything to worry about regarding my enlarged lymphnodes too. But, when I awoke from my surgical biopsy it was to my wife beside me crying and telling me I had cancer. We have already scheduled another appt. with the V.A. in Nashville for a second opinion on Monday. Just how survivable is ovarian cancer? She is non symptomatic as far as I know. She has been going through menopause for a few years and has suffered the effects of anxiety and depression due to meds and Cushings desease dx and treated in the 80's. So at this point it is rather difficult to say whether or not any symptoms are visable. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.
Hopes and Prayers to you all.†
Don

Comments

  • mopar
    mopar Member Posts: 1,972 Member
    #2
    WELCOME
    Welcome to this discussion board, Don. And congratulations on your NED status. I completely understand the concerns you have about your wife, especially because of your own personal experience.

    I would highly recommend that your wife see a gynecologic oncologist for her second opinion. He will probably also recommend surgery. But because of his expertise he/she will be able to access everything during surgery and take the proper biopsies, and remove everything that needs to be removed. In my case, they were going to try to salvage something, but the pathology on the ovary came back positive, while I was still on the operating table. Everything was taken. I didn't have any symptoms either, and this surgery was to remove only a uterine fibroid. I was very fortunate to have an early diagnosis.

    I would also recommend that you request a blood marker for OVCA, the CA125. If your wife has not had one yet, this will simply be a 'baseline number' for her. Whether it's high or low may be insignificant at this point, but it gives you something to start with and watch over the course of the coming years - it is a diagnostic tool right now, not conclusive evidence of disease.

    Has your wife had a transvaginal ultrasound, or CT or PET scan? The gyn/onc may recommend that also. Either way, you are doing well to get that second opinion. Please be sure to keep us informed. I'm sure you will also receive other helpful suggestions - the ladies (and men!) on this board are wonderful.

    Till then, sending hugs and prayers to you and your wife!
    Monika
  • vj1
    vj1 Member Posts: 150
    #3
    mopar said:

    WELCOME
    Welcome to this discussion board, Don. And congratulations on your NED status. I completely understand the concerns you have about your wife, especially because of your own personal experience.

    I would highly recommend that your wife see a gynecologic oncologist for her second opinion. He will probably also recommend surgery. But because of his expertise he/she will be able to access everything during surgery and take the proper biopsies, and remove everything that needs to be removed. In my case, they were going to try to salvage something, but the pathology on the ovary came back positive, while I was still on the operating table. Everything was taken. I didn't have any symptoms either, and this surgery was to remove only a uterine fibroid. I was very fortunate to have an early diagnosis.

    I would also recommend that you request a blood marker for OVCA, the CA125. If your wife has not had one yet, this will simply be a 'baseline number' for her. Whether it's high or low may be insignificant at this point, but it gives you something to start with and watch over the course of the coming years - it is a diagnostic tool right now, not conclusive evidence of disease.

    Has your wife had a transvaginal ultrasound, or CT or PET scan? The gyn/onc may recommend that also. Either way, you are doing well to get that second opinion. Please be sure to keep us informed. I'm sure you will also receive other helpful suggestions - the ladies (and men!) on this board are wonderful.

    Till then, sending hugs and prayers to you and your wife!
    Monika

    Don
    I agree with the course of action Monika has suggested. For the most part we all have gone that route. My mass was discovered when I went in for a kidney stone attack. I was completely free of any symptoms. I was dx 5/09 with stage 3C OVCA; received 6 rounds of chemo. I have been NED since and hope and pray it continues. Judging from your post, your wife has you for a very strong "lean on". Stay in touch with us all here, you and your wife will find an abundance of support, understanding and knowledge. Our prayers and thoughts go out to both of you.

    Verna
  • anicca
    anicca Member Posts: 334 Member
    #4
    I also agree with Monika,
    I also agree with Monika, but want to emphasize the importance of your wife's seeing a Gynecologic-Oncologist, and having one do her surgery. If at all possible, she should go to a major teaching hospital or cancer center associated with one, where she can have any future treatments if necessary. A gyn/onc will almost certainly want her to have a CT scan before surgery, so as to be best prepared before going in. I don't want to scare you by suggesting a cancer center. Hopefully, it is not cancer, and then no harm done, but if it is, the best treatment will be available right away.

    You and your wife are fortunate that her gyn spotted the enlarged ovary and wants to take action. I had a large tumor that two gyns told me was a uterine fibroid. I knew that was not so, because I was 63 and it was growing very rapidly. I was lucky enough to find a wonderful gyn/onc at NYU Cancer Center, who did the CT and operated right away, catching it in Stage 1C. I sincerely hope your wife does not have cancer. Please come back and let us know the outcome of her surgery. We will be heartened to hear benign, and will welcome you both for future support if not.

    DB
  • Hissy_Fitz
    Hissy_Fitz Member Posts: 1,834
    #5
    Don....
    You have gotten
    Don....

    You have gotten wonderful advice already, so I will just add my prayers that your wife does not have OC. There really are no symptoms, in most cases. If you check all our profile stories you will find that many of us were diagnosed in late stage (III or IV) for that very reason.

    I'm a bit surprised that the doctor would jump right to surgery, without an ultrasound and blood work (CA 125), or CT scan. It cannot be said too many times.....A GYN/ONCOLOGIST IS ABSOLUTELY ESSENTIAL if you suspect Ovarian Cancer. Very reliable studies show that women whose surgery is performed by a specialist have better outcomes and longer survival.

    How survivable is OC? Staging is one of the key elements to beating the odds - the earlier it is detected, the better. So find out, first of all, if it's cancer, then if it is, what stage is she. Then go from there.

    I hope your wife never gets to join our club.

    Carlene
  • chau
    chau Member Posts: 2
    #6
    initial surgery
    Yes, a gyn/onc is an absolute necessity. One thing to ask about is the poss of getting a tumor sample for assay, if its cancer, which is designed to disclose which drugs might be the most successful for her tx-if she needs it. My onc feels it still not accurate enough but lets say its only 50% accurate, thats better than just hoping that something will work. This is prob more than you want to hear at this early time, but a live tiss sample is needed from the first surg and I regret that i didnt know about it then. Google Clearity Foundation if you are interested.
  • kikz
    kikz Member Posts: 1,345 Member
    #7
    chau said:

    initial surgery
    Yes, a gyn/onc is an absolute necessity. One thing to ask about is the poss of getting a tumor sample for assay, if its cancer, which is designed to disclose which drugs might be the most successful for her tx-if she needs it. My onc feels it still not accurate enough but lets say its only 50% accurate, thats better than just hoping that something will work. This is prob more than you want to hear at this early time, but a live tiss sample is needed from the first surg and I regret that i didnt know about it then. Google Clearity Foundation if you are interested.

    You have come to the right place
    as I am sure you already noticed. There are so many knowledgeable women on this board. It is also a place where a person can get support and plenty of ears to listen to whatever you have to say. I as the others did, wish you and your wife the best and hope she doesn't become a member of this club. It's funny to think we are a club which does not want any new members.

    Karen
  • pattysoo
    pattysoo Member Posts: 170
    #8
    waiting
    All the advice given here is sound. I hope with all my heart that your wife doesn't have O/C. The waiting before diagnosis is the worst part - really it is. After you know what you're dealing with, you can at least form a plan of action. Write all your questions down for the doctor and reread the advice given above. When you say your appointment is Monday, I hope that means tomorrow. Let us know what you find out.

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