Frozen Pelvis?

Three weeks ago my daughter-in-law was diagnosed w/OVCA. She is 40 w/2 young children. No family history, not in any of the risk groups. After going through tests @ MDAnderson, she began neoadjuvant chemo two weeks ago & is to do 3 cycles, then more tests to determine the results of the chemo. If chemo has worked, then surgery, then 3 more rounds of chemo. She had her lung drained 2 weeks ago and determined that cancer cells were in the fluid. Dr. says cancer is present in ovaries, fallopian tubes, cervix, diaphragm, and can also see cancer on but not in her liver. Since she hasn't yet had surgery, she has not been staged.

Oncologist says she has a "frozen pelvis," and after doing searches I was able to read some about it. Have any of you been told this? What is your prognosis? What does it all mean in re of the probable upcoming surgery?

[junamgen]

Very sorry about your DIL's dx. I can image all of you are still in shock to learn the news and  want to know what going to happen as much as possible.
What i can tell you is she is being treated now in the one of the top hospital in th US, and she is young which means she is more likely to better tolerate the harsh treatment and better recovery.
No body knows her prognosis,  I don't think it is the time for any of you to think about that way for her yet. The reason is because I was at that point about 2 years ago.  It is good to look ahead but not too early.  I would think right now is to help her to deal with daily family life, play the role she use to play for the family, trying to have mornal life as much as possible for 2 youger children.  Please be strong for her.
You are wonderful MIL i can tell and you can always come here for anything about OVCA. we help each other while on this journey.
If you can put a bit more info about your DIL when you have time if will be greatly appreciated.

Peace nad Love

[Katie116]

Thank you for your positive words. My DIL is a spiritual, prayerful woman, a wonderful wife and stay-at-home mother. The family is surrounded by friends and family who are providing emotional, physical, child-care, et al, support. Dinner comes prepared every night.

DIL had terrible joint/bone pain after 1st chemo and was also extremely nauseated. Her doc told her that chemo is cumulative, and that succeeding chemos are likely to create worse results as she goes. This was a big blow to her. Can anyone substantiate this?

[junamgen]

Very lucky to have a so suppotive family and friend circle.
Dr is right about chemo. Ask dr about what antinausea med she is taking? if it is not working for her than change to the other one. there are so many of them out there. It is also very importnt to have small meals as often as she wants, i treat it as i was pregant again.

i was determind to finishe first 6 cycles of IV and IP of  platin and taxel which i did.  But it was still very difficult of last two cycle when I was just resting in bed about 18hrs a day after chemo.  I have found foot massage was my favorite time when my dad coming for about 20-30 min in the morning and in the afternoon after nap.  Hope it helps!

peace and love

jun

[Ramsay14]

I would like to reiterate that your daughter-in-law is going to the best place for treatment of ovarian cancer in my opinion.  Many women on this board travel from distances to get treatment plans and second opinions from them.  Myself included and I live in Connecticut.  After the surgery make sure you get the answers to these questions:
1. The exact type of ovarian cancer.  
2. The stage of the cancer.
3. The grade of the cancer.
4. Weather or not the tumor is estrogen receptor positive.
Many women are not told all of this information, you have to ask for it, and I believe it is so important to know exactly what you are dealing with.  You will probably want to do some research and the above information will be very helpful to know.

[Burnzie]

Junamgen and Ramsay14 are exactly right; the name of the game is to be "armed" with as much knowledge as she can so she makes informed decisions along the way.  Sometimes in looking too far ahead we can get overwhelmed.  I think its easier to stay positive and focused when we go one step at a time.  Its important to get the nausea under control so that she can get the proper nutrition in before surgery.  I had IP/IV treatment too and the thing that worked for me was decadron, maxeran and kytril, the later being "the big Guns," at the time.  There are many others too, so the trick is to find what works the best for her.  It takes a few goes before knowing this.  Something else I found good in between kytril doses was gravol suppositories.  Kytril is very constipating, so a strong laxative and stool softener need to be on board too.  Good luck  and I wish her well.

Karen

[crecco]

Katie,
   The girls are right. She is in good hands. Personally I feel that chemo before the surgery is a good idea as it allows a chance for the chemo to shrink any tumors, making it easier for Drs to remove as much cancer as possible. I was diagnosed and staged all before having surgery, and after recieving chemo first, they were able to remove all visible cancer other than what was in my liver. As far as a frozen pelvis, I am at a loss as to what that is.
  Prognosis? Don;t even think like that. We all have the chance to overcome this disease, regardless of what the statistics say. Because there are always the ones in that small percent and we each have the chance to be there. Never lose hope and determination.
  I wish her the very best of luck and please keep us informed as to how things progress.
   Chris