Mom just diagnosed with stage 4 ovarian cancer, I'm her son.
Comments
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Second opinions?...Monieschild said:Keep fighting Rick
I just wanted to relay my story about my Mother diagnosed in Oct 2004 with Stage IV Ovarian Cancer. We were so uninformed at the time about the fact that some women do survive for long periods of time. We were offered no hope only treatment that might extend life for a short period. We opted to fight until all therapy was exhausted. Well long story short, my Mom is not only alive but has a fantastic quality of life! We had surgery, eight rounds of chemotherapy, a little over a year of no cancer activity, then some cancer activity, more therapy, and we are almost on the two year mark of no activity again. We shop, she does all of her housework, cooks, it is almost as if she never had cancer. I did take her to MDAnderson two times for second opinions and they were wonderful.
Hi Rick! Please, forgive me for bad spelling, I am russian. I am happy for you and your Mother! Thuambs up! I like to know, if your Mother benefit from second opinions of MDAnderson. I read about them alot good things. I am thinking about second opinion from them for me. I live in Wisconsin, will be not easy to make it . I wish you and your Mom be strong and God bless you both. Sinserely, Zina.0 -
VERY emotional day!
First I would like to say thank you guys for all your posts! They have helped me tremendously! Well, yesterday morning (6 days after first chemo) my mom woke up with severe abdominal and leg pain, so much so that my sister called 911. The paramedics said that it looked as if she was having a reaction caused by her recent chemo treatments. Around 5:30 am she was admitted into the hospital. They took vitals and all that as well as a stool sample. Today I got a call saying that all the immediate family members need to come asap. I cant lie I lost it. All I was thinking is this is it. I fought thru the tears in order to call my sister and wife and a few close friends. Long story short the doctor informed us that mom had an infection in her intestines and her white blood cells were very low. He did confirm that the low cell count was from the chemo and the infection was from the poor immune system. We have only just begun this journey with cancer and I feel like a truck has run me over. Its been 11 days or so since we got the news and already I have experienced more emotion than sometimes I can handle. Dont get me wrong, I am so thankful to God because it has brought my family closer together, made my faith stronger and has caused me to experience God like I never have before. Also I have met the most wonderful, inspiring people right here on this website! I will keep everyone posted and thank you for sharing this journey with me, God keep all of us.0 -
So sorry......Collins414 said:VERY emotional day!
First I would like to say thank you guys for all your posts! They have helped me tremendously! Well, yesterday morning (6 days after first chemo) my mom woke up with severe abdominal and leg pain, so much so that my sister called 911. The paramedics said that it looked as if she was having a reaction caused by her recent chemo treatments. Around 5:30 am she was admitted into the hospital. They took vitals and all that as well as a stool sample. Today I got a call saying that all the immediate family members need to come asap. I cant lie I lost it. All I was thinking is this is it. I fought thru the tears in order to call my sister and wife and a few close friends. Long story short the doctor informed us that mom had an infection in her intestines and her white blood cells were very low. He did confirm that the low cell count was from the chemo and the infection was from the poor immune system. We have only just begun this journey with cancer and I feel like a truck has run me over. Its been 11 days or so since we got the news and already I have experienced more emotion than sometimes I can handle. Dont get me wrong, I am so thankful to God because it has brought my family closer together, made my faith stronger and has caused me to experience God like I never have before. Also I have met the most wonderful, inspiring people right here on this website! I will keep everyone posted and thank you for sharing this journey with me, God keep all of us.
The chemo treatments more often than not play havoc with both red and white blood cells. My white count was .9 last week and I had to postpone my root canal yet again, but yesterday it was 1.7 and my chemo went as scheduled.
A week after chemo treatment, the body's white cells are apt to be very low, but they should rally before her next treatment. Hopefully, they can treat the infection with antibiotics and get her back on her feet again.
I know this is tough on your family, but most of us only have to endure 6 initial sessions of chemo. And the good news is, the first ones are usually the worst.
Just a suggestion.......while your mom is doing chemo she needs to stay away from crowds, small children, and anyone who has so much as a sniffle. She may have to resort to handing out surgical masks to visitors and wearing one herself, but that's okay. And lots of hand-washing. It is VERY important. Especially for anyone preparing/touching her food.0 -
O my dear, I am so sory...Collins414 said:VERY emotional day!
