Controlling Ascites

[geemom1123]

My mom is on her third line of chemo, weekly taxol and a study drug.  After 4 weeks her 125 fell from 147 to 37, this is usually a good indicator for her.  

Despite the falling 125, her ascites is uncomfortable and stopping her from being able to eat.  She has had it drained almost every other week.  It is stopping her from enjoying life.

Are there any tips or alternative treatments for managing the ascites?

Much thanks and hope for all suffering from this horrid disease.

[geemom1123]

Thank you so much for the information.  Francesca, I will have her ask about the pill.

Carol, my mom had good results with carboplatin.  The first chemo she had was carbo and taxol, she had good results and went into an 8 month remission.  Then she had carbo again with doxil and had 5 months of being cancer free.

I truly hope both of your moms find comfort in the treatments.  The ascites is just awful and impacts life more than the tumors.

Joanna

[francesca77]

I'm sorry for my english but I hope you could understand me anyway
my mom just start her second chemio and for the ascitis she is taking
spironolactyone it's a waer pill that doesen't affect the potassium
ask your doctor, she started with this before the chemio and the ascites amount its decrease
good luck
God bless
Francesca

[mumsrangels]

Hi
My mom is due to start chemo next week, but it is only a palliative measure as her cancer is too far advanced and she is unable to undergo surgery. Her ascites has been awful and she has been drained 3 times in the last 6 weeks - 8 litres, 13 litres and 10 litres.
We were hoping that the chemo would shrink the tumours to prevent or even slow down the ascites as that is her main concern and we fully understand how uncomfortable it is and have every sympathy iwth your mums situation.

Have a word with your oncolgist and see whether they can tell you whether the ascites will improve from the chemo - can I ask which chemo your mom is having - they have recommended carboplatin for my mum and seem to think that this will slow down the ascites but there are no guarantees. If you hear of any alternative treatments for the ascites please let me know as my mother hates being drained and if the chemo doesnt work it appears that this is her only option.

You and your mom in in our thoughts and prayers
God bless
Carol