My mom was just diagnosed with uterine cancer stage III with mets to her lymph

avngal
avngal Member Posts: 1
in Uterine/Endometrial Cancer #1
We are all so shocked and devastated after my 75 year old mother went through a DaVinci hysterectomy with ovary and lymph removal for stage one endometrial cancer only to find out she is actually stage Three. The doc offered her inclusion in a clinical trial but we want to explore al treatment options before deciding. If anyone has any suggestions please post or email. We are in SE Wisconsin and are currently being seen at Froedtert Hospital by Janet Rader, MD.

The trial involves two arms....one where she would get cisplatin,then radiation,more cisplatin followed by cycles of other chemo or the second randomized group gets only the chemo part and no added cisplatin.

Liza

Comments

  • txtrisha55
    txtrisha55 Member Posts: 693 Member
    #2
    Stage 3C1 grade 3 carsinomasarcoma
    I was diagnosed (DX) with stage 3 C1 (1 lymph node involved) in April 2011. Treatment is doable. I had six rounds of chemo (carbo/taxol) and no radiation. So far so good and I remain no evidence of diesease (NED) 1 year out from last treatment. Sorry your Mom has been dx with stage 3. I am in Texas so I cannot give any advise or guidance on treatment in Wisconsin. You can check on the NCI (National Cancer Institute) www.cancer.gov for treatment protocals and even trials. I was offered last year to go into a clinical trial which was comparing two different chemo treatments, the two medicines were a combination of carboplatin & pacitaxel and the other was Ifosfamide but if you went into the trial you could not choose which medicine you would get to take. The GYN ONC dr gave me the paperwork to read up on the trial and the drugs. We asked what would she do. She suggested that I not do the trial and just take the carbo/taxel treatment. I read the paperwork and decided not to do the trial because the information about the drug ifosfamide scared me. The dr did leave the choice up to me though. My family read all the paperwork too because they would be going through this with me. We talked and I made the decision to go with the carbo/taxel treatment. The dr did not want to give radiation even through the protocal per the NCI is to have radiation for stage 3 but she was not to concerned about the two microscopic cancer cells that were found in 1 lymph node so she did not want to radiate the whole pelvic area and because everything was removed during surgery, ovaries, tubes, uterus, cervix, and the omentum. The tumor in the uterus was a 1A with less than on-half (0.3cm) into the myometrium and then was upgrade to stage 3 because of the prlivic lymph node involvement.

    Make sure that your mom gets a gyn onc dr instead of just a onc dr. It does help to have one that specializes in gyn cancers. Did they do a tissue assay? Can you go back and ask for one? There are other testing such as is the cancer estogen postive or negative? I did not know about all of those test so I never had it done.

    Need to have everyone try and keep a postivie attitude because cancer is treatable and it can be done. There are a lot of women on this site that have a lot of information as we all have been there and done that. Good Luck and I will add you mom and family to my prayer list. trish
  • joanpeace
    joanpeace Member Posts: 1
    #3
    Cancer free - almost 3 years
    Hi Liza,

    I am so sorry to hear about your mom. A cancer diagnosis is a very scary thing to have. I am now 58 years old and was diagnosed with Stage 3 C Uterine Cancer in October of 2009. I had a complete hysterectomy on Dec. 21, 2009. It had spread to both right and left lymph nodes, and I was told it was very aggressive. Returned home for Christmas Eve - what a celebration!

    I was told that I needed 6 months of the most aggressive chemo followed by 6 weeks of radiation to have any chance of making it. I had just been through 7 years of debilitating fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome. I was so ill at this point that I didn't know what to do. So I prayed that God would show me. Everyone I talked to gave me stories of friends and family who died from chemo. Now, my son had testicular cancer and was healed from chemo, so I am not against it. This was prayer for my specific situation. I am a strong Christian and have no fear of death. I had suffered for so long, (I counted about 75 physical and emotional health issues I dealt with over the past 7 years) so I really had no qualms about going home to be with the Lord. So, I decided to not have any chemo or radiation. The doctors were FURIOUS! I had also eaten mostly organic, all fruits, vegetables, hormone-free meat, no dairy or gluten for years. And, I was wasting away, especially after the surgery. I looked like a Holocaust survivor. All I could do was to lay in bed and I could barely hold my head up.

