My Mom has Ovarian Cancer at 49

als26
als26 Member Posts: 46 Member
edited March 2014 in Ovarian Cancer #1
I wanted to share my story with you about our family. My mom was diagnosed right before Christmas with Stage IV Ovarian cancer.. I'm sure most of you can relate to the shock and disbelief.. After two months, I can finally get up in the morning without crying at the thought of losing her.. To make a long story short, she's started her chemo and will have surgery soon which will be followed by additional chemo.. I keep telling myself not to pay attention to statistics, but it's so hard to focus when all of the cancer sites post stats.. I believe in hope and miracles and pray that one day she will be free of this disease.. I'm going this week to my obgyn to start checking for early signs of OVC.. I'm 26 and I was told that it's never to young to start checking.. I'm going to have an ultrasound, a bloodtest and a sonogram. The only problem is that I don't believe any of these really detect this disease..But I have to try! Please respond with any of your stories..
Thank you

Comments

  • crtsang
    crtsang Member Posts: 102
    #2
    There is not yet a sure-fire way to detect early ovarian cancer; you are right that far. Nonetheless, the tests find it sometimes, and you have a lot less of a chance to find it if you don't have the tests.

    Meanwhile...I have a friend whose ovarian cancer was discovered at stage iv--it had spread to her stomach, her breasts, all over the place. That was ten years ago, and she's still fine. Statistics mean nothing to you as an individual. Nothing.
    Keep hoping and keep trying.
  • als26
    als26 Member Posts: 46 Member
    #3
    crtsang said:

    There is not yet a sure-fire way to detect early ovarian cancer; you are right that far. Nonetheless, the tests find it sometimes, and you have a lot less of a chance to find it if you don't have the tests.

    Meanwhile...I have a friend whose ovarian cancer was discovered at stage iv--it had spread to her stomach, her breasts, all over the place. That was ten years ago, and she's still fine. Statistics mean nothing to you as an individual. Nothing.
    Keep hoping and keep trying.

    Thank you for your response.. It's so encouraging to know that other people have survived that long at Stage IV.. My Mom is so worried because some of the doctors she saw put the fear of death in her with the 4-year average. Your message has really helped my Mom look at this in a new perspective! I can't thank you enough...
  • sue1
    sue1 Member Posts: 31
    #4
    Hi, I'm 47 & recently diagnosed with Stage 3 Extra Ovarian Primary Peritoneal Cancer. It comes from little seed cells from when we are developing as embryos. I've had surgery & now undergoing chemo. I can imagine how scared you are for your Mom & yourself. I'm hoping and praying as well that with today's technology that your Mom & I will live a long and cancer-free life! One thing I would recommend for you when you have your yearly check-ups is to demand a CA-125 blood test. Until the FDA releases the new test they are working on for ovarian ca, that's the only blood test avail that can show abnormalities. Some docs will say it's inconclusive - that is indicates "something" is wrong in the female area! Well, let's find out now before it becomes a full-blown problem. If the test comes back elevated they can always re-take the test again a month later, do an ultrasound or a laproscopic procedure. I certainly with my ob/gyn had performed one on me at my last appt. Take good care of yourself and my very best to your Mom for a complete recovery!Sue
  • als26
    als26 Member Posts: 46 Member
    #5
    crtsang said:

    There is not yet a sure-fire way to detect early ovarian cancer; you are right that far. Nonetheless, the tests find it sometimes, and you have a lot less of a chance to find it if you don't have the tests.

    Meanwhile...I have a friend whose ovarian cancer was discovered at stage iv--it had spread to her stomach, her breasts, all over the place. That was ten years ago, and she's still fine. Statistics mean nothing to you as an individual. Nothing.
    Keep hoping and keep trying.

