Recurrence confirmed

Mawty
Mawty Member Posts: 133
edited March 2014 in Ovarian Cancer #1
Well, I definitely have a recurrence and will go back on chemo -- doxil and carbo. I have to have a new port put in because the last one got infected. I also have to have my heart checked before I go on the doxil. I guess that's routine.

I took a day off work to get my head back on straight. I know so many of you ladies have had recurrences or have never had a remission. My remission was just six months. I was really hoping for a longer time.

I guess I'll just be fighting this from now on with no chance of another remission per my oncologist. I guess my fight really has to be on now. But right now I'm just tired. I know I'll get strong agaqin.

Bless all you wonderful ladies. You're my inspiration. And my faith in God.

Marty

Comments

  • BonnieR
    BonnieR Member Posts: 1,526 Member
    #2
    Hugs
    Dear Marty, sorry to hear the news and lots of hugs n prayers coming your way. May this next combination put you in remission. Glad you took a day for yourself to regroup, we need that sometimes. And know that oncologists aren't always right; if they were I would have died in sometime after 01-26-06. God Bless

    Bonnie
  • groundeffect
    groundeffect Member Posts: 639 Member
    #3
    Live long...
    Dear Marty,

    While I'm sorry to hear about the confirmed recurrence, it really doesn't mean the end of the road by a long shot. During my time with my local support group I've met too many women who have been given "no chance of remission", only to have another rabbit pulled out of a hat by an oncologist that proves to be something helpful.

    Take the time you need for rest, and I'm sure you'll regroup and start to feel better!

    Sue
  • Hissy_Fitz
    Hissy_Fitz Member Posts: 1,834
    #4
    groundeffect said:

    Live long...
    Dear Marty,

    While I'm sorry to hear about the confirmed recurrence, it really doesn't mean the end of the road by a long shot. During my time with my local support group I've met too many women who have been given "no chance of remission", only to have another rabbit pulled out of a hat by an oncologist that proves to be something helpful.

    Take the time you need for rest, and I'm sure you'll regroup and start to feel better!

    Sue

    "No chance"...
    That sounds like fightin' words to me. I don't care what anyone says......my attitude is "screw you, Cancer" and I will NEVER give up. I hope you don't, either.

    Carlene

    PS.....nothing gives me more pleasure than proving someone wrong when they give me one of those "no way" comments. I consider it a personal challenge!
  • nancy591
    nancy591 Member Posts: 1,027 Member
    #5
    not the end!
    I too am in my first reoccurence after an 8 month remission. I am nowhere near the end in my fight! My 2 young boys need me. I started Doxil Jan. 4th along with Saundra. At least I think Saundra started. Keep us updated and read the information on Doxils website. Good information there about infusing Doxil and icing your hands and feet. Where is your reoccurence?
  • Mawty
    Mawty Member Posts: 133
    #6
    nancy591 said:

    not the end!
    I too am in my first reoccurence after an 8 month remission. I am nowhere near the end in my fight! My 2 young boys need me. I started Doxil Jan. 4th along with Saundra. At least I think Saundra started. Keep us updated and read the information on Doxils website. Good information there about infusing Doxil and icing your hands and feet. Where is your reoccurence?

    not the end
    Hi Nancy,

    My recurrence is where the omentum USED to be, kind of all over and then one spot in the lower-right quadrant. A good thing is that my organs looks clean. I will definitely look at the Doxil site.

    Thank you all for your kind replies. I'm getting my fighting gear ready and will fight this just like you all. Nancy, where is your recurrence? Are you doing okay on the doxil? I have to have my heart tested to see if I can take it or not -- that's next week. I'm leaving in a few minutes to see the surgeon, although the oncologist already said surgery won't be possible.

    Blessings!

    Marty
  • nancy591
    nancy591 Member Posts: 1,027 Member
    #7
    Mawty said:

    not the end
    Hi Nancy,

    My recurrence is where the omentum USED to be, kind of all over and then one spot in the lower-right quadrant. A good thing is that my organs looks clean. I will definitely look at the Doxil site.

