Mom fighting Cancer

Hello everybody,

I am new to the forum. Felt very encouraged to ask opinions around after reading very supportive messages and genuine advise. Ok so my mom has been battling her OVCA stage 3-C since Dec 2011(CA125 ~1200) (Type High grade Serous). She has had 4 rounds of chemo. Round 1 she was on Paclitaxel/Carboplatin the disease stayed stable (CA125 unchanged Feb 2012) doc opened her up after the chemo for surgery (March 2012) and very disappointed in the results of chemo.  Round 2 she goes on to Lipodox/Carboplatin ( CA 125 in Sep 2012 153) She was on observation till Oct 2013 where her CA125 went up to 916.She was given Round #3 Chemo( Nov 2013) Gemcitabine/Carboplatin disease progress on CT Scan although CA125 come down to 761. Doctors conclude did not work. Round #4 chemo (Feb 2014) Oral chemo (Endoxsn, Etoposide, Tamoxifen) CA125 down to 437, but doc told disease on progression. Doc suggesting palliative care or round #5   chemo with topotecan .What are my choices please advise? I feel so helpless and down. Thank you much in advance.

Comments

  • Alexandra
    Alexandra Member Posts: 1,308
    Welcome to CSN finishcancer

    Very sorry about your mom's struggle. From what you're describing your mom is platinum-resistant. It was clear after the first chemo round didn't work, so I'm not sure what her doctor's reasoning was behind continuing her on Carboplatin for 2 years. After trying Taxol, Doxil, Gemzar, etc. Topotecan and Avastin are her last conventional chemo options. At this point I would get a second opinion someplace with access to clinical trials. Nothing against palliative care, but there are quite a few clinical trials out there (www.clinicaltrials.gov) to try before throwing in the towel. I am on one of them (PARP inhibitor) and so far so good.

    Good luck and best wishes,

    Alexandra

     

  • kimberly sue 63
    kimberly sue 63 Member Posts: 421 Member
    I agree with Alexandra. Get a

    I agree with Alexandra. Get a second opinion and look at clinical trials. Kim

  • ovarian_support
    ovarian_support Member Posts: 44
    Hey

    Hey, my mom has ovarian cancer stage IV, she's had two rounds of chemo and is platium resistant as well.  She is now on a clinical trial which will hopefully do some good.  I agree with Alexandria that your mom needs to seek a second opinion and try for a clinical trial, it never hurts to see what another doctor has to say.  Best of luck to you and your mom.