Colon and Ovarian Cancer Stage 4

MY MOTHER HAS BEEN DIAGNOSED WITHIN A MONTH WITH OVARIAN AND COLON CANCER AT STAGE 4.SHE IS 58 YEARS OLD AND HAS BEEN RETAINING FLUID CALLED ASCITES WITHIN A MONTH.  SHE WILL BE HAVING SURGERY APR. 10TH...WHAT ARE THE POSSIBLE RISKS AND SIDE EFFECTS OF THIS OPERATION??? WHAT IS THE RISK OF DEATH OR DISABILITY AS A RESULT OF THIS SURGERY???WHAT ARE THE CHANCES THAT THE SURGERY WILL CURE MY MOTHERS CANCER???SHOULD MY MOTHER GET SURGERY???

[nyc lady]

How scary for you and your family.....my first question, how did they determine the stage and type of cancer?  
If in fact it is OvCa....PLEASE....be sure that she is seen by a GYN/Oncologist and that is who does her surgery.
Your mother will need surgery and chemo....I have never had chemo, but, many of the women will tell you although it is tough on the body it is doable.
As for stats on this disease...they aren't great, but someone has to beat the odds and who is to say it won't be your mother.
Where are you located?  What has your mother's doctor explained to all of you about the surgery, etc.
Please, if you have questions, ask, we will help as best as we can.
Good luck to both you and your mother.
Pam

[gracie_epi]

My mother was admitted on March 1st to the Emergency in the Mission Hospital for abdominal pain and her belly enlarging.  According to my mothers Primary Doctor my mother was diagnosed with gallstones about 3 months ago.  A catscan and other tests were done on my mother at the ER. Doctors at ER said my mother had large masses of tumors and not gallstones.  An OBGYN saw my mother and said my mother had Ovarian Cancer after doing some tests including a biopsy. Also, about 6 litters of fluid called Ascites were removed for test. An Oncologist  went to see my mother there at the Mission  Hospital, but his concern was-- How were we going to do it financially ?? So, my mother felt very uncomfortable with him. My mother was later released from the Hospital after being there for over a week, she now had to wait patiently for biopsy results and follow up with her Primary Doctor. March 13th we did a follow up with her primary Doctor but according to him results were not in.  We were also able to get an appointment with a different Oncologist which her Doctor did not like the idea.  He kept being very persistent for my mother to stay with the Oncolgist he had referred. On March 15th my mother was running a very high temperature and again discomfort from her belly and short of breath due to fluid she is retaining. My mother was addmitted at Rennasaince Hospital in Mcallen Tx. Doctors again did tests an EGD and a Colonoscopy and was there for another couple of day doing tests and more tests. She was released March 21and had an appointment with the Oncologist the following day.  After reviewing my mothers records and results of biospy tests the Oncologist said my mother needed a OBGYN and a General Sergeon to do surgery.  We asked how advanced my mothers cancer was since her primary Doctor was not given much info. Based on all the results from the tests that were done he said my mothers cancer was very advanced he said from a stage 1 being the lowest to a stage 4 being the highest.my mother was a stage 4 based on all results...He also said that she did have ovarian cancer and colon cancer .. She has had fluid removed as an outpatient ..On April 2nd my mother has an appointment with the General Surgeon for the very first time.. She is a mother of 8 children ages (39,37,36, 35,33,30,25,22). My mother has so much peace within her and faith in the LORD that she looks good...She is a very strong woman.I ask for your prayers so that GOD can do a miracle on my mother ...Prayers for Maria Raquel Gutierrez in MIssion Texas. God Bless US ALL ....Gracie

[nyc lady]

First, please, get your mother to see a GYN/Oncologist....the best chance for survival is when the surgery is done by a GYN/Oncologist.  As far as insurance, it is my understanding, here in the states, no one will be denied medical care, through an emergency etc....how close are you to Houston?  Any other large city close by?  If you mother does have Ovarian Cancer, she needs to be seen by a GYN/Oncologist.

I am so sorry that you have to go thru this....this disease is horrible.

Please keep in touch and let us know how things go.....we are thinking about you...and again, please she needs to be seen by an GYN/Oncologist.....don't take no for an answer....the one thing that we have all learned on this forum is that we have to be advocates for our own health, puch for the doctors that you want and the tests you think that you need.

Best of luck to you and  your mom,
Please keep in touch.
Pam

[Searching48507]

Gracie,

MD Anderson in Houston is one of the best facilities with a terrific team.  Please consult with them for a second opinion and search for a gyn/oncologist for the surgery.  IT"S IMPERATIVE.

Karen

[Jan214]

It does not make sense that if your mom has stage 4 OVCA that an Oncologist would refer her to a general surgeon.  Maybe he wasn't a gynecological oncologist, but are you sure he didn't refer you to one?  I just don't know of any oncologist who would tell someone not to use a surgical oncologist when they have cancer.  That would worry me a lot.  I agree with the other ladies, you have got to find a gynecological oncologist and if the first concern they have is payment I would definitely not go to them.  I had a neurologist that put me off, because all of the paper work they sent me ahead of time was about money and charges if you are late or cancel etc.  Good luck with this.

[Aussie000]

My mother was only diagnosed as a stage 4 AFTER surgery, I cant see how they can diagnose stage 4 until she is operated on. My mother has been a stage 4 for 3 years and her CA125 is down to 8, but she is back on chemo until next month.

I agree with the other ladies that a gynecologicol oncologist should do the operation NOT a general surgeon. My mother had no side effects after the operation and your mother will go straight onto chemo. That is such a worry that she has colon cancer at the same time, my mother had colon cancer as well but that was 20 years ago. Tell your mother to remain mentally strong so she can fight this, my mother meditates every day so a positive outlook is very very important, please let us know how she gets on, my prayers are with you.

[marie3B]

I agree with the ladies posting before me. A gyn/oncologist is a must. The suggestion to look into MD Anderson is a good one. But time is wasting, so I encourage you to move quickly to get her the needed help. I have noted her name and will pray for her. I wish you the best. Marie

[ycm]

Please do not get a general surgeon, it is a must to get a Gyn-Oncology doctor,  they are more skillfull at operating on the cancer.

Good luck

[ycm]

I also agree with all the ladies, a Gyn-oncology doctor is the only one I would let operate  on your mom.  They are more skilled at cancer surgery.  Good luck .

[aliwitsend]

Yep no doubt about a good and compassionate gynecologic-oncologist surgeon for the
Ovarian.  For the Colon, well that may require another surgeon who specializes in colon
resection, etc.   So go for the double duo of surgeons and getting it all done in one operations.  Good Luck, Blessings.  These guys are busy, but they sure are not starving.

[gracie_epi]

Ladies Thank You so much for all your advice.  We did look into MD Anderson which is located in Houston, Tx., but both my parents agreed to have everything done here in the Rio Grande Valley.  The  Oncol/Surgeon and several other Surgeons will be doing surgery on my mother.  For now, my mother is seeing a cardiologist to make sure her heart is strong enough to resist the surgery.  I will keep you posted on how my mother is doing and again from the bottom of my heart I Thank you, Thank you so much for your advice and support. May the Lord be with us ALL..........Gracie