    Hi-
    I wanted to thank you for your kind words.. My mom had her surgery last week and the doctor removed 99% of the cancer. He removed her ovaries, cervix, fallopian tubes, uterus.. She'll have a few more treatments and then GOD WILLING she'll be in remission.. SO, I just wanted you to know that you helped me along this journey..
    Thanks again,
    ALS26
  • als26
    als26 Member Posts: 46 Member
    #6
    sue1 said:

    Hi, I'm 47 & recently diagnosed with Stage 3 Extra Ovarian Primary Peritoneal Cancer. It comes from little seed cells from when we are developing as embryos. I've had surgery & now undergoing chemo. I can imagine how scared you are for your Mom & yourself. I'm hoping and praying as well that with today's technology that your Mom & I will live a long and cancer-free life! One thing I would recommend for you when you have your yearly check-ups is to demand a CA-125 blood test. Until the FDA releases the new test they are working on for ovarian ca, that's the only blood test avail that can show abnormalities. Some docs will say it's inconclusive - that is indicates "something" is wrong in the female area! Well, let's find out now before it becomes a full-blown problem. If the test comes back elevated they can always re-take the test again a month later, do an ultrasound or a laproscopic procedure. I certainly with my ob/gyn had performed one on me at my last appt. Take good care of yourself and my very best to your Mom for a complete recovery!Sue

    Thanks Sue..
    Did anyone in your family have Ovarian Cancer? Or are you the first one? Also, I'm going to get the test you suggested each time I have a check up.. Thanks for your kind words..
    -ALS26
  • crtsang
    crtsang Member Posts: 102
    #7
    als26 said:

    Hi-
    I wanted to thank you for your kind words.. My mom had her surgery last week and the doctor removed 99% of the cancer. He removed her ovaries, cervix, fallopian tubes, uterus.. She'll have a few more treatments and then GOD WILLING she'll be in remission.. SO, I just wanted you to know that you helped me along this journey..
    Thanks again,
    ALS26

    I am so thrilled to hear that your mother is doing so well! And I'm so glad you found my words useful.

    Good luck to you and your mother!
  • als26
    als26 Member Posts: 46 Member
    #8
    I wanted to let all of you know that my Mom is currently in remission.. She was Stage IV in December '01 and now is cancer free :)
    STAY STRONG >>> There is hope out there.. and don't, by any means, pay attention to statistics.. I nice lady in this network told me that and I have to say it's the only thing that got me through this hellish nightmare. TAKE CARE EVERYONE>>>
  • crtsang
    crtsang Member Posts: 102
    #9
    als26 said:

    I wanted to let all of you know that my Mom is currently in remission.. She was Stage IV in December '01 and now is cancer free :)
    STAY STRONG >>> There is hope out there.. and don't, by any means, pay attention to statistics.. I nice lady in this network told me that and I have to say it's the only thing that got me through this hellish nightmare. TAKE CARE EVERYONE>>>

    I'm so glad to hear about your Mom's remission. May she stay in remission forever.
  • tsi150
    tsi150 Member Posts: 1
    #10
    sue1 said:

    Hi, I'm 47 & recently diagnosed with Stage 3 Extra Ovarian Primary Peritoneal Cancer. It comes from little seed cells from when we are developing as embryos. I've had surgery & now undergoing chemo. I can imagine how scared you are for your Mom & yourself. I'm hoping and praying as well that with today's technology that your Mom & I will live a long and cancer-free life! One thing I would recommend for you when you have your yearly check-ups is to demand a CA-125 blood test. Until the FDA releases the new test they are working on for ovarian ca, that's the only blood test avail that can show abnormalities. Some docs will say it's inconclusive - that is indicates "something" is wrong in the female area! Well, let's find out now before it becomes a full-blown problem. If the test comes back elevated they can always re-take the test again a month later, do an ultrasound or a laproscopic procedure. I certainly with my ob/gyn had performed one on me at my last appt. Take good care of yourself and my very best to your Mom for a complete recovery!Sue

    My mom also had Ovarian Cancer half year ago. Can you give me some comments about the meaning of CA-125? Thanks.
  • serenity7
    serenity7 Member Posts: 3
    #11
    My mom (61) and aunt (59) both have ovarian cancer. You can have genetic test for BRCA1/BRCA2 that will show if you are at a increased risk for developing ovarian cancer and breast cancer. I (age 37) did the testing, was positive and had surgery to remove ovaries and uterus. Recommend you talk with a genetics counselor prior to testing.

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