Sister diagnosed with Stage II Ovarian CA
My 32 y/o sister was recently diagnosed with stage 2 OVCA. She has undergone TAHBSO last Friday and is seeing her doctor on Monday to discuss her chemo treatment.
Because of this, I have been browsing the net just to learn more about this disease. The things I've read are really worrisome but I have to be hopeful.
I know joining this group will be a big help for me. Thank you and God Bless!
Dennis
Comments
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Hi Dennis
You've come to the right place for information and support. The ladies on this board are just wonderful. You have every reason to be hopeful for your sister. Be aware that some of information on the Internet is outdated and doesn't reflect the advances in medicine and care for ovarian cancer patients.
I myself am a stage 2b survivor who is currently NED (no evidence of disease). I was diagnosed in mid September 2010, had surgery in October that included the removal of a baseball-size tumor, and had the standard six rounds of chemo, carboplatin (carbo) and paclitaxel (taxol), between December 2010 and March 2011.
I have a friend who is a nine-year stage 3C ovarian cancer survivor. She has had plenty of chemo during the nine years but it hasn't stopped her from traveling all over the world and enjoying life with her family and friends.
Sorry, but I'm not familiar with TAHBSO. Is your sister also going to have surgery or just chemo? If so, I recommend she get herself a gyn/oncology surgeon.
Sending you and your sister lots of good thoughts and prayers.
Take care,
Kelly0 -
Dennis
First of all welcome to our club no one wants to be here but we love each other very much and are here to help when we can and pray when we just don't have the answers for you. I am stage 4 currently out of remission so I am back in my chemo. I don't know anything about TAHBSO but like lovesbutterflies make sure you have a GYN/ONC it will work out better for her in the long run. I believe stage 2 is one that most go into NEd but ask the other ladies they will know better than me I was DX on June 4th 2011 so I am still new to all of this. The ladies on this site are wonderful and loving ladies who will help you along the way with support, love, cuarage, and information just ask and they are there for you.
much
Love, Hugs, and Prayers
Anne0 -
Thank youAnneBehymer said:Dennis
First of all welcome to our club no one wants to be here but we love each other very much and are here to help when we can and pray when we just don't have the answers for you. I am stage 4 currently out of remission so I am back in my chemo. I don't know anything about TAHBSO but like lovesbutterflies make sure you have a GYN/ONC it will work out better for her in the long run. I believe stage 2 is one that most go into NEd but ask the other ladies they will know better than me I was DX on June 4th 2011 so I am still new to all of this. The ladies on this site are wonderful and loving ladies who will help you along the way with support, love, cuarage, and information just ask and they are there for you.
much
Love, Hugs, and Prayers
Anne
Thank you Anne and Kelly. It's really comforting to read your replies. Sorry for the acronym, it actually means Total Abdominal Hysterectomy Bilateral Salpingo- Oopherectomy. Before this, my heart breaks for the people inflicted with this illness. I actually had a close friend who lost his battle with this in 2009. Now, it's my youngest sister going through this. It really has a hard impact on me. Sometimes my tears will just drop as the thought of her ordeal comes into mind. But as she must, I also have to be strong. Now, I am thankful that I have found a place to express my feelings, share and ask information. I'm sure I will be able to seek help from you "brave ladies" in my own ordeal in helping my sister go through her treatment. I know it will not be easy but I will be ready. My sister will be seeing her gynecologic oncologist on Monday to discuss her chemotherapy.
Again thank you very much for the concern and prayers.
with all of you in my prayers.
Dennis0 -
I had my total hysterectomyDennis93 said:Thank you
Thank you Anne and Kelly. It's really comforting to read your replies. Sorry for the acronym, it actually means Total Abdominal Hysterectomy Bilateral Salpingo- Oopherectomy. Before this, my heart breaks for the people inflicted with this illness. I actually had a close friend who lost his battle with this in 2009. Now, it's my youngest sister going through this. It really has a hard impact on me. Sometimes my tears will just drop as the thought of her ordeal comes into mind. But as she must, I also have to be strong. Now, I am thankful that I have found a place to express my feelings, share and ask information. I'm sure I will be able to seek help from you "brave ladies" in my own ordeal in helping my sister go through her treatment. I know it will not be easy but I will be ready. My sister will be seeing her gynecologic oncologist on Monday to discuss her chemotherapy.
Again thank you very much for the concern and prayers.
with all of you in my prayers.
