Here for my mom

Options
sherirs04
sherirs04 Member Posts: 13
edited March 2014 in Ovarian Cancer #1
My mom found out she had ovarian cancer a couple of weeks ago. She had her first surgery today. They said that they were able to remove 95% of the cancer. They removed her uterus, ovaries, omentum, and part of her colon. There is come cancer still on her pelvic area and diaphram. The liver was fine, the lymph nodes were not swollen and not removed. The doctor said the she was a stage 3 and the survival rate is 70%. I guess I am confused about that because everything that I have read is not saying that. She is supposed to start chemo in 3-6 weeks or as soon as she heals. I guess I just want to hear what I should expect to happen from here. What is the actual survival rate from what was found?


Thank you so much,

Sheri

Comments

  • mopar
    mopar Member Posts: 1,972 Member
    #2
    Options
    YOUR MOM
    Hello, Sheri. Although I don't have much time to post here this morning, I just wanted to let you know that I'm sending prayers to you and your mom. It's never pleasant to be diagnosed with such a disease, but as time goes on you will find lots of info, comfort and survivors here! Don't be too concerned with 'statistics'. As you browse this site you will find MANY who defy odds and statistics.

    Sendings prayers also for your Mom's recovery from the surgery. Take time to sit back and allow yourselves to absorb all of this. Take care.

    (((HUGS)))
    Monika
  • nancy591
    nancy591 Member Posts: 1,027 Member
    #3
    Options
    I dont know survival rates
    There really isn't much talk here about survival rates. I don't know what the actual rates are but I have some idea. Most of us don't talk about rates we mainly focus on getting through our treatments. I have stage 4 cancer with a 6 yr old and 4 yr old at home. I dont want to hear I will probably only live X amount of years.
  • nancy591
    nancy591 Member Posts: 1,027 Member
    #4
    Options
    chemo therapy
    Sheri,
    She will probably start on carbo and taxol. This is usually given every 3 wks. She will mostly likely lose her hair from these medications. They have lots of antinausea medication to combat nausea. She will be mostly likely be tired and achy several days after chemo. Generally speaking the first 10 days or so are not so good and the last 10 days or so are much better. She will be having her ca125 monitored during her chemo along with other various blood level. Carbo/taxol is usually given for 6 to 8 doses. Good luck to you and your Mom!!
  • Lisa13Q
    Lisa13Q Member Posts: 677
    #5
    Options
    Hello
    Hi Sheri,

    My mother was diagnosed with 3c last July. She had 3 rounds of carbo/taxol and then de-bulking and then 3 more rounds of cisplatin/taxol. Right now, the results are ambiguous, and my mother went to Florida for a 3 month break. Statistics shmastitics. I understand reading them, I did too, because I wanted to gain an understanding of this disease, but stats don't really tell the story. So much depends on the response your mother has to the chemo, and her willingness to fight, and her attitude. Also, make sure you like the oncologist and that s/he has experience with ovarian cancer. It's a tricky disease. I think you can expect some exhaustion from your mom and also some amazingly wonderful conversations. Cancer changes things, some for the better amazingly. I'm not trying to be Pollyana here, and I think this is a heinous awful disease, but you may find that the time you spend with her is more appreciated. Also, she may at times, be a little irritable. One thing I know, is that her course will be unique. The women here are experts about side effects and any other issues related to the disease so come here and ask questions. Before long, you will know much more. Also, don't panic, I was so scared initially, but found that they treat OVCA as a chronic illness now. Hope this helps.
  • sherirs04
    sherirs04 Member Posts: 13
    #6
    Options
    Thank you Monika and Nancy
    Thank you Monika and Nancy for your kind words. And thank for the prayers. I will keep you in my prayers too.
  • sherirs04
    sherirs04 Member Posts: 13
    #7
    Options
    Lisa13Q said:

    Hello
    Hi Sheri,

    My mother was diagnosed with 3c last July. She had 3 rounds of carbo/taxol and then de-bulking and then 3 more rounds of cisplatin/taxol. Right now, the results are ambiguous, and my mother went to Florida for a 3 month break. Statistics shmastitics. I understand reading them, I did too, because I wanted to gain an understanding of this disease, but stats don't really tell the story. So much depends on the response your mother has to the chemo, and her willingness to fight, and her attitude. Also, make sure you like the oncologist and that s/he has experience with ovarian cancer. It's a tricky disease. I think you can expect some exhaustion from your mom and also some amazingly wonderful conversations. Cancer changes things, some for the better amazingly. I'm not trying to be Pollyana here, and I think this is a heinous awful disease, but you may find that the time you spend with her is more appreciated. Also, she may at times, be a little irritable. One thing I know, is that her course will be unique. The women here are experts about side effects and any other issues related to the disease so come here and ask questions. Before long, you will know much more. Also, don't panic, I was so scared initially, but found that they treat OVCA as a chronic illness now. Hope this helps.

