CarboTaxol left microscopic GCT cells

[kathryn974]

I was diagnosed as (Stage I or Stage II) GST on my left ovary (2007) - the doctor wasn't sure how to classify it since in addition to my left ovary the uterus also had deposits of tumor on it (they were stuck together). After removing the affected ovary I went though 6 cycles of CarboTaxol. The results of the second-look diagnostic surgery after the chemo treatment came back with residual microscopic amounts of disease at the original site.

Our options at this point are diferent chemotherapy (BEP) or hormone therapy (lupron). I have two questions:

1) Does anyone has any information/experience on the effectiveness of a second type of chemotherapy after the first one has failed?
2) Does anyone have any information/experience on the effectiveness of hormone therapy on GCT.

your feedback is much appreciated,
Kathryn
  

[nyc lady]

This is a question that will truly show my lack of knowledge, but, could a GCT   tumor be estrogen receptive???

I am always concerned when I hear of women that have been diagnosed with OvCa being on any kind being of HRT.

I can only share my story, diagnosed with stage 1A in 2000 when they removed my left ovary and tube, and in 2004 they took the right ovary/tube and uterus, my doctors are of great beleif that taking HRT has caused me to develop what they believe are ovarian remnant cysts, masses whatever you want to call them (just a guess because I have not had a 3rd surgery to find out).  I came off of HRT and the masses have been stable.  There is also another women that posts, Tybear, who also believes that HRT sped up the process in her cancer recurring.  Neither one of us have GCT though, so it could be different and we were not on Lupron.  

There are many women that go into long remissions on second, third and even fourth line chemos....so, right now, don't give up hope.....instead, put all your positive engery batteling this disease.

Best of luck,
Pam

[Jan214]

After my carbo taxol rounds I was left with microscopic cells.  My CA125 started rising almost immediately, although it had gotten to 8.5.  I did Gemzar for my 12 treatments and got it back down to 22, but again, it started rising immediately.  I am not on chemo now because I told my onc I needed a month of feeling good before I would start again.  I start back on tues with Topotecan and my onc is really hoping to get me into remission. So whatever you may have heard about not getting a remission if you don't get it the first time is not true.  I know there are some women on here who have had that experience.
Sorry, but I know nothing about hormones.  I had already done the menopause thing and have never had any hrt.  I was very lucky in that I went through it in 3 months and only had hot flashes and night sweats for those 3 months.  I sweat ALL the time now, but my onc says that is a reaction to the Gemzar.  My GP has told me she has NEVER had any woman be done and over with it in 3 months and I have often wondered if having cancer had anything to do with it. Looking back I know exactly when my cancer started and it was right at the beginning of menopause. I don't know how that could be, but given the situation it is something I have meant to look into but haven't yet. Oh, I did the perimenopause thing for about 2 yrs, but the only effect of that were less cycles each year.
Good luck to you and I do hope some more people come along to answer you. Dian is right. There has to be somebody on here who knows about all of this stuff.
Kindest Regards,
Jan

[dian07]

I have no information that would be useful to you but I can't imagine nobody here can offer you some info so I am going to bump you to the top to try again!
Somebody out there knows something!
Peace.
dian