Recurrent Ovarian Cancer - 4th time

niecey
niecey Member Posts: 1
edited March 2014 in Ovarian Cancer #1
Hello. Would like to hear from anyone that has had a similar situation. I was diagnosed in 2003 with stage 2c Ovarian Cancer. I was 38 years old. Surgery and carbo/taxol was done.
4 years later, in 2007, I had a recurrence. Again, carbo/taxol. I went into remission until 2009. carbo/taxol again.
Again this year, another recurrence. Looks like more carbo/taxol. Any advice? We have been to MD Anderson twice. Last year and this year. They say to continue the carbo/taxol as long as it has been 6 months or more since last treatment and I responded well each time.

Comments

  • lindaprocopio
    lindaprocopio Member Posts: 1,980
    7 years & counting! You're an inspiration!
    It's inspiring to hear a story like yours, with those wonderful multi-year remissions! You give us hope. And to still be able to take carbo-taxol, with all of the other chemo options still available to you if you ever need them! I know that you have been through a lot, but your long cancer journey looks enviable from the unique perspective of the teal warriors on this Board. I am so happy for you! Carbo-taxol is the gold standard and I am so glad it is still effective for you. I'll bet it shoots you right back into another long remission!
  • zinaida
    zinaida Member Posts: 221
    Stage 2C
    I was dz with ovarian cancer stage 2c february 2007 (53 years old), same time i was dz with breast cancer HER2 positive, stage 1. I am BRCA1 positive. My treatments was carboplatin/taxoter and herseptin. December 2009 my ovarian cancer came back. From January 12, 2010 I am on carbo/gemzar, 6 rounds done, left 2 more. So, we do have same stage of ovarian cancer, but treatments are different. And I was postmenopause.I read a lot about vacine for ovarian cancer. It is what I hope for future treatment. Sorry about my english, I do much beter in russian. With best wishes, Zina.
  • nancy591
    nancy591 Member Posts: 1,027 Member
    zinaida said:

    Stage 2C
    I was dz with ovarian cancer stage 2c february 2007 (53 years old), same time i was dz with breast cancer HER2 positive, stage 1. I am BRCA1 positive. My treatments was carboplatin/taxoter and herseptin. December 2009 my ovarian cancer came back. From January 12, 2010 I am on carbo/gemzar, 6 rounds done, left 2 more. So, we do have same stage of ovarian cancer, but treatments are different. And I was postmenopause.I read a lot about vacine for ovarian cancer. It is what I hope for future treatment. Sorry about my english, I do much beter in russian. With best wishes, Zina.

    carbo/gem
    Hi Zina,

    How have your blood counts been holding with this regimen? I'be had my first infusion of Gemzar yesterday. Next week I go for carbo and gem. They told me they have to de-sensitize me to the carbo. One drop the first hour, a little more the second hour, then the refull infusion if all goes well. They say this is because I already had 8 infusions of platinum based chemo. Anything over 8 and you have to be de-sensitized to lower the risk of reaction. They also say this regimen is really hard on the blood counts. My counts have never been a problem so I'm hoping for the best with this combo.
  • zinaida
    zinaida Member Posts: 221
    nancy591 said:

    carbo/gem
    Hi Zina,

    How have your blood counts been holding with this regimen? I'be had my first infusion of Gemzar yesterday. Next week I go for carbo and gem. They told me they have to de-sensitize me to the carbo. One drop the first hour, a little more the second hour, then the refull infusion if all goes well. They say this is because I already had 8 infusions of platinum based chemo. Anything over 8 and you have to be de-sensitized to lower the risk of reaction. They also say this regimen is really hard on the blood counts. My counts have never been a problem so I'm hoping for the best with this combo.

    Hi, Nancy! I just get home
    Hi, Nancy! I just get home from hospital. I start today round #7.30min gemzar 1540mg and then 45min carboplatin 360mg., before was 30min for this one too. Because it is round #7, they did increase injection time. I do not know nothing about de-sensitize. My blood counts have never been a problem also. Today, before chemo, WBC-3,5; RBC-3,6;platelet-285. All most every number litle bed off, not perfect, but "OK" to do chemo. This is why doctor decied to do 8 rounds, try to kill every cancer cell. My CA125 last 3 rounds do not go low enough - 25,4; 25,4 and today 23,1. But in January it was over 800. I like to read your messages. I hope too that this combo will work for you. God bless you, with best wishes, Zina.
  • jean b
    jean b Member Posts: 77
    Hi Nancy: I was diagnosed
    Hi Nancy: I was diagnosed stage 2C Ovarian Cancer in Oct. 1999. I was cancer free for 7 1/2 yrs. Actually thought I had it beat. Then it returned. I have had recurrences each year for the past 3 years. I finished 6 rounds of carbo/gemzar then a scan. Still some small lesions. 2 more, 2 more, 2 more and now another scan June 1 to see where things stand. My carboplatin reactions were pretty severe so they had to be given VERY SLOWLY to the point where I have to spend the night in the hospital. It's been a long journey, but I thank God for giving me these extra 10 yrs plus. I am currently enjoying the company of my two grandchildren ages 4 and 6 that mean the world to me. God bless you and as with everyone on this site, you are in my prayers.
    Jean
  • Tina Brown
    Tina Brown Member Posts: 1,036 Member
    jean b said:

    Hi Nancy: I was diagnosed
    Hi Nancy: I was diagnosed stage 2C Ovarian Cancer in Oct. 1999. I was cancer free for 7 1/2 yrs. Actually thought I had it beat. Then it returned. I have had recurrences each year for the past 3 years. I finished 6 rounds of carbo/gemzar then a scan. Still some small lesions. 2 more, 2 more, 2 more and now another scan June 1 to see where things stand. My carboplatin reactions were pretty severe so they had to be given VERY SLOWLY to the point where I have to spend the night in the hospital. It's been a long journey, but I thank God for giving me these extra 10 yrs plus. I am currently enjoying the company of my two grandchildren ages 4 and 6 that mean the world to me. God bless you and as with everyone on this site, you are in my prayers.
    Jean

    Hi Jean b
    Thank-you for posting your story. Wow 7 1/2 years is really amazing. I really hope you get another 7 1/2 years and much more. Much love Tina xx