    Thank you
    Thanks Lisa, that really helps to hear that the statistcs don't matter. She is a strong woman but we are still taking this in. And trying to take this one day at a time. This site is such a great place for support.
  • Barbara53
    Barbara53 Member Posts: 652
    #8
    Options
    sherirs04 said:

    Thank you
    Thanks Lisa, that really helps to hear that the statistcs don't matter. She is a strong woman but we are still taking this in. And trying to take this one day at a time. This site is such a great place for support.

    what are odds anyway
    At age 78 my mother made it through surgery and 6 rounds of chemo. A year later she is still having good days, but with complications.

    We're all getting tired, but looking back the hardest part was what you're going through now, and the first parts of the chemo -- especially losing hair. This is a huge surgery, lots of mucking around looking for hot spots, so it will take a while for your mom to recover. Be positive and patient. Your mom is lucky to have you for a daughter.
  • Northwoodsgirl
    Northwoodsgirl Member Posts: 571
    #9
    Options
    Your Mom
    I am sorry to hear that your Mom has cancer. I totally understand the need to know the statistics. I am a survivor of uterine cancer and have no evidence of disease at last check. Please don't waste your time and energy on statistics. It will only rob you of living in the present with your Mom in her fight against cancer. Every person is an individual and reacts differently to the treatments. I looked at statistics when I was first diagnosed and grieved for what they said. But I am now feeling good and don't want to be defined by statistics.
  • minky1225
    minky1225 Member Posts: 70
    #10
    Options
    Northwoodsgirl said:

    Your Mom
    I am sorry to hear that your Mom has cancer. I totally understand the need to know the statistics. I am a survivor of uterine cancer and have no evidence of disease at last check. Please don't waste your time and energy on statistics. It will only rob you of living in the present with your Mom in her fight against cancer. Every person is an individual and reacts differently to the treatments. I looked at statistics when I was first diagnosed and grieved for what they said. But I am now feeling good and don't want to be defined by statistics.

    I'm right there with you
    My Mom was diagnosed last month also. It was a battle of whirlwind emotions for me. That first night, I came home and googled "survival rate for ovarian cancer" and pretty much obsessed about it for several days. I was mentally preparing myself for the worst case scenario... I felt as if there was no hope.

    Well, that changed as soon as I joined this board. I have heard so many upbeat stories and have gotten answers from real people that have experienced it. Thank you for taking the time for your Mom, as well as yourself, to join us. You are an awesome daughter!

    In my Mom's words, "Don't count me out!" I live by these words and so does she.

    Lots of hugs and prayers.
    Allison
  • msfanciful
    msfanciful Member Posts: 559
    #11
    Options
    Hi Sheri,
    I am so sorry to
    Hi Sheri,

    I am so sorry to hear of your mom's recent cancer diagnosis.

    I am with the others in that you should not focus so much on statistics, nothing is ever written in stone, and I almost lost my mind focusing on statistics!

    My advice is to use that energy on helping your mom to heal as well as become as knowledgeable about this disease as possible. To know everything about this disease (keeps you out of the dark, so to speak) about what you are dealing with.

    Also continue to keep in touch, many of us have been where your mom is going; and you will find many who have defied statistics. That in itself has to give you peace of mind as well.

    I will keep you and your mom in my daily prayers.

    Sharon
  • LPack
    LPack Member Posts: 645
    #12
    Options
    Survival rates
    Sheri,

    I too would not be concerned about the survival rates for ovarian cancer. There is only one Person in charge of when we go and that is the same Person who knew when we would be born!

    I have testified to two groups of women in the last two years and did include statistics but only so each would see how important it is to "listen" to the "quiet" symptoms of this disease.

    We should each enjoy every day. It is a gift no matter what circumstances we find ourselves in.☺ Enjoy your mom!!

    Living for Eternity,
    Libby
  • sherirs04
    sherirs04 Member Posts: 13
    #13
    Options
    Thank you
    You all are an inspiration. Your kind words mean so much to me right now. I too(and my dad) googled the statistics and I cried myself to sleep and was a mess for days. So ,I see your point in how it isn't healthy to focus on that. I am taking this one day at a time now. Does anyone have any experience with MD Anderson in Houston?

    Is there any advice you can give me to make chemo a little easier on my mom?


    Thank you again,

    Sheri
  • minky1225
    minky1225 Member Posts: 70
    #14
    Options
    sherirs04 said:

    Thank you
    You all are an inspiration. Your kind words mean so much to me right now. I too(and my dad) googled the statistics and I cried myself to sleep and was a mess for days. So ,I see your point in how it isn't healthy to focus on that. I am taking this one day at a time now. Does anyone have any experience with MD Anderson in Houston?