    Thank you all for your kind replies. I'm getting my fighting gear ready and will fight this just like you all. Nancy, where is your recurrence? Are you doing okay on the doxil? I have to have my heart tested to see if I can take it or not -- that's next week. I'm leaving in a few minutes to see the surgeon, although the oncologist already said surgery won't be possible.

    Blessings!

    Marty

    one spot on my colon, by the transverse colon. Oncologist and surgeon said it was unusual to have only one spot and that most people get a 'sprinkling' of areas like you did. My organs were good as well. I had a MUGGA scan prior to starting and a mediport placed for the chemo treatments. My surgeon told me that surgery wasn't necessary for me and that it wasn't proven to be of a benefit. Now if it was a quality of life issue, like having pain from a bowel obstruction, then surgery would be an option for pallative measures. I only had one round of Doxil thus far. I am paranoid about the blistering like Kayondok has. I was told I will be on Doxil indefinately .. in other words until it stops working. I was shocked!! But, I am grateful. I am grateful that I feel good (and look great). I am grateful I am an active part of my kids daily lives. Finally, I am grateful that I've been given the opportunity to stay at home and not have to worry about working (I never thought that would be possible). I try to be grateful for these blessings.
    Good luck with your visit today and lets keep in touch!
    Nancy
  • 1wishmaker
    1wishmaker Member Posts: 3
    #8
    Like you I was told on New Years Eve that the "DLP" (dirty little pig) is back after just 6 months...my heart broke all over again. Honestly, it was just like day one when I heard those words we don't like to repeat.
    Were you offered Avastin?
    I think your oncologist was trying to tell you what mine has told me from the beginning...
    that I need to understand this is a "chronic disease" which means, there's a recliner here with my name on it...
  • Mawty
    Mawty Member Posts: 133
    #9
    1wishmaker said:

    Like you I was told on New Years Eve that the "DLP" (dirty little pig) is back after just 6 months...my heart broke all over again. Honestly, it was just like day one when I heard those words we don't like to repeat.
    Were you offered Avastin?
    I think your oncologist was trying to tell you what mine has told me from the beginning...
    that I need to understand this is a "chronic disease" which means, there's a recliner here with my name on it...

    Avastin
    Yes, I had 7 rounds of Avastin the first time around with carboplatin and taxol. I'm sorry you had a recurrence.

    Marty
  • saundra
    saundra Member Posts: 1,370 Member
    #10
    More Hugs
    I sure don't want to welcome you, Marty, into our growing group. Seems like we have had a lot of the same news lately. When will you start? Doxil has been pretty hard on this old body of mine. I think the blood counts are down pretty good by the way I feel. Carbo did bring my numbers down though (4 doses I got in). Faith and friendship of these ladies are my mainstays. Prayers coming your way. Saundra
  • Mawty
    Mawty Member Posts: 133
    #11
    saundra said:

    More Hugs
    I sure don't want to welcome you, Marty, into our growing group. Seems like we have had a lot of the same news lately. When will you start? Doxil has been pretty hard on this old body of mine. I think the blood counts are down pretty good by the way I feel. Carbo did bring my numbers down though (4 doses I got in). Faith and friendship of these ladies are my mainstays. Prayers coming your way. Saundra

    Saundra
    Hi Saundra,

    I have to have the Muga scan next Tuesday and then if my heart looks good I'll start on the Doxil on the following Tuesday. After reading all that you and others have been through with Doxil, I certainly am not looking forward to it. And, you're right, it does seem as though several of us are have recurrences. I'm so glad to have all the ladies here and hope I can be an inspiration to others as they come on the board. I know you're an inspiration to me, Saundra.

