Recurrence - probably

groundeffect
groundeffect Member Posts: 639 Member
edited March 2014 in Ovarian Cancer #1
This is tough to face, but because my CA-125 has risen to 279 at the last draw for it in early June, I am now seeing a qynecologic oncologist at Roswell Park who is monitoring my condition.

So far I am asymptomatic, which is fine with me! I've had two CT scans (one in December, one in June) and a PET scan in February that have all been inconclusive.

It was rather disappointing to me to find out my CA-125 had risen to 42 (after holding at 17 and below) on what I considered my 5-year anniversary visit to the local oncologist. It's risen steadily, but not by leaps and bounds. In May my Roswell Park doctor gave me a prescription for Tamoxifen to try to slow it - we'll see!

I'm not going to complain too much because I'm glad to have had all of this time without a serious worry, and I'm not going to worry too much because I feel I will be able to live a good life for a long time, especially if the carboplatin/taxol chemo works at least as well as the first treatments.

Having spent time with my local support group and visiting this board has made my good fortune evident, and I'm very thankful that I've been able to meet and spend time with everyone of you!

I've learned so much, and draw power from all of my friends I've met (and lost) during this experience.

Thanks, Bonnie, for encouraging me to speak up. I've been thinking about it, but I thought I'd wait until something "showed" up. It is a little nerve wracking, but I know it's nothing compared to what some of my friends have been through.

It's a tough club that no one would want to join, but we all find out how tough we are, and that can be a very good thing!

Sue

Comments

  • BonnieR
    BonnieR Member Posts: 1,526 Member
    #2
    Dearest Sue,

    Thank you for sharing and know you just increased the prayer power for you. I hope the Tamoxifen works and know the taxol/carbo worked before it will work again. Glad to hear clear ct scans, that is wonderful news.

    You have always been such an encourager for so many of us over the years, know we are here for you too.

    Lot of hugs and prayers Bonnie
  • mopar
    mopar Member Posts: 1,972 Member
    #3
    Sue:
    I'm glad you decided to share your new information with us. Sometimes it helps just to 'spit it out'. I'd like to offer some encouragement. My recurrance was just a little over the 5-year mark. I had surgery to remove the small mass, then the carbo/taxol regimine again. That was 2 years ago. As a matter of fact, my last chemo was July 19, 2006, our wedding anniversary. I am doing well, and my CA125 has been around 15 the last 6 months or so. I am waiting for the one from last week. Of course, like all of us, I am hoping it has gone down even more. I know all the pros and cons about the numbers, but we all like to see it low - the lower, the better.

    Any infections lately, a cold, stress, inflammation from an injury? Are you taking any meds such as Boniva? Could be lots of reasons for this climb. Hang in there and keep us informed.

    Until then, sending hugs and prayers to you!

    Monika
  • saundra
    saundra Member Posts: 1,370 Member
    #4
    Hi Sue. Good to meet you but not under these circumstances. l hope this is just a glitch. The CT and pet scans are hopeful, aren't they? Glad that you came back to this group. ((Hugs and prayers)) Saundra
  • groundeffect
    groundeffect Member Posts: 639 Member
    #5
    Thank you to all for the good wishes! I don't have anything going on that would cause inflammation - other than a little arthritis. I saw my family doctor in April for a full physical, so I know my bloodwork is good; the Roswell docs say it's all right for me to start taking medication to try to bring my cholesterol level down, but even that is just a little over acceptable.

    I don't take any meds that would affect the CA-125; warfarin is the only other thing that I take, and I took it for a long time just after I had chemo. Because I have a dandy vena caval filter that was put in when I had my hysterectomy to catch any errant clots (you may recall I had deep vein thrombosis), the local docs have assured me I should continue taking warfarin for the rest of my life. Nuts! I hate having blood draws all of the time for that.

    I've felt a little guilty while waiting for my gyn/onc appointments-there are so many women there who are apparently so much more involved with fighting the disease than me. It does give me more resolution to get the word out about OVCA!

    Bonnie and Monika, I really appreciate your input. I've hung around the board a long time, and you two have always been there to put in a good word for everyone. Thanks again.

    Sue

Discussion Boards