    Is there any advice you can give me to make chemo a little easier on my mom?


    Thank you again,

    Sheri

    Advice for Mom with Chemo
    I told my Mom that I joined this board to get answers. My Mom is the "pull no punches" type of woman and wants to be told exactly like it is. I did inform her that she was probably going to feel worse during her first week or so after they start Chemo but it would get better after that. I also informed her of some of the most common side effects from the chemo that she's on. Mom is well aware that she will lose her hair, but I tease her that she's had the same hair style as long as I've known her and I can't wait to go wig shopping:) If I can give you any advice at all, make her laugh and try to make some sort of light out of this sucky situation. I really think they appreciate it! P.S. I told Mom I was going to buy her a wig so she looks like Morticia Adams!HA

    Is Mom in the hospital or home?

    Either way, cozy socks seem to help alot-I'm not sure exactly why but Mom loves them.
    Mom also is requesting ginger ale but keep her stocked up on her favorite drinks.
    Chapstick is a must, the petroleum based kind that squeezes out of a tube-Mom said that the stick one hurts because it feels like it is ripping her lips off.
    Lots of lotion... the skin gets dry and can look wind burned.

    If I think of more, I will post later.

    Our Moms are fighters!!!!
  • Unknown
    Unknown
    #15
    Options
    sherirs04 said:

    Thank you
    You all are an inspiration. Your kind words mean so much to me right now. I too(and my dad) googled the statistics and I cried myself to sleep and was a mess for days. So ,I see your point in how it isn't healthy to focus on that. I am taking this one day at a time now. Does anyone have any experience with MD Anderson in Houston?

    Is there any advice you can give me to make chemo a little easier on my mom?


    Thank you again,

    Sheri

    This comment has been removed by the Moderator
  • sherirs04
    sherirs04 Member Posts: 13
    #16
    Options
    minky1225 said:

    Advice for Mom with Chemo
    I told my Mom that I joined this board to get answers. My Mom is the "pull no punches" type of woman and wants to be told exactly like it is. I did inform her that she was probably going to feel worse during her first week or so after they start Chemo but it would get better after that. I also informed her of some of the most common side effects from the chemo that she's on. Mom is well aware that she will lose her hair, but I tease her that she's had the same hair style as long as I've known her and I can't wait to go wig shopping:) If I can give you any advice at all, make her laugh and try to make some sort of light out of this sucky situation. I really think they appreciate it! P.S. I told Mom I was going to buy her a wig so she looks like Morticia Adams!HA

    Is Mom in the hospital or home?

    Either way, cozy socks seem to help alot-I'm not sure exactly why but Mom loves them.
    Mom also is requesting ginger ale but keep her stocked up on her favorite drinks.
    Chapstick is a must, the petroleum based kind that squeezes out of a tube-Mom said that the stick one hurts because it feels like it is ripping her lips off.
    Lots of lotion... the skin gets dry and can look wind burned.

    If I think of more, I will post later.

    Our Moms are fighters!!!!

    Advice for Mom
    I will get her the chapstick and lotion. I think I will buy her some Hugo organic lotion(that stuff is fantastic and chemical free!). I am sure she would REALLY enjoy getting rubbed down with lotion. Oh, and a pedicure!

    Yes, she is still in the hospital. They still haven't let her eat anything. I am guessing because they had to remove some of her colon and intestines.

    Her spirits seemed down yesterday when I went up there.

    Thanks Allison
  • sherirs04
    sherirs04 Member Posts: 13
    #17
    Options
    unknown said:

    This comment has been removed by the Moderator

    MD Anderson
    Is there a doctor there that you would recommend?

    Right now her doctor is Dr pastilnik. She is a ob/oncologist and she did her surgerybut she is not at MD Anderson. She said that my mom could do her chemo in her office but I dont know if that is the best for her, you know? I want her to get the best doctors and treatments available.
  • Margaret Caroline 1985
    Margaret Caroline 1985 Member Posts: 17
    #18
    Options
    sherirs04 said:

    Thank you
    You all are an inspiration. Your kind words mean so much to me right now. I too(and my dad) googled the statistics and I cried myself to sleep and was a mess for days. So ,I see your point in how it isn't healthy to focus on that. I am taking this one day at a time now. Does anyone have any experience with MD Anderson in Houston?

    Is there any advice you can give me to make chemo a little easier on my mom?


    Thank you again,

    Sheri

    M. D. Anderson
    M.D.Anderson is a wonderful hospital!! I was sent there by my Internist immediately after I was diagnosed. I am happy to answer any questions.

Discussion Boards