My mother is in her 9th year with ovarian cancer. She has been treated for the last 5 or 6 years at md anderson in Houston, Texas. When she was diagnosed, she had 9 pounds of tumors removed. She has gone into remission 4 times and is undergoing treatment now. md anderson has been a blessing in our lives. If you can get there, I highly recommend it. My mother gets her treatments out of town but goes there for her checkups. Her md anderson dr is in contact with her dr. at home. Don't get discouraged. A positive attitude is very important in this fight.
I am 29 and a survivor of OVCA stage 1a for 5 years. I know my ordeal was nothing compared to what your mum is currently encountering but every hope is worthy. I hope she is careful with her diet and try not to be exposed to second hand smoke. She should refrain from all food that contains MSG, high in protein, preservatives, colourings, fats, barbequed food. Take more green vege and fruits and consume meat in moderate level. Exercise eg. deep breathing,yoga and lots of fresh air is essential as lack of oxygen in the organ will stimulate growth of cysts. Try leading a normal life and not to worry too much (i know it's hard) as emotional imbalance will affect health. Try keeping her occupied as well as have enough rest and sleep. Take care.
Found something about it at
http://www.redorbit.com/news/health/349693/new_treatment_makes_gains_on_ovarian_cancer/index.html?source=r_health
http://www.seniorjournal.com/NEWS/Health/6-01-05-MoreAggressiveTreatment.htm
I just read something online about a week ago about a new treatment for ovarian cancer and they have great rates. I'm sorry I couldn't find the article when I went back to look for it at comcast.net. But maybe if you put it in google or yahoo or search some of the news websites you can find it. Good Luck!
There is another site called hystersisters.com. At this site, there is a place called cancer concerns there where you can ask these questions and you talk to women who have the very same staging as your mother. There is a place on there that has nothing but survival stories. Some are dancing with NED(no evidence of disease) while some are getting news of recurrence. Check it out-I feel it would be very helpful to you.
Positive results? Yes. There are women who post on this forum who, statistically speaking, ought to be dead.
Truly, there is just no way of knowing. In addition to seeking the best care, the will of the patient plays an important role. I have known several women who have died of this particular disease. Two were diagnosed with the same cancer and at nearly the same stage. One lived only two years; she had a poor personal outlook, and was an 'empty nester' who was not involved in the community. The other was an involved business owner who had goals that she decided she wanted to reach. She lived nearly 10 years after her diagnosis.
Do women diagnosed with this cancer live a normal life expectancy? I know the diseas is beatable, but it seems like sooner or later it takes over even though some women beat it?
To ease your mind a bit,any fight is hard.I dont know much about the chemo or anything but I have heard from plenty of people that its a good treatment,and I do know that each fight and each person is diffrent in results.The swame reaction it give to one may be totally diffrent from your mom.
Prayer is the answer,hope and faith understand that you always gotta remain strong for her.
Yes there is hope for servival always.Someone I was talking to in referance to my situation explaned to me that the mind is your worst enemy when it comes to the battle,(the sicker you think you are the sicker youwill be)try your best to make sure she contenue as much of her normal daily activities as possible and live each day like its the last one
Good luck
I so feel for you as I feel the same way! I'm so thankful for this website, knowing my mother would be hurt to know i'm dealing with a computer. She is very religious, thankfully, and she keeps her faith in God, where I believe her way is right, but I'm fearing it a bit. I too have only read the harsh reality of this illness and just wish for miracles. So far, she's strong and I know how you feel about your mother! Any information on survival stories would be helpful for me too. Thank you and goodluck to those fighting, you are all in my thoughts.