2nd Reoccurance

[Normandee]

My sister is 36 years old and has always taken excellent care of herself. Two years ago she was diagnosed with Ovarian. The original tumor was sexcord stromal diagnosed as 1C, she underwent two surgeries and 36 biospies and was told she was clean. One year later her first reoccurance appeared in the para aoritc lymph node. She underwent chemo receiving 9 treatments of Bleomyicin, 30 treatments of Etoposide, 30 treatments of Cisplatin, and was once again pronounced clean. One year later the second reoccurance appeared next to her kidneys. This tumor is a Juvenile Granulosa and is aggressive and highly mytotic. She under went surgery two weeks ago and the doctors found the tumor to be "soft", it had a poor blood supply and some cells in the center were dead or dying. Now before the surgery my sisters doctor has basically told her that her cancer cannot be cured because they have already used such intensive chemo and it did not work. He also said that the cancer is so aggressive that her body cannot fight off even one of these cancer cells. Does the fact that there was dead cells in the tumor mean that her body was fighting it and possibly killing it? And are there really no other treatments that could be effective? Please let me know what your take is on this situation and any recomendations you would have. Thank you so much, any information is greatly appricated.

[CAVALIER]

I was diagnosed with ovar stg 3c in May 2001.  After surgery and chemo I responded well and was able to return to normal life with the exception of neuropathy caused by Taxol.  I was monitored closely and was doing well.  CA125 was 15.1 in Jan 2004. Ca 125 ,as of yesterday, has risen to 100. N aturally, I am worried and fearful of the unknown.  What is usual treatment and what canI reasonably expect?

[Renee M]

I'm a 36 year old female that was diagnosed with stage 4 ovarian cancer in December 2005.  I responded well to chemotherapy and had a second look surgery in July 2006 and there was no evidence of cancer.  Just last week my CA125 elevated from 7 to 29 so we did a CT scan and the cancer is now showing in 2 cm near my liver, stomach and pelvic region.  Next week I will be traveling to the University of Iowa Hospital to be reviewed by a panel of specialist to see what the next course of treatment will be for me.  I have children as young as 2 years old and they deserve the best fight I can possibly give.  I will not give up and I know that only God is in control of my destiny.  

[Helmar]

Hi Renee...No... never give up on this, especially when you have little ones to think of. They are the best reason in the world to keep fighting this wretched disease. I was dx Stage 4 in Feb.04.... and last December my CA.125 was 7500. It's now 793, and I'm feeling well, enjoying each and everyday, so there is always a tomorrow. Maybe another surgery could get rid of any solid tumours you have, and chemo to wipe out what's left....also keep up a good mental attitude. That helps a lot in this battle as far as I'm concerned. Please keep in touch, and let us know how you are doing, and what your medical team decide for you. Best wishes and hugs...Helen...

[dian07]

If your sister was my sister we would immediately seek another opinion and we wouldn't stop seeking other opinions until we found a gyn/oncologist who would join us in the fight against this demon.....I don't know what "dead cells in the tumor" means but it can't be bad....don't you guys give up.....there are so many different teatments out there....you just gotta' find the right medical team to fight along side you.....just don't give up.....keep looking ...where are you anyway?  Maybe someone here would have suggestions or ideas for you.....take care and please keep us posted.
Peace.
dian