First I would like to say thank you guys for all your posts! They have helped me tremendously! Well, yesterday morning (6 days after first chemo) my mom woke up with severe abdominal and leg pain, so much so that my sister called 911. The paramedics said that it looked as if she was having a reaction caused by her recent chemo treatments. Around 5:30 am she was admitted into the hospital. They took vitals and all that as well as a stool sample. Today I got a call saying that all the immediate family members need to come asap. I cant lie I lost it. All I was thinking is this is it. I fought thru the tears in order to call my sister and wife and a few close friends. Long story short the doctor informed us that mom had an infection in her intestines and her white blood cells were very low. He did confirm that the low cell count was from the chemo and the infection was from the poor immune system. We have only just begun this journey with cancer and I feel like a truck has run me over. Its been 11 days or so since we got the news and already I have experienced more emotion than sometimes I can handle. Dont get me wrong, I am so thankful to God because it has brought my family closer together, made my faith stronger and has caused me to experience God like I never have before. Also I have met the most wonderful, inspiring people right here on this website! I will keep everyone posted and thank you for sharing this journey with me, God keep all of us.
I ask God to help you and your Mom. Lets hope she will fight it and become stronger again. Wiyh best wishes, Zina.0 -
Prayers coming your wayCollins414 said:VERY emotional day!
First I would like to say thank you guys for all your posts! They have helped me tremendously! Well, yesterday morning (6 days after first chemo) my mom woke up with severe abdominal and leg pain, so much so that my sister called 911. The paramedics said that it looked as if she was having a reaction caused by her recent chemo treatments. Around 5:30 am she was admitted into the hospital. They took vitals and all that as well as a stool sample. Today I got a call saying that all the immediate family members need to come asap. I cant lie I lost it. All I was thinking is this is it. I fought thru the tears in order to call my sister and wife and a few close friends. Long story short the doctor informed us that mom had an infection in her intestines and her white blood cells were very low. He did confirm that the low cell count was from the chemo and the infection was from the poor immune system. We have only just begun this journey with cancer and I feel like a truck has run me over. Its been 11 days or so since we got the news and already I have experienced more emotion than sometimes I can handle. Dont get me wrong, I am so thankful to God because it has brought my family closer together, made my faith stronger and has caused me to experience God like I never have before. Also I have met the most wonderful, inspiring people right here on this website! I will keep everyone posted and thank you for sharing this journey with me, God keep all of us.
I will send a prayer up for your mother to have an extra portion of healing. This is unfortunate but there is still hope. I am glad that your sister called 911. Saundra0 -
Praying for Pearlsaundra said:Prayers coming your way
I will send a prayer up for your mother to have an extra portion of healing. This is unfortunate but there is still hope. I am glad that your sister called 911. Saundra
Hello, I pray that Pearl will get better quickly. I'm so sorry to hear about this. I'm praying for you and your family also. May God hold you close and give you peace.
Blessings,
Marty0 -
Very Positive Update.Mawty said:Praying for Pearl
Hello, I pray that Pearl will get better quickly. I'm so sorry to hear about this. I'm praying for you and your family also. May God hold you close and give you peace.
Blessings,
Marty
Hello to all my dear friends. Sorry its been so long since my last update on my mom. Well after nine chemo treatments my moms ca125 (In the beginning over 1200) is 69! The fluid that was surrounding her heart and lungs has no longer been a problem. I am so grateful for all the prayers and words of encouragement! It has been an up and down journey so far. Even now mom is not exactly "bouncing off the walls" but praise God she is still alive!! If you remember the doctors said she would be lucky to see another 3 months of life, BUT GOD! They also originally told us that surgery (hysterectomy) was not an option, but now she has surgery scheduled for the 23rd of this month(pending a clearance from her cardiologist). I hope everyone that has been keeping up with my mom is doing well. Please drop a post to say hello. I love you guys, lets all continue to pray and stay POSITIVE!0 -
I am so happy to see yourCollins414 said:Very Positive Update.