    So, I prayed, read my Bible and repented of all known sin. I told God that if He wanted me to stay in bed and pray the rest of my life, I would do that. I was tired of living in fear of foods. I realized, ultimately, I WILL NOT DIE ONE DAY BEFORE OR AFTER GOD HAS DECIDED MY TIME IS UP. I also realized that this life goes by in a flash and eternity is forever, so that was my priority. No positive thinking, "fighting cancer" etc. I began to eat chips, ice cream, dairy, meat, and gluten every day. Well, God began to heal me - of every issue I had (except I still need meds for sleep at night). I gained 30 lbs. I went to Israel for 3 weeks several months ago. I usually walk/run up to 4 miles a day and I am starting a new business. I have 6 grandchildren. I couldn't even hold a newborn 1 1/2 years ago. Now, I carry hefty 2 and 3-year olds with no problem. TOTALLY CANCER-FREE!!

    I give God, through Jesus Christ, all the glory. When we surrender to Him - knowing there's nothing in us to earn His favor or salvation, He is faithful and does whatever is best for us. "Best" may not be healing for everyone. His thoughts are above our thoughts and His ways above our ways.

    I don't know how long I'll be around. But it doesn't matter. I have peace and joy for a long time now that I hadn't had my entire life. God did for me what no treatment or effort on my part could have ever done. I would encourage you and your mom to invest in eternity - then God turns you inside out in this life. Read the Bible and pray. Jeremiah 29:11-14 " 'For I know the plans I have for you,' declares the Lord, 'plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. I will be found by you,' declares the Lord." HE IS GOOD!!!
  • Ro10
    Ro10 Member Posts: 1,561 Member
    #4
    joanpeace said:

    Cancer free - almost 3 years
    Hi Liza,

    I am so sorry to hear about your mom. A cancer diagnosis is a very scary thing to have. I am now 58 years old and was diagnosed with Stage 3 C Uterine Cancer in October of 2009. I had a complete hysterectomy on Dec. 21, 2009. It had spread to both right and left lymph nodes, and I was told it was very aggressive. Returned home for Christmas Eve - what a celebration!

    I was told that I needed 6 months of the most aggressive chemo followed by 6 weeks of radiation to have any chance of making it. I had just been through 7 years of debilitating fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome. I was so ill at this point that I didn't know what to do. So I prayed that God would show me. Everyone I talked to gave me stories of friends and family who died from chemo. Now, my son had testicular cancer and was healed from chemo, so I am not against it. This was prayer for my specific situation. I am a strong Christian and have no fear of death. I had suffered for so long, (I counted about 75 physical and emotional health issues I dealt with over the past 7 years) so I really had no qualms about going home to be with the Lord. So, I decided to not have any chemo or radiation. The doctors were FURIOUS! I had also eaten mostly organic, all fruits, vegetables, hormone-free meat, no dairy or gluten for years. And, I was wasting away, especially after the surgery. I looked like a Holocaust survivor. All I could do was to lay in bed and I could barely hold my head up.

    So, I prayed, read my Bible and repented of all known sin. I told God that if He wanted me to stay in bed and pray the rest of my life, I would do that. I was tired of living in fear of foods. I realized, ultimately, I WILL NOT DIE ONE DAY BEFORE OR AFTER GOD HAS DECIDED MY TIME IS UP. I also realized that this life goes by in a flash and eternity is forever, so that was my priority. No positive thinking, "fighting cancer" etc. I began to eat chips, ice cream, dairy, meat, and gluten every day. Well, God began to heal me - of every issue I had (except I still need meds for sleep at night). I gained 30 lbs. I went to Israel for 3 weeks several months ago. I usually walk/run up to 4 miles a day and I am starting a new business. I have 6 grandchildren. I couldn't even hold a newborn 1 1/2 years ago. Now, I carry hefty 2 and 3-year olds with no problem. TOTALLY CANCER-FREE!!

