Does Mom have a chance?

Our 78 year old Mother was diagnosed with Stage IV ovarian cancer last week.  Initially she had fluid drained from her right lung (2 quarts)and we thought it was an infection with some pneumonia.  A few weeks later we learned there were cancer cells in the fluid.  Her oncologist confirmed Stage IV and placed our Mother in the hospital immediately, as her lung once again had fluid.  The next day a procedure was done to install a tube to drain the lung and talcum powder was introduced to irritate the lung's lining so the lung would no longer allow fluid to build-up.  It has been 3-4 days now and the fluid is still exiting the chest.  She had 2 liters of fluid removed during the operation.  The fluid is slightly tinted red.  The onocologist arranged for a biopsy of the ovary today (6.2 cm in size)and has told us there are no plans for surgery.  The plan is to start chemotherapy asap, which will probably consist of both carboplatin and taxotere.  Our Mother's health is very good, with the exception of asthma (strong heart, no cancer on any other organs, but fluid on the one lung and in the abdominal cavity...both probably containing cancer cells).  She will receive her chemotherapy at Fox Chase Cancer Center, Phila., PA.  Is it highly unusual to declare no operation before any biopsy was ever taken and all the organs are clear of tumors, cysts, capsules, etc.?  Does chemotherapy ever really work?  I can honestly say I've never met anyone who underwent successful chemotherapy and didn't die within a year or less anyway.  Has anyone reading this survived Stage IV ovarian cancer?

[Red2357]

First let me say that I am very sorry to hear of your mother's diagnosis.  I myself do not have OC, but have had some scares with it.  There is a very good group on Johns Hopkins website, I believe there a few ladies there that are/were stage IV.  They are a wealth of knowledge and support.  http://ovariancancer.jhmi.edu/  If you go into the Community section and then the Main Discussion board that will get you there.  I hope this helps.  Best wishes to you and your mother.