    Blessings,

    Marty
  • kayandok
    kayandok Member Posts: 1,202 Member
    #12
    Mawty said:

    Saundra
    Hi Saundra,

    I have to have the Muga scan next Tuesday and then if my heart looks good I'll start on the Doxil on the following Tuesday. After reading all that you and others have been through with Doxil, I certainly am not looking forward to it. And, you're right, it does seem as though several of us are have recurrences. I'm so glad to have all the ladies here and hope I can be an inspiration to others as they come on the board. I know you're an inspiration to me, Saundra.

    Blessings,

    Marty

    Hi Marty,
    So sorry you have to go through this. When I get the bad news, it takes me a good day or so to digest it all. I then climb off my "pity pot" and keep going. What else can we do???!!!

    BTW, my blisters didn't show up until after the 4th dose. If you are careful not to over-do and soak in ice water etc when your hands and feet stat to get red/hot you should be fine. I was good until the 3rd dose, but got a little over-confident and got on an airplane after the 4th dose, silly me, went to the States for a week, did some shopping etc etc. I think I learned my lesson.

    My CA is holding for the last three months and now after a couple week delay, and feet are healed up, I am back on the doxil at a lower dose, and if I am ok this cycle, the doc will be adding the carbo in. So we will be on the same treatment.

    Take care,
    kathleen:)
  • Mawty
    Mawty Member Posts: 133
    #13
    kayandok said:

    Hi Marty,
    So sorry you have to go through this. When I get the bad news, it takes me a good day or so to digest it all. I then climb off my "pity pot" and keep going. What else can we do???!!!

    BTW, my blisters didn't show up until after the 4th dose. If you are careful not to over-do and soak in ice water etc when your hands and feet stat to get red/hot you should be fine. I was good until the 3rd dose, but got a little over-confident and got on an airplane after the 4th dose, silly me, went to the States for a week, did some shopping etc etc. I think I learned my lesson.

    My CA is holding for the last three months and now after a couple week delay, and feet are healed up, I am back on the doxil at a lower dose, and if I am ok this cycle, the doc will be adding the carbo in. So we will be on the same treatment.

    Take care,
    kathleen:)

    Hi Kathleen,

    You're so right, a day or two of oh poor me, and then it's back to what's important -- the fight. And I'm ready. I'm listening to what you ladies are saying about Doxil and am going to do my best to have great respect for the drug and keep my hands and feet iced. The oncology nurse called me and said I could bring my own ice packs, but the first time I'll use theirs to see what they use. I'm thinking an ice-pack mitten and ice-pack slipper would be helpful! Maybe we should come up with something like that!

    I hope your chemo takes care of the cooties and puts them back on disability or just eradicates them. (My friend who has breast cancer calls the cancer cells cooties.)

    Blessings!

    Marty
  • saundra
    saundra Member Posts: 1,370 Member
    #14
    Mawty said:

    Saundra
    Hi Saundra,

    I have to have the Muga scan next Tuesday and then if my heart looks good I'll start on the Doxil on the following Tuesday. After reading all that you and others have been through with Doxil, I certainly am not looking forward to it. And, you're right, it does seem as though several of us are have recurrences. I'm so glad to have all the ladies here and hope I can be an inspiration to others as they come on the board. I know you're an inspiration to me, Saundra.

    Blessings,

    Marty

    Doxil
    I have had two doses of Doxil with little effect one year apart. The worst one was given with carboplatin but I was coming off the bout of diverticulitis. This time I had Doxil alone, but also diverticulitis and I think that made me sicker. So don't judge by me.... Saundra
  • Mwee
    Mwee Member Posts: 1,338
    #15
    Me too
    Hi Marty,

    I'm in recurrance also...... I was lucky enough to enjoy 3 1/2 years NED after being diagnosed 3C and rounds of carbo/taxol. I start my chemo tomorrow and I'm ready to kick butt.
    ((((HUGS)))) Maria
  • zinaida
    zinaida Member Posts: 221
    #16
    Mwee said:

