Carcinosarcoma of ovary

I am wondering about my treatment for Carcinosarcoma of the ovary, I first had optimal debalking surgery then diagnosed stage 4 mets to lungs liver and hip . as well as several lymphnodes. In May of 06/  Hip was radiated, Did 9 round of taxol/carbo lung and liver mets cleared up. reoccurance in the 9th round in a lymphnode, lymphnode was removed Dec 4/06 and I was put on 3 treatments of doxil Jan 07 which I had foot, hand and skin reactions, however CT on Mar 28/07 revealed that two tumors in lymphnodes have continued to grow one as big as 5cm. My doctor has told me that I can take ifosfamide/cisplatin however he does not think it will work and destroy the quality of life I have left. I want to take it just in case it works and I get another few months out of life. I am only 27 years old. Do you know of any other treatment options, is this really the end for me?

[Annekathryn Goodman, M.D.]

Hi There,
It sounds like you have had excellent therapy and care. This must be so scary for you. The cancer that you are experiencing has a part of it that is sensitive to chemotherapy but there is a part of it that keep growing back.
In addition to Ifex, cis other choices include gemzar, topotecan, cisplatin alone, taxotere.

my inclination would be to suggest looking into what clinical trials are available at your institution or if your are outside of a major cancer center, I would suggest a second opinion. I only suggest that because there may be more options for you at a big center if you are not currently treated there.

If this cancer keeps growing, you are facing a very scary situation. You may become sick from this cancer quickly within the next year. It is important to be sure that you have a health-care proxy who knows your wishes. it is also important to talk with your doctor about what your wishes are - such as would you want to be intubated and resuscitated.
please let me know what you decide
take care