Hello to all my dear friends. Sorry its been so long since my last update on my mom. Well after nine chemo treatments my moms ca125 (In the beginning over 1200) is 69! The fluid that was surrounding her heart and lungs has no longer been a problem. I am so grateful for all the prayers and words of encouragement! It has been an up and down journey so far. Even now mom is not exactly "bouncing off the walls" but praise God she is still alive!! If you remember the doctors said she would be lucky to see another 3 months of life, BUT GOD! They also originally told us that surgery (hysterectomy) was not an option, but now she has surgery scheduled for the 23rd of this month(pending a clearance from her cardiologist). I hope everyone that has been keeping up with my mom is doing well. Please drop a post to say hello. I love you guys, lets all continue to pray and stay POSITIVE!
I am so happy to see your post!! Thank you for updating, I have been watching for one. Your Mom is doing amazing, thanks to God and all the prayers and her wonderful family. May she and all of you keep going in that good direction. I will keep her in mind on the 23rd, please let us know how she does. And take care of YOU, too. HUgs to your family, Cindy0 -
Hallelujah AmenCindy54 said:I am so happy to see your
I am so happy to see your post!! Thank you for updating, I have been watching for one. Your Mom is doing amazing, thanks to God and all the prayers and her wonderful family. May she and all of you keep going in that good direction. I will keep her in mind on the 23rd, please let us know how she does. And take care of YOU, too. HUgs to your family, Cindy
Amazing.....I am so happy for you and your mother...right now, my mother is experiencing a remission....that she was told would never happen...I think this board is magic...I swear it's because of all the prayers from this site..0 -
GladCollins414 said:Very Positive Update.
Hello to all my dear friends. Sorry its been so long since my last update on my mom. Well after nine chemo treatments my moms ca125 (In the beginning over 1200) is 69! The fluid that was surrounding her heart and lungs has no longer been a problem. I am so grateful for all the prayers and words of encouragement! It has been an up and down journey so far. Even now mom is not exactly "bouncing off the walls" but praise God she is still alive!! If you remember the doctors said she would be lucky to see another 3 months of life, BUT GOD! They also originally told us that surgery (hysterectomy) was not an option, but now she has surgery scheduled for the 23rd of this month(pending a clearance from her cardiologist). I hope everyone that has been keeping up with my mom is doing well. Please drop a post to say hello. I love you guys, lets all continue to pray and stay POSITIVE!
I am so glad tht your mom is doing so much better, that her CA125 has come down and the fluid is no longer a problem. Positive thinking, prayers and alot of love are some of the best sources of the healing process.
My thoughts and prayers are with your Mom.
Dinora0 -
Hi,
Oh Thank God!
I am so
Hi,
Oh Thank God!
I am so glad to hear the good news.
Don't expect life to get back to how it was before cancer. But your mom's life will become enriched over time. She'll have a wonderful but a different life that's all. This will be an up and down journey for you and your mom. We have all been there.
I am howling when you said the oncologists gave your mom only 3 months to survive. They told me this also...is this just a standard number or something they draw from a hat? LOL! I am now living with this cancer 3yrs and 1 month.
And do not let your mother sit in a corner and wallow in sadness, pity and fear (at least for not too long), because she has every right to feel these emotions, but if she is the strong woman she apparently appears to be, she'll pull out of it live life like she's never lived it before. And then you'll have to BEG her to sit down. LOL! It's a process she must go through spiritually to heal, but it takes time. I have to say I did not begin to feel like myself, physically or spiritually until about the 2 year mark (maybe 2 and 1/2 years).
Now at 53, I received my first tattoo. I've skydived, I completed training to be a volunteer in the "ACS Look Good Feel Better" program, I'm getting ready to take professional horse-riding lessons and a CPS course as well... life is not over until it's over. In the meantime again, I am so happy for this positive news.
I will continue to pray for your mom.
Love,
Sharon
P.S. How could I forget? I'm also preparing to go to Germany in August lord willing (I'm soooo excited).0 -
Wonderful news!Collins414 said:Very Positive Update.
Hello to all my dear friends. Sorry its been so long since my last update on my mom. Well after nine chemo treatments my moms ca125 (In the beginning over 1200) is 69! The fluid that was surrounding her heart and lungs has no longer been a problem. I am so grateful for all the prayers and words of encouragement! It has been an up and down journey so far. Even now mom is not exactly "bouncing off the walls" but praise God she is still alive!! If you remember the doctors said she would be lucky to see another 3 months of life, BUT GOD! They also originally told us that surgery (hysterectomy) was not an option, but now she has surgery scheduled for the 23rd of this month(pending a clearance from her cardiologist). I hope everyone that has been keeping up with my mom is doing well. Please drop a post to say hello. I love you guys, lets all continue to pray and stay POSITIVE!