    Me too
    Hi Marty,

    I'm in recurrance also...... I was lucky enough to enjoy 3 1/2 years NED after being diagnosed 3C and rounds of carbo/taxol. I start my chemo tomorrow and I'm ready to kick butt.
    ((((HUGS)))) Maria

    Me too
    Recurrance first time, after last chemo - 2 years and 2 month. Back on chemo 01-12-10, Carboplatin + Gemnzar.CA-125: sept-16,oct-19,nov-29,dec-633,jan-826. Will see on 01-19-10, if will go down after first chemo. I was diagnost with ovarian cancer 2c and breast cancer stage 1 same time 02-14-07.I am BRCA1 positiv. I am russian, my spelling not good.Please excuse me. But Ladys lets fight this monster. Be strong, with best wishes, Zina.
  • LPack
    LPack Member Posts: 645
    #17
    Sorry, Marty, mine came back too she says in less then a month, I say a little more - but who is really counting??

    Mine came back in rectosigmoid junction. No other place and organs clean.

    Time soon for scans.

    Faith in God, what would we do without Him?

    Love,
    Libby
  • upsofloating
    upsofloating Member Posts: 466 Member
    #18
    coming over from uterine cancer site
    Hi All, This is my first post to ovarian site.

    I have UPSC, stage IV grade 3, dx debulking surgery 1/08 followed by taxol/carbo x 6; as well as breast cancer, dx 6/93 w/radical surgery, chemo, recurr in '99, br ca-free since.

    Positve CT/PET and incr ca125 Feb '09, resolved spontaneously by 5/09. New positive CT/PET (differnt nodes) Sept '09 and positive (UPSC) para aorta lymph node biopsy 10/09.

    I also will be starting Doxil next week. It is helpful to be able to share experiences as we fight this insidous invader.

    It's terrible that we have to meet this way but I'm glad I have found you all.
    Keep on, keeping on!
    Annette
  • Mawty
    Mawty Member Posts: 133
    #19
    upsofloating said:

    coming over from uterine cancer site
    Hi All, This is my first post to ovarian site.

    I have UPSC, stage IV grade 3, dx debulking surgery 1/08 followed by taxol/carbo x 6; as well as breast cancer, dx 6/93 w/radical surgery, chemo, recurr in '99, br ca-free since.

    Positve CT/PET and incr ca125 Feb '09, resolved spontaneously by 5/09. New positive CT/PET (differnt nodes) Sept '09 and positive (UPSC) para aorta lymph node biopsy 10/09.

    I also will be starting Doxil next week. It is helpful to be able to share experiences as we fight this insidous invader.

    It's terrible that we have to meet this way but I'm glad I have found you all.
    Keep on, keeping on!
    Annette

    Hi Annette
    I start Doxil on Tuesday if the Muga scan test is okay. I should know about that tomorrow. I'd love to hear how you do on the Doxil. I'll let you know how I do. I'll also be taking carboplatin, will you?

    Marty
  • nancy591
    nancy591 Member Posts: 1,027 Member
    #20
    upsofloating said:

    coming over from uterine cancer site
    Hi All, This is my first post to ovarian site.

    I have UPSC, stage IV grade 3, dx debulking surgery 1/08 followed by taxol/carbo x 6; as well as breast cancer, dx 6/93 w/radical surgery, chemo, recurr in '99, br ca-free since.

    Positve CT/PET and incr ca125 Feb '09, resolved spontaneously by 5/09. New positive CT/PET (differnt nodes) Sept '09 and positive (UPSC) para aorta lymph node biopsy 10/09.

    I also will be starting Doxil next week. It is helpful to be able to share experiences as we fight this insidous invader.

    It's terrible that we have to meet this way but I'm glad I have found you all.
    Keep on, keeping on!
    Annette

    resolved spontaneously, isn't that interesting! Any ideas how or why? What was your ca15 and where was the reoccurence?
    I too just started Doxil for my first reoccurence after an 8month remission. My second dose will be Monday 1/25. I am not taking any other meds in conjunction with the Doxil.

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