Living with Cancer?

bindis79
bindis79 Member Posts: 1
edited March 2014 in Ovarian Cancer #1
Hello,
My mom was recently diagnosed with ovarian cancer 2 months back. She has since undergone 3 chemos and the doctors are suggesting an operation to remove her ovaries, uterus and fallopian tubes next week. Her CA 125 was 1150 before her chemotherapy began and it is now down to 13.5. The oncologist said that she has shown good response and we are hopeful. Her cancer is at stage IIIB.
We know that the chemo has helped bring her CA 125 levels but I was wondering if she would have to undergo chemo her whole life to maintain these levels down? Will this level go back up once her chemo stops?
Also she has terrible side effects like peripheral neuropathy after the chemo. Any suggestions as to how to minimize the same?
Thanks,
Bindi

Comments

  • saundra
    saundra Member Posts: 1,370 Member
    #2
    You can click on my picture and read my history of Stage IV. My suggestions are; Only have a gyn/onc do the surgery. It's called "debulking" and they try to get everything they can see. It is major surgery but the survival time is much longer if done by a gyn/onc than just a gyn/ob type surgeon or general. My CA125 dropped rapidly too, with the first 4 chemos before surgery. Secondly, I took Vit. B-6 and L-glutamine for the prevention of neuopathy daily and had very little problem with it. Thirdly, there will be chemo breaks and the length of time cannot be predicted as everyone is different in response. Don't jump ahead and worry about months down the line. Start thinking positively and living today. That's my 2 cents... Takecare and check back often. We are a lot of experienced ladies and willing to share but we can't predict the future. (((Hugs))) Saundra
  • jane65
    jane65 Member Posts: 277
    #3
    Bindi
    Hi Bindi,
    I'm so sorry about your Mom's diagnosis, I'm sure it's been very hard on you as well as Mom. She's so blessed to have such a caring daughter by her side.
    Saundra had excellent advice for you, I can't add anything to it.
    Take care of yourself, and please feel comfortable coming to this board for any help or support you or Mom need.
    Jane
  • mopar
    mopar Member Posts: 1,972 Member
    #4
    HI BINDI
    And welcome. Sorry that you and your Mom are going through this, but how wonderful that she has you to be by her side!

    Great advice from the other great ladies here. I strongly suggest a gynecologic oncologist for the surgery as well. This is their specialty and they know what and where to look. I had a complete hysterectomy in 2000, including omentum and some lymph nodes. In 2006 they removed a small mass in the same area, and more lymph nodes, and I requested that my appendix be removed. All lymph nodes where clear!

    As to the CA125 numbers, they can fluctuate for a variety of reasons, not just cancer. Even a simple virus or stress can cause it to go up. For me, my numbers were more telling than symptoms and lack of other evidence. It was the consistent rise (and not going down again) that alerted my doctor to do surgery again, thus my recurrance, and additional chemo. So where or not your Mom's level will go up without chemo is something none of us can say. Just take one day at a time.

    I used L-glutamine and B-6 for neuropathy also. It worked very well. Prior to that I was in such pain in my arms, hands and feet. Today I don't have any lasting effects of neuropathy and I'm very grateful.

    My thoughts and prayers are with you both, and your family. It sounds like your Mom is getting good care and they are being diligent. Hold on to your faith and eachother and just live each day to the fullest. I've learned not only to take one day at a time, but one MOMENT at a time if need be. Keep us informed.

    Luv, Hugs and Prayers!
    Monika
  • BonnieR
    BonnieR Member Posts: 1,526 Member
    #5
    Welcome
    Dear Bindi,

    I can only imagine how hard this has been for all of you, but what wonderful results she has already had with just chemo. One never knows if chemo is for the rest of our life or if we will have a remission. Your mom just could have remission.. but whatever the outcome she can still live life to the fullest.

    Sending lots of prayers ♥ hugs ♥ hope your way. Bonnie
  • Bstrange
    Bstrange Member Posts: 87
    #6
    Same diagnosis
    I had Stage IV B. I also had a Gyn/Onc do surgery and the debulking. That was 2 years ago. I've had to have 2 bouts of chemo. I finished my last one 2 weeks ago and I feel wonderful except for feeling like gnats are biting me. (which they might be :). As far as undergoing chemo it just depends on the numbers. I know people that never had to do it again and others that one more time did it, and others who go back and forth. I also had some neuropathy but it passed in a few days. My doctor gave me an anti-anxiety drug and I took it at night to help me sleep. It did.

    Tell your mom to think positive! It will be okay. Let God do the future you just stay in the present.

    Barbara

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