Dennis
I had my total hysterectomy on Jan 9 of this year. When I first found out I had cysts on my trip to Maine they said they wee 5 cm one on each ovary. Follow up with doc a month later said they were a little bigger but clear fluid filled so we will watcht them.. Well over the months we watched and watched as they grew and grew. Finally he referred me to the gynelogical oncoligist to remove them because they were too big for him. She told me we cold wait till after the holidays. Well I go for pre op ultrasound and my ovaries are so big they became one and was the size of a football... And no longer laproscopic surgery we were going the full cut. My doc operated for 4 1/2 hrs. My doc told me after surgery she felt strongly she got it all and I dodged a bullet. Well.... My pathology came back and 1 of 27 lmph nodes came back with cancer on it microscopicly so off to chem I was going. I was automatically put at a stage 3C because it involved a node. My CA level was in the high 200's when I went into surgery, 19 the day I started chemo and is now sitting idle at 10... My scan is monday and my doc has told me that it is just a formality. I am fine. She said my bloodwork says it all.
Do not read the statistics on the internet... That will drive you nuts. They are old and out dated and will scare the hell out of you.
Dennis will you be her main care giver?0 -
What a great brother!!!
What a great brother!!!0 -
Upgraded to stage 3cGlad to be done said:I had my total hysterectomy
I had my total hysterectomy on Jan 9 of this year. When I first found out I had cysts on my trip to Maine they said they wee 5 cm one on each ovary. Follow up with doc a month later said they were a little bigger but clear fluid filled so we will watcht them.. Well over the months we watched and watched as they grew and grew. Finally he referred me to the gynelogical oncoligist to remove them because they were too big for him. She told me we cold wait till after the holidays. Well I go for pre op ultrasound and my ovaries are so big they became one and was the size of a football... And no longer laproscopic surgery we were going the full cut. My doc operated for 4 1/2 hrs. My doc told me after surgery she felt strongly she got it all and I dodged a bullet. Well.... My pathology came back and 1 of 27 lmph nodes came back with cancer on it microscopicly so off to chem I was going. I was automatically put at a stage 3C because it involved a node. My CA level was in the high 200's when I went into surgery, 19 the day I started chemo and is now sitting idle at 10... My scan is monday and my doc has told me that it is just a formality. I am fine. She said my bloodwork says it all.
Do not read the statistics on the internet... That will drive you nuts. They are old and out dated and will scare the hell out of you.
Dennis will you be her main care giver?
The pathology report came back and 1 lymph node was also affected. The stage was upgraded to stage 3c. Hearing that further bothered me, dark thoughts have lingered in my mind specially at bedtime. I know it's just part of my reaction and I have to get rid of those unpleasant thoughts. Reading from you is a big help.
I will not be her main caregiver since she's with his husband. But I'll be playing a major role in this ordeal.
By the way, is a CA level of 2,100 way too high for this case? That was the pre- operative level. Her doctor says they'll be having it re-checked after the 3rd round of her chemo. She starts on August 4.
with thanks,
Dennis0 -
Dennis -Dennis93 said:Upgraded to stage 3c
The pathology report came back and 1 lymph node was also affected. The stage was upgraded to stage 3c. Hearing that further bothered me, dark thoughts have lingered in my mind specially at bedtime. I know it's just part of my reaction and I have to get rid of those unpleasant thoughts. Reading from you is a big help.
I will not be her main caregiver since she's with his husband. But I'll be playing a major role in this ordeal.
By the way, is a CA level of 2,100 way too high for this case? That was the pre- operative level. Her doctor says they'll be having it re-checked after the 3rd round of her chemo. She starts on August 4.
with thanks,
Dennis
I also was a stage
Dennis -
I also was a stage 3c when I was diagnosed. Everything came back clean except for one lymph node that my right ovary sat on had cancer microscopicly on it... I did chemo. When I went in for my surgery my CA level was only in the high 200's and the day I started chemo in February it was already down to 19 just from surgery. I fininshed my chemo almost 1 month ago. After treatment 4 my CA was 10 and remains there. I had blood work twice for each round. One in the beginning and one between part 1 and 2 of the round.
I am now awaiting results of my cat scan done yesterday. My doc is on vacation and my appt is scheduled for next Friday. She told me my scan was a formality and she is not expecting anything. she said my bloodwork tells her there is nothing there. I sure hope she is right but won't breath easy until I know for sure.
