new here

My doctors said just the opposite
My doctors (PCP and Gyn/Oncologist) both said that Ovarian Cancer is not particularly aggressive. My tumor (softball-sized) was probably over a year old when I was diagnosed (stage IIIc). It is, unfortunately, a type of Cancer that is very persistent. Most of us (80%) have a really good response to first-line chemo - even achieving remission. But of that 80%, most will suffer a recurrence within 12 months.

That is not to say that there aren't a lot of women who live 10 or more years with OVAC. There are. But the majority have to undergo multiple rounds of chemo.

I was more than a little depressed when I received my diagnosis. I was devastated. Although I have completed my initial round of chemo and am technically in remission, I still feel like I am waiting for the other shoe to drop. I don't know how long that feeling will last. I only know that you have come to the right place for support and information. The ladies here are remarkable. The camaraderie is nothing short of awesome.

Carlene

ritasgirl said:

Thank you for your response,
Thank you for your response, and after looking around at all the posts and responses I do see what you mean by remarkable ladies with a wonderful variety of knowledge and encouragement.. Bless you.

Welcome Ritasgirl
I'm so sorry about your Mom's diagnosis. My Mom also was diagnosed in Jan with Ovarian cancer, stage IV, and has been in the hospital ever since with major complications. Her oncologist has said that her cancer is too far advanced to perform any sort of debulking surgery. She had massive amounts of pleural effusion(fluid around the lungs) and had drains in for about 3 weeks. She is on a regimen of Taxol/Carboplatin for one day every 3 weeks. She was due to have her 3rd round almost two weeks ago but had a problem with her red blood count and platelets so they had to postpone. They should hopefully start up again next week.

I know how you feel about wanting to be there for our moms. I work long hours about an hour away from my house and then the hospital is 45 minutes away. I spend alot of time with Mom and when I can't be there, I spend alot of time on the phone with her. When she gets out, she is going to need 24 hour care along with rehab to strengthen her muscles from being bed ridden for so long. I deal with guilt constantly that I cannot be her primary caregiver since I have to work. I also have 3 other siblings that are in the same boat as me.

We are in the process of getting her Medicaid so we can get her into an assisted living facility. That in itself is a major challenge...The paperwork takes about 10 hours to fill out and then extra time just to go and get it processed. It is exhausting.

On a lighter note... Mom's health is increasing every day. About a month ago, I was not so hopeful. Everyone, including the doctors did not think she was going to make it to see spring. Well, April showers have a whole new meaning for me!!!!

I tell her about my conversations from this website all the time and it truly gives her hope.

Our Moms are remarkable women. The best thing we can give them is emotional support.

This is not an easy process for anyone and there will be some rough times ahead. It does get easier. Please feel free to post any questions you have along the way.

Hugs and Prayers,
Allison

ritasgirl said:

Thank you for your response,
Thank you for your response, and after looking around at all the posts and responses I do see what you mean by remarkable ladies with a wonderful variety of knowledge and encouragement.. Bless you.

lots of good time ahead
Hi RG,
Welcome to the boards. I’ve been caring for my mother since Feb 09. Now at age 79, I think she’s about the oldest lady being reported on here. She made it though all 6 rounds of first-line chemo, then held steady with a good quality of life for 6 months. There have been complications and now we’re in wait- and-see mode. I guess what I’m telling you is that you have plenty of good time ahead to share with your Mom.

Having 4 kids is probably like living 750 miles away (my situation). Throughout Mom’s chemo, I took care of her during her “bad weeks” – roughly days 3-10 after she received her chemo, with 1 being infusion day. If I were you, I’d get out the calendar and start freeing up caregiver time during those days, especially days 3-7.

My daughter and I took Mom to be fitted for a wig before she lost her hair. Look for one that looks a lot like her normal style. When Mom’s hair started coming out in gobs, her stylist shaved her head and styled the wig, and she left looking like a million bucks.

Caring for your mother can be a very unique and extremely rewarding experience for both of you. It’s great that you were close before all this happened, but you ain’t seen nothing yet. While she’s in treatment, you will have loads of opportunities to love your mother in ways you never imagined.