Both Mother and Sister have OV 3C and are both facing a recurrence

Hi, I have been reading all of your posts but sitting on the side lines trying to cope with what has happened during these last two years.  My mom was diagnosed with OV 3c on December 08 and my sister was diagnosed with OV 3b on November 09.  I have gone to every chemo with both my mom and sister since diagnosis.  My dad has Alzheimer's and he does not understand the situation which is probably best.

My mom has been resistant to Carbo and Doxil and is now on her last cycle of Topotecan.  During the last month, her appetite is less, she is losing weight, swelling in the abodomin, and sleeping more.  I described this to the nurse and she said we are hear for you and that you should begin to think of Hospice.  That word echoed through the room because my mom is still talking about getting her hernia repaired after chemo , wants to buy a new car, and is still active.  I cannot even face the thought of talking about Hospice to her.

My sister has completed 6 cycles Taxol / Carbo and now is in her last 2 cycles of consolidation with Taxol.  We have gone into the doctor and explained her pelvic pains but of course, all they say is the adhesions from the surgery.  I met with him again while mom was getting chemo and said her CA125 was going up very slowly 4, 6, 8, 12 and she now has back pain and pain on her right side.  

So, next week I have a CT for my sister and a PET/CT for mom.  I can't bear anymore bad news and I am so scared that I cry but continue to find hope which has kept me going.  Unfortunately, with my dad having late stage Alzheimers, he does not need to go through the pain of facing the facts of this horrible disease.

I give it to God and I will begin going a women's cancer support group at the church this week.  I have been so strong and kept my mom and sister positive that they will be fine but there are now signs which scare me and I can't bear to think of what might happen.  I hope the doctor will give me good news next week.  

You are all so supportive of each other and my heart goes out to everyone who is facing this horrible disease.

Take care, Pam

[shewrites]

Welcome to the forum.  You've come to the right place, although the holiday weekend may slow responses some.  I hope more people will post on your thread during the coming few days.  

I'm so sorry to read that both your mom and your sister are struggling with ovca.  That's a lot for you to handle.  Please take good care of your own health, including monitoring yourself for ovca.  Caught early, as mine was, it is curable.  

You probably should go ahead and research hospice before you need it.  Sometimes hospice programs also deal with pain management (called palliative care) for people who are expected to live.  If your mom needs pain management, that might be one way to get started before you need the rest of hospice services.  

I hope you get good news next week.  Please let us know.  

[dian07]

I cannot begin to imagine the pain you must be dealing with.  You have to be both physically and emotionally exhausted.  I am glad to hear you will begin going to a women's cancer support group this week.  You cannot do this alone and you really shouldn't try to go it alone.  You are bearing a tremendous burden and you deserve help and support.  
Please do take care of yourself and return here for support.....there are women here who have been care givers and can definitely relate to you and your plight.  You are one of the angels who sacrifice themselves trying to help others.....and you are suffering in silence.  It's a lonely existence.
You take care of you.
Peace.
dian