Recent Stage3C PPC Diagnosis

Steve Dave
Steve Dave Member Posts: 1
in Peritoneal Cancer #1

My mom was diagnosed with Peritoneal Cancer last month and we are now speaking to specialists to figure out our next steps.  Back in March they thought she had ovarian cancer and gave her 9 weeks of Chemo before her debulking surgery.  When they went in to operate they were unable to do so because of the amount of cancer (they called it a sheet of cells) and closed her back up.  Her CA125 score was 1232 and after the 9 weeks of Chemo dropped to the 550 range.  My question is, 1 Does anyone out there have a similar experience that they could share with me, 2 does a dropping CA125 (1232 to 550) make much of a difference when you are at stage 3C? And 3 does anyone know is this is a curable cancer at this stage or are you simply trying to extend the patient’s life?  

 


Thanks in advance for any input :) 

Comments

  • Abbycat2
    Abbycat2 Member Posts: 644 Member
    #2
    Steve, I see on here that others have not responded

    Steve, I am far from an expert, but I have made it a point to read as much as I can about female below the belt cancers. I was diagnosed with stage 3a uterine cancer, a nasty grade 3 ( That is, an aggressive cancer that likes to go to the liver and lungs quickly).That was almost two years ago (10/14/13) and I am still thriving wihout cancer- for now. I doubt if any doctor will talk about a cure for my cancer as it is an advanced cancer. Stage 3 or 4 is "advanced". Now, having said that, you should know that how any one person responds to treatment is anyone's guess.  It appears that your mom's Ca-125 is a good marker for her and the drop in the number is a great sign! I think her response has been great and there is no reason to believe that it won't continue with treatment. With such a loving and involved son, she is truly blessed.

    Warm Wishes,

    Cathy

     

     

     

     

     

     

  • Cessily6485
    Cessily6485 Member Posts: 6 Member
    #3
    Extending life

    Dave, I am 68 and have primary peritoneal cancer Stage 3C.  I feel it is worth it to extend life.  It sounds like your mom responded well to the initial treatment of chemo reducing C-125 numbers.  I am often advised not to stare at those numbers as the only criteria for treatment decisions.  I too, had the debulking, followed by 18 weeks of weekly chemo, which went well, Zofran controlled nasea very well for me.  Yes I lost my hair but I grew it back with more waves which has been great.

    This is my second year of this cancer and I qualified for a study drug which is a new Antibody.  A very hopeful method of getting after our cancers.  We are at an extrodinary time for new drugs coming into hospitals every month.  Don't give up now.  

    I have a friend with ovarian cancer who had the high numbers you talk about, her numbers got down to the 40's after surgery and chemo.  She is living more than a year with no new chemo.  She exercises and lives life well. She is in her 50's.  She does have some pains and nausea, but has now chosen to eat vegetarian mainly, with some protiens.  She eats a lot of varity of homegrown bean sprouts.  I am not so good, I just increased my salads and veggies.  Both of us are treated at Henry Ford Hospital, and St. John's in our area has a peritoneal specialist, Dr. Barri, who came from the famous MD Anderson Research Hospital in Texas.  Great resource down there.  

    Help your mom stay positive and seek good medical advice and not to fear chemo. We can get through it, and have more time on the other side.  I remain hopeful of good drugs now and better ones coming.  Give your mom a chance and some hope.  I keep walking every day.

     

Discussion Boards