Research study on UPSC

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  • TeddyandBears_Mom
    TeddyandBears_Mom Member Posts: 1,814 Member
    #42
    Benita, Welcome to the group.

    Benita, Welcome to the group.  So sorry about your Mom. I'm happy that she has you in her life to help her through all of this...

    Please feel free to come back with any questions. Or, just to vent if you need to. The ladies here are very supportive, helpful and knowlegable....

    Love and Hugs,

    Cindi

  • Kvdyson
    Kvdyson Member Posts: 790 Member
    edited February 2017 #43
    BenitaM said:

    MOM's UPSC

    My mother was diagnosed with UPSC, stage III January 14th, 2016 after spotting (she was 77 when she was diagnosed). She had a full hysterectomy following diagnoses and 25 lymph nodes removed in which three of them had cancer cells. She went through approximately 6 month of treatment with 3 sessions of chemo, three weeks apart, followed by 28 days of radiation, followed by 3 more sessions of chemo. She finished treatment in August and because of the toll it took on her body, the doctor wanted to give her a break after saying he saw no traces of cancer. He did see a spot on her hip, however he thought it may be traces from the radiation treatment but that he would see her in 3 months to give her body time to heal.  Fast forward to November's CT scan and the spot that was on her hip was indeed the cancer spreading to her hip/pelvis area. The doctor decided to treat her with chemo that wasn't as intense as the initial sessions. She also had fluid surrounding her lung which was drained. The doctor wanted another CT scan done (which she had Feb 20th, 2017) to see if this round of chemo treatment is helping to contain the cancer cells within her pelvic area. We go back later today to find out if the cancer cells have spread. Very stressed as the doctor's overall prognosis isn't good. Of course my mother doesn't understand how we got her after being healthy most of her life. Prior to this life changing event, the last time she was in the hospital was when she had me 48 years ago. Praying that the cancer cells are contained and that she she can continue the chemo treatments. The great thing about it is her spirit is up and she has a strong belief in God. That helps to keep her going. She is tired and of course has lost weight throughout this process. I'll continue to post here as it helps me as well. 

    Benita, I am so very sorry to

    Benita, I am so very sorry to hear your mother's story. She sounds like a very strong woman and she obviously did a great job raising a loving, caring child. It sounds like she has a good medical team helping her and that they are on top of things.

    This is a great group and I'm so glad that you found us. You may want to consider starting a new post so that replies are easier to follow.

    Please stay hopeful and let your mother know that we're rooting for her (and you)! Kim

     

  • Nellasing
    Nellasing Member Posts: 528 Member
    edited February 2017 #44
    Welcome Benita

    So sorry to hear about the ordeal you and your mom have been through!  Here's hoping that this time will be the ticket to containing all those dang cells once and for all!  I'm glad you found our group as these ladies are so supportive and helpful.  Please do come back and vent or ask questions, whatever makes it easier- we're here for you and your mom.  Thought and prayers and big ole (((HUGS)))

  • Lou Ann M
    Lou Ann M Member Posts: 996 Member
    #45
    Welcome

    So sorry that your mom has had to go through this.  She certainly is lucky to,have a loving daughter like you.  I hope she gets only good news.

     Hugs and prayers, Lou Ann

  • Donna Faye
    Donna Faye Member Posts: 427 Member
    edited March 2017 #46
    Have to decide - chemo or not?

    Ladies, I can really relate to Benita's mom. At 77, I am a healthy active woman with UPSC who now has to decide if I want 3 rounds of chemo which my doctor recommended today. The doctor was very supportive to whatever I decide but if I choose chemo, she wants to start next week! My daughter was with me and she suggested I do one round and see what it is like. I want quality of life and wonder if 3 rounds of chemo will give me a better life or not. SO! Any advice is welcome. How did you feel? Will I need help while taking chemo? Benita, how does your mom feel about going on with more treatment?  I have 3 supportive kids and friends who will see me through this, but I just hate being taken care of. Let me know what you think. So thankful for fellow passengers on a trip we would have preferred to miss.

  • Lou Ann M
    Lou Ann M Member Posts: 996 Member
    edited March 2017 #47
    Chemo is not pleasant

    But it is very doable.  I was 65 when I got on this rollercoaster and was still working.  I had my chemo on Wednesdays and went back to school on Thursday and Friday.  I usually started felling fatigued and had bone pain for the next two day and felt good enough to be back at school on Monday.  Staying hydrated is important and ask,for a prescription for nausia and pain.  Start Myralax before constripation becomes a problem.

    Hugs and prayers, Lou Ann

  • Nellasing
    Nellasing Member Posts: 528 Member
    #48
    Donna Faye

    there are many ladies here who have the more technical side down so I will leave that to them - just wanted to let you know everyone is different in how they feel and deal with these things.  I wouldn't say you "needed" to be taken care of but it is a blessing to let others be there for you, they are dealing with a lot themselves.... this is a journey best taken together.   As for myself, I took an integrated approach and had a naturopath helping support my healthy body while the traditional took care of the other.  I think that approach helped me suffer less and get through it more easily with less overall damage- only time will tell.  I also had acupuncture and took IV treatments in between.  Sending you ((((HUGS))) and prayers as you decide what is right for you.

  • Kvdyson
    Kvdyson Member Posts: 790 Member
    edited March 2017 #49
    My experience with chemo was

    My experience with chemo was drama-free. Like Lou Ann noted, it's not pleasant, but it's also not what you see in the movies or on tv. I had very few negative side effects and the ones I did experience were managed expertly by my oncology nurses. Others have not been as lucky as me and your experience may end up being different, too, but just keep in mind that it's not automatically a bad experience. Good luck to you! Kim

  • Donna Faye
    Donna Faye Member Posts: 427 Member
    edited March 2017 #50
    Guess I will go chemo

    I have literally spent the weekend reading all the blogs under uterine cancer. How much knowledge is shared here from the ones on the front line. After talking with my 2 sons ( one an RN) and my daughter, it looks like the 3 chemos and some radiation may be the best route to go if I want that NED to appear down the road. They are setting up all the appt's. now so should have a schedule soon. I am at Duke Cancer Center in Durham. I am very grateful for all the women who write on these blogs. We are so open and share the good and the not so good. Certainly makes decisions easier to make. Hugs to all.

  • Nellasing
    Nellasing Member Posts: 528 Member
    #51
    Donna Faye

    That decision making in and of its self will be a huge weight off your mind.  Prayers and (((HUGS))) for the journey ahead- please keep us posted <3

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