My point... I started where your sister did and now my doc is telling me I beat it. She can too. Did her OC spread to anything prior to surgery or was it just her ovaries and the node?0 -
Ovary and Node onlyGlad to be done said:Dennis -
I also was a stage
Dennis -
I also was a stage 3c when I was diagnosed. Everything came back clean except for one lymph node that my right ovary sat on had cancer microscopicly on it... I did chemo. When I went in for my surgery my CA level was only in the high 200's and the day I started chemo in February it was already down to 19 just from surgery. I fininshed my chemo almost 1 month ago. After treatment 4 my CA was 10 and remains there. I had blood work twice for each round. One in the beginning and one between part 1 and 2 of the round.
I am now awaiting results of my cat scan done yesterday. My doc is on vacation and my appt is scheduled for next Friday. She told me my scan was a formality and she is not expecting anything. she said my bloodwork tells her there is nothing there. I sure hope she is right but won't breath easy until I know for sure.
My point... I started where your sister did and now my doc is telling me I beat it. She can too. Did her OC spread to anything prior to surgery or was it just her ovaries and the node?
It was just in the ovaries and in one external iliac lymph node. It's just really bothersome at this point when the treatment is just about to start. But knowing positive results from people like you who themselves had the experience is really comforting. I pray that everything turn out ok with you and to everyone here. Thanks "Glad".0 -
Hi Dennis
and welcome. It's very common for OVCA to be diagnosed at 3C and often it's found more by accident than symptoms. I agree that the data on the internet is outdated and very scary. I'm a 6 year survivor, being diagnosed in May 2006. Your sister is beginning a tough road, but their are MANY of us here that consider what we go through as a "new" normal. We'll be right here for you and your family.
(((HUGS))) Maria0 -
Thank youMwee said:Hi Dennis
and welcome. It's very common for OVCA to be diagnosed at 3C and often it's found more by accident than symptoms. I agree that the data on the internet is outdated and very scary. I'm a 6 year survivor, being diagnosed in May 2006. Your sister is beginning a tough road, but their are MANY of us here that consider what we go through as a "new" normal. We'll be right here for you and your family.
(((HUGS))) Maria
Thank you Maria. Being in this forum will surely be a big help for my sister and my family.
God Bless!
Dennis0 -
Dennis is your sister onDennis93 said:Thank you
Thank you Maria. Being in this forum will surely be a big help for my sister and my family.
God Bless!
Dennis
Dennis is your sister on here yet? Would she want to join. I have only been here a week or so but the people are great. I really wish I would have found this forum while I was going through treatment...
Prayers for your sister, her husband and your entire family as you embark on this journey. We are here... Any questions - and I am sure you will have alot as her treatments progress - fire away.
Do you know what chemo she will be on? Is it cisplatin/taxol? That is what I had.
Eileen0 -
Hi DennisGlad to be done said:Dennis is your sister on
Dennis is your sister on here yet? Would she want to join. I have only been here a week or so but the people are great. I really wish I would have found this forum while I was going through treatment...
Prayers for your sister, her husband and your entire family as you embark on this journey. We are here... Any questions - and I am sure you will have alot as her treatments progress - fire away.
Do you know what chemo she will be on? Is it cisplatin/taxol? That is what I had.
Eileen
There are many long-term stage 3C survivors, including my friend who is getting ready to take another trip - this time a cruise to Alaska with her family.
You mentioned your sister's CA 125. Mine was over 2,800 just before my surgery. (I'm stage 2b.)
Take care,
Kelly0 -
GOD BLESS YOU, DENNIS!
You are such a sweet brother to care so deeply for his little sister. Please don't be too worried. As many have already said, there is much, much hope. And with all of the testimonies already posted, hopefully you have regained some strength and faith.
Your sister is seeing the best type of doctor that she can for this disease. And it sounds like they are right on top of things with surgery, and chemo. I was diagnosed in 2000 with 1C, and had a recurrance in 2006. But I am still here, and currently NED (no evidence of disease)! Your sister will be fine. When she has a chemo plan, let us know. We can offer some great advice and suggestions to deal with it all.
Prayers and Hugs to you and your Family!
Monika0 -
Hi DennisDennis93 said:Ovary and Node only
It was just in the ovaries and in one external iliac lymph node. It's just really bothersome at this point when the treatment is just about to start. But knowing positive results from people like you who themselves had the experience is really comforting. I pray that everything turn out ok with you and to everyone here. Thanks "Glad".