What terrific progress your beautiful Mom has made. Chemo is a tough road, but it can do wonderous things. I'm so pleased for all of you.
(((HUGS))) Maria0 -
WONDERFUL NEWS!!!!
Oh, Rick!!
I am sooo very happy to read the update on your mom!!
It just goes to show, that no matter what anybody says, or what statistics say, we can and will beat this thing.
Please tell your mother that she is an inspiration to all of us, and never give up hope!
and have those ice chips ready when she wakes up from surgery :-)
~Susan xoxo0 -
Dear Rick,Susan523 said:WONDERFUL NEWS!!!!
Oh, Rick!!
I am sooo very happy to read the update on your mom!!
It just goes to show, that no matter what anybody says, or what statistics say, we can and will beat this thing.
Please tell your mother that she is an inspiration to all of us, and never give up hope!
and have those ice chips ready when she wakes up from surgery :-)
~Susan xoxo
thank you for updating us on the good news!!
Blessing to you and your dear mom,
kathleen:)0 -
Hi RickCollins414 said:Very Positive Update.
Hello to all my dear friends. Sorry its been so long since my last update on my mom. Well after nine chemo treatments my moms ca125 (In the beginning over 1200) is 69! The fluid that was surrounding her heart and lungs has no longer been a problem. I am so grateful for all the prayers and words of encouragement! It has been an up and down journey so far. Even now mom is not exactly "bouncing off the walls" but praise God she is still alive!! If you remember the doctors said she would be lucky to see another 3 months of life, BUT GOD! They also originally told us that surgery (hysterectomy) was not an option, but now she has surgery scheduled for the 23rd of this month(pending a clearance from her cardiologist). I hope everyone that has been keeping up with my mom is doing well. Please drop a post to say hello. I love you guys, lets all continue to pray and stay POSITIVE!
I have just been reading this thread and feel so emotional. Your mum's experiences are so similar to mine. I had fluid around my lungs but my cancer is slightly different to the other ladies. It is Primary Peritoneal Cancer. It is the same tissue type as ovarian as it is treated in the same way and has similar symptoms.
My experience of oncologists are they always paint the very worse picture and very rarely give a positive view or outcome. I am stage 4 as I had cancer cells in the fluid around my lungs - as I guess your mum is, but I was diagnosed last Nov and am still here. I have had 6 rounds of chemo and have finished. My CA125 is 65 (it was 1119) at diagnosis.
I am so pleased your mum is still with you and that she is allowed to have surgery as this will give her a great advantage with the cancer.
I hope things continue to improve and boy what a rollercoaster of a ride have you had in a short space of time.
Tina x0 -
Good newsCollins414 said:Very Positive Update.
Hello to all my dear friends. Sorry its been so long since my last update on my mom. Well after nine chemo treatments my moms ca125 (In the beginning over 1200) is 69! The fluid that was surrounding her heart and lungs has no longer been a problem. I am so grateful for all the prayers and words of encouragement! It has been an up and down journey so far. Even now mom is not exactly "bouncing off the walls" but praise God she is still alive!! If you remember the doctors said she would be lucky to see another 3 months of life, BUT GOD! They also originally told us that surgery (hysterectomy) was not an option, but now she has surgery scheduled for the 23rd of this month(pending a clearance from her cardiologist). I hope everyone that has been keeping up with my mom is doing well. Please drop a post to say hello. I love you guys, lets all continue to pray and stay POSITIVE!
Glad to hear your mom is better. there is power in prayer and this site has that. Stay positive it really helps and only God has the final say. We are all fighters here and we fight for each other when the going gts tough. Lots of prayers coming your way for you , your mom and the family
Cat0 -
wowmsfanciful said:Hi,
Oh Thank God!
I am so
Hi,
Oh Thank God!
I am so glad to hear the good news.
Don't expect life to get back to how it was before cancer. But your mom's life will become enriched over time. She'll have a wonderful but a different life that's all. This will be an up and down journey for you and your mom. We have all been there.
I am howling when you said the oncologists gave your mom only 3 months to survive. They told me this also...is this just a standard number or something they draw from a hat? LOL! I am now living with this cancer 3yrs and 1 month.
