Variances in staging diagnosis

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Carolhodnett
Carolhodnett Member Posts: 27
edited March 2014 in Ovarian Cancer #1
Good Morning friends: I am in need of some information and support as I am very very confused about my current situation. To refresh you , in October I had a hysterectomy and debulking and was diagnosed at Stage 1C. That was followed by six rounds of Chemo. Thankfully my CT scan was clear and my last CA125 was 15. I have recently changed oncologists due to location and my new oncologist, who I like very much, evaluated all of my findings and records and said he would have diagnosed me as Stage 3A. He said there was a small spot on my diaphram which was never mentioned to me before. Well , naturally I began to cry and he assured me that it was basically the same staging. I don't know what to believe now. He told me these results were as of last October and as of now I am in remission and in a very good place. I have put a call in to my original oncologist and she is on vacation so I have to waith until Monday. Does this really make a big difference and should I be concerned? I know that with your collective experiences and wisdom someone can give me an answer that I will understand. Thanks so much. Carol

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  • jane65
    jane65 Member Posts: 277
    #2
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    Carol
    Hi Carol, I can understand you being upset with the new doctor's staging, but you're in remission, your CA is 15 and you should be rejoicing every day!!

    The new doctor didn't imply that the spot on the diaphragm is active cancer, right? So the chemo must have cleared that up as well. Since you're doing so well now I don't understand why he'd discuss his evaluation of a different staging now. I must say it would have shocked and upset me too.

    I had told my oncologist I believed that I was staged 3C and he said that I was actually 4B, because my OVCA had metastasized to my lymph nodes. I was also upset, but it was my error in assuming my staging.

    Speak to your original oncologist to put your mind at rest, I certainly would.

    Good luck and good health to you.
    Jane
  • lindaprocopio
    lindaprocopio Member Posts: 1,980
    #3
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    jane65 said:

    Carol
    Hi Carol, I can understand you being upset with the new doctor's staging, but you're in remission, your CA is 15 and you should be rejoicing every day!!

    The new doctor didn't imply that the spot on the diaphragm is active cancer, right? So the chemo must have cleared that up as well. Since you're doing so well now I don't understand why he'd discuss his evaluation of a different staging now. I must say it would have shocked and upset me too.

    I had told my oncologist I believed that I was staged 3C and he said that I was actually 4B, because my OVCA had metastasized to my lymph nodes. I was also upset, but it was my error in assuming my staging.

    Speak to your original oncologist to put your mind at rest, I certainly would.

    Good luck and good health to you.
    Jane

    Had you not had aggressive treatment,...
    The only real danger is when you are incorrectly staged and then decide AGAINST chemo or other additional treatment after surgery. Your original oncologist took an aggressive stance with your treatment, the same treaqtment regime than you would have had if your cancer was staged as more advanced. So, at this point, it really doesn't matter. BIG HUGS!
  • Carolhodnett
    Carolhodnett Member Posts: 27
    #4
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    lindaprocopio said:

    Had you not had aggressive treatment,...
    The only real danger is when you are incorrectly staged and then decide AGAINST chemo or other additional treatment after surgery. Your original oncologist took an aggressive stance with your treatment, the same treaqtment regime than you would have had if your cancer was staged as more advanced. So, at this point, it really doesn't matter. BIG HUGS!

    Staging variances
    Thank you Linda and Jane for your responses. I took them to heart and I did speak to my first oncologist who did my surgery. She was very reassuring and explained it all to me and basically said that doctors differ in their methods of staging but she staged mine at 1C in agreement with the other surgeons there and with all the test results. She also said that right now it doesn't even matter because my CA125 is 15 and my CT scan was clear. So I wanted to let you know that I am taking a very deep breath and believing what she said. Thanks for your concern and Big Hugs to you both!! Carol
  • jane65
    jane65 Member Posts: 277
    #5
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    Carolhodnett said:

    Staging variances
    Thank you Linda and Jane for your responses. I took them to heart and I did speak to my first oncologist who did my surgery. She was very reassuring and explained it all to me and basically said that doctors differ in their methods of staging but she staged mine at 1C in agreement with the other surgeons there and with all the test results. She also said that right now it doesn't even matter because my CA125 is 15 and my CT scan was clear. So I wanted to let you know that I am taking a very deep breath and believing what she said. Thanks for your concern and Big Hugs to you both!! Carol

    Carol
    Hi Carol,
    That's wonderful news! A low CA and a clear scan, that's truly Christmas in July.
    Best of luck to you,
    Jane

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