    I give God, through Jesus Christ, all the glory. When we surrender to Him - knowing there's nothing in us to earn His favor or salvation, He is faithful and does whatever is best for us. "Best" may not be healing for everyone. His thoughts are above our thoughts and His ways above our ways.

    I don't know how long I'll be around. But it doesn't matter. I have peace and joy for a long time now that I hadn't had my entire life. God did for me what no treatment or effort on my part could have ever done. I would encourage you and your mom to invest in eternity - then God turns you inside out in this life. Read the Bible and pray. Jeremiah 29:11-14 " 'For I know the plans I have for you,' declares the Lord, 'plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. I will be found by you,' declares the Lord." HE IS GOOD!!!

    Joan thanks for sharing tour story
    What courage it takes to decline chemo and turn everything over to The Lord. May he continue to Bless you and give you many more years. In peace and caring.
  • beila
    beila Member Posts: 97 Member
    #5
    clinical trial
    I suggest a 2nd opinion from a Gyn/oncologist at a major cancer centre.

    I'm not sure why they are offering a clinical trial as FIRST therapy...because they need the subjects?

    I am not sure, but I think Carboplatin is better tolerated than Cis Platin, and I think this is the usual treatment for uterine ca
  • Hannah1
    Hannah1 Member Posts: 63
    #6
    Uterine cancer 3c
    Hi Liza, sorry to hear about your mom's dx. I was also dx with 3C uterine cancer in 2004.
    Had hysterectomy , chemo, internal and external radiation. I also had to go through decisions
    of clinical trials. My oncology Dr. (also did the surgery) recomemded to go to clinical trials. I
    did a lot of research and not comfortable of the results. So I went on to get a second opinion.
    Found out that my Dx was different from the original so I didn't have to go to the clinical trials.
    Maybe it won't hurt to get a second opinion for for your mom. I will be praying for her. God bless
    and take care.
  • NJZ62
    NJZ62 Member Posts: 32
    #7
    beila said:

    clinical trial
    I suggest a 2nd opinion from a Gyn/oncologist at a major cancer centre.

    I'm not sure why they are offering a clinical trial as FIRST therapy...because they need the subjects?

    I am not sure, but I think Carboplatin is better tolerated than Cis Platin, and I think this is the usual treatment for uterine ca

    Clinical trial - My mom was just diagnosed with uterine cancer

    >>>>>I am not sure, but I think Carboplatin is better tolerated than Cis Platin, and I think this is the usual treatment for uterine ca

    Beila, you are correct.

    From what I have read (lots of scholarly articles), Cisplatin is quite a bit less well tolerated than Carboplatin, which is why Taxol/Carbo has more or less become the "gold standard" for metastatic uterine cancer. (I am on this protocol - just had 2nd treatment/out of 6 yesterday.)

    Cisplatin can have a better response rate - but the survival rate is not much improved, because it harder than Carboplatin on kidneys, produces more nausea and has potential for nerve damage.

    I think Cisplatin would be harder to tolerate for someone 75 yrs old.
  • daisy366
    daisy366 Member Posts: 1,458 Member
    #8
    Hannah1 said:

    Uterine cancer 3c
    Hi Liza, sorry to hear about your mom's dx. I was also dx with 3C uterine cancer in 2004.
    Had hysterectomy , chemo, internal and external radiation. I also had to go through decisions
    of clinical trials. My oncology Dr. (also did the surgery) recomemded to go to clinical trials. I
    did a lot of research and not comfortable of the results. So I went on to get a second opinion.
    Found out that my Dx was different from the original so I didn't have to go to the clinical trials.
    Maybe it won't hurt to get a second opinion for for your mom. I will be praying for her. God bless
    and take care.

    Liza
    I agree that it seems VERY premature to enter a clinical trial. What is motivation for this?????

    I vote for second opinion, for sure.

    Best wishes. Mary Ann

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