And do not let your mother sit in a corner and wallow in sadness, pity and fear (at least for not too long), because she has every right to feel these emotions, but if she is the strong woman she apparently appears to be, she'll pull out of it live life like she's never lived it before. And then you'll have to BEG her to sit down. LOL! It's a process she must go through spiritually to heal, but it takes time. I have to say I did not begin to feel like myself, physically or spiritually until about the 2 year mark (maybe 2 and 1/2 years).
Now at 53, I received my first tattoo. I've skydived, I completed training to be a volunteer in the "ACS Look Good Feel Better" program, I'm getting ready to take professional horse-riding lessons and a CPS course as well... life is not over until it's over. In the meantime again, I am so happy for this positive news.
I will continue to pray for your mom.
Love,
Sharon
P.S. How could I forget? I'm also preparing to go to Germany in August lord willing (I'm soooo excited).
I am amazed by you. I told my daughter on Sat that I want to get a tattoo of a teal ribbon on my ankle. She said go for it. I'm 61 so I guess it's time. You are an inspiration and I am going to make a list of things to do.
Hugs
Cat0 -
mums doing betterCollins414 said:Very Positive Update.
Hello to all my dear friends. Sorry its been so long since my last update on my mom. Well after nine chemo treatments my moms ca125 (In the beginning over 1200) is 69! The fluid that was surrounding her heart and lungs has no longer been a problem. I am so grateful for all the prayers and words of encouragement! It has been an up and down journey so far. Even now mom is not exactly "bouncing off the walls" but praise God she is still alive!! If you remember the doctors said she would be lucky to see another 3 months of life, BUT GOD! They also originally told us that surgery (hysterectomy) was not an option, but now she has surgery scheduled for the 23rd of this month(pending a clearance from her cardiologist). I hope everyone that has been keeping up with my mom is doing well. Please drop a post to say hello. I love you guys, lets all continue to pray and stay POSITIVE!
Dear rick,
I just found out hours ago that my beloved sister of only 50 yrs. old has stage 4 ovarian cancer. I not only needed good news for myself but for everyone. God bless you so much for your story. Also a special thanks to all who shed some light on this terrible cancer. Not like their is a good one to have.
I just got back from church and a friend asked WHY? does God do this. I was quick to add it's
not God that does this. But I believe that God gives us and the people diagnosed the strength
to carry on. I have been bleesed by God to have it instilled in my head that"Life is precious
so don't take it for granted". I just feel so bad that someone so good has to go through an ordeal such as this.
Sicerely, Chris Washkowiak0 -
news
So sorry to hear that your mom has had this diagnosis. My mom was diagnosed just as she turned 63 with stage 4 ovarian/primary peritoneal cancer. Her cancer caused cancerous fluid in her lungs. She was "sprinkled" with grains of cancer in her abdomen at the time of diagnosis, as well. She has been in chemo for 15 of the last 18 months, but she is still fighting and was actually on a vacation last weekend. She is starting a new chemo routine tomorrow. Your mom may do better than the doctors think. I know of many people who lived for years after they were given 3 months to live. Be careful not to read too much outdated information on the internet. I would highly recommend a second opinion with a expert in the gynocology oncology field. Don't settle for an oncologist without expertise in this field. Are you by any chance in the Chicago area? If so, I have a recommendation for a dr here.
Good luck and God bless you, your mom, and your family.
Eileen0 -
oopseward said:news
So sorry to hear that your mom has had this diagnosis. My mom was diagnosed just as she turned 63 with stage 4 ovarian/primary peritoneal cancer. Her cancer caused cancerous fluid in her lungs. She was "sprinkled" with grains of cancer in her abdomen at the time of diagnosis, as well. She has been in chemo for 15 of the last 18 months, but she is still fighting and was actually on a vacation last weekend. She is starting a new chemo routine tomorrow. Your mom may do better than the doctors think. I know of many people who lived for years after they were given 3 months to live. Be careful not to read too much outdated information on the internet. I would highly recommend a second opinion with a expert in the gynocology oncology field. Don't settle for an oncologist without expertise in this field. Are you by any chance in the Chicago area? If so, I have a recommendation for a dr here.
Good luck and God bless you, your mom, and your family.
Eileen
oops0
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