Debulking surgery and chemo?

[kmoe]

My sister had a 10cm x 11cm x 1cm? mass show up on CT scan 11 days after surgery. Scan results said it was pressing on colon. She started chemo 6 days later. How big was it then? The only reason she went in was severe rear end pain and they said she didn't even need the scan probably fluid. We demanded it. Dr saw scan 4 days later and chemo started 2 days after that. The surgery report said bulk of disease removed but scattered disease left in pelvis peritoneum and on sigmoid colon. Anyway the chemo seems to be working as the CA-125 went from 195 to 18.9 after two rounds. Doc says fast growing tumors react good with chemo but man if this thing doesn't go in remission or comes back, scary. I was just wondering if she didn't have the pain and started chemo later what would have happened. How do the doctors assess amount of tumor prior to chemo if chemo starts 4 weeks after surgery? Dr. said physical exam. Anyone have a similar experience with a grade 3 cancer? She also has a fistula to fix that may be a good thing as they will do a second look at the same time to see if all cancer is gone. I don't know if we should delay chemo by two weeks for temp colostomy to relieve her pain. I am thinking if CA-125 levels off two rounds then maybe surgery. My doc says it is up to us but I think he would do all 6 rounds first.

[dian07]

If your sister is in pain from her fistula and dealing with side effects of chemo she must be absolutely miserable....if I was in her shoes I would get the surgery as soon as possible.....of course I would want the fistula repaired to relieve the pain, but, I would also want them to get back in there and get out as much remaining tumor as possible.....that is major!
I really feel for your sister and am glad she has you to talk with....some sisters are so wonderful...I get the feeling you are one of those!
Her doctors need to eliminate her pain immediately.....somebody needs to speak up.
Peace.
dian