I praise you for
Hi Dennis
I praise you for being so involved. Your sister will benefit greatly from your concern. I am 2 months out from my chemo, also dx a 3c. My ca 125 started out at 3200. I am at 31 now and considered Ned. Once I started chemo the number was cut in half almost after each round.
God bless you and your sister
Shawnna0 -
carboplatin and paclitaxelGlad to be done said:Dennis is your sister on
Dennis is your sister on here yet? Would she want to join. I have only been here a week or so but the people are great. I really wish I would have found this forum while I was going through treatment...
Prayers for your sister, her husband and your entire family as you embark on this journey. We are here... Any questions - and I am sure you will have alot as her treatments progress - fire away.
Do you know what chemo she will be on? Is it cisplatin/taxol? That is what I had.
Eileen
my sister have just undergone her 1st round of chemo (carboplatin/ paclitaxel) yesterday. she told me she's alright (as what she has been since the diagnosis). i just hope and pray that the side effects won't bother her much. Thanks for your prayers.
Dennis0 -
Hi Dennismopar said:GOD BLESS YOU, DENNIS!
You are such a sweet brother to care so deeply for his little sister. Please don't be too worried. As many have already said, there is much, much hope. And with all of the testimonies already posted, hopefully you have regained some strength and faith.
Your sister is seeing the best type of doctor that she can for this disease. And it sounds like they are right on top of things with surgery, and chemo. I was diagnosed in 2000 with 1C, and had a recurrance in 2006. But I am still here, and currently NED (no evidence of disease)! Your sister will be fine. When she has a chemo plan, let us know. We can offer some great advice and suggestions to deal with it all.
Prayers and Hugs to you and your Family!
Monika
Thanks for the update on your sister. My chemo involved the same cocktail of drugs. I had six sessions total, each about three weeks apart. Hopefully, a chemo nurse or her oncologist met with her prior to chemo to talk about possible side effects and how to deal with them. The drugs tend to have a cumulative effect, which means the person tends to feel more of the side effects after each subsequent session, but it's nothing she won't be able to handle.
After my first one, I felt fine and then after number two, etc., I felt more of the fatigue, loss of appetite (first few days) and on-going constipation. To keep ahead of the constipation, I started taking Miralax a couple of days before each session and tried to eat a lot of apples and other foods to help keep the bowels moving. I never had any nausea or vomiting; part of my chemo cocktail included anti-nausea meds, plus I had anti-nausea pills for at home, just in case. I started losing my hair about two or three weeks in, and for me it was no big deal because I knew it would eventually grow back. For some women, the loss of hair is very painful and if your sister feels that way, I'm sure you'll be sensitive to her feelings. My chemo took place during the winter, so I had several nifty hats and scarves to wear to keep my head warm. There may be other potential side effects but I did not experience them.
Your sister will be able to get through this! And the drugs will help her kick cancer's butt!
Sending prayers to you and your sister and your family.
Kelly0 -
Thank you kellylovesanimals said:Hi Dennis
Thanks for the update on your sister. My chemo involved the same cocktail of drugs. I had six sessions total, each about three weeks apart. Hopefully, a chemo nurse or her oncologist met with her prior to chemo to talk about possible side effects and how to deal with them. The drugs tend to have a cumulative effect, which means the person tends to feel more of the side effects after each subsequent session, but it's nothing she won't be able to handle.
After my first one, I felt fine and then after number two, etc., I felt more of the fatigue, loss of appetite (first few days) and on-going constipation. To keep ahead of the constipation, I started taking Miralax a couple of days before each session and tried to eat a lot of apples and other foods to help keep the bowels moving. I never had any nausea or vomiting; part of my chemo cocktail included anti-nausea meds, plus I had anti-nausea pills for at home, just in case. I started losing my hair about two or three weeks in, and for me it was no big deal because I knew it would eventually grow back. For some women, the loss of hair is very painful and if your sister feels that way, I'm sure you'll be sensitive to her feelings. My chemo took place during the winter, so I had several nifty hats and scarves to wear to keep my head warm. There may be other potential side effects but I did not experience them.
Your sister will be able to get through this! And the drugs will help her kick cancer's butt!
Sending prayers to you and your sister and your family.
Kelly
I know it will still be a long way for my sister but I'm sure she will be just fine. Your inputs are really very appreciated. Thank you very much and God Bless!0
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