IP therapy and colostomy

[Randy411]

Can you explain why intraperitoneal therapy is not an option for pts who have a colostomy?
I have stage IV ovarian ca, had optimal debulking surgery in 2006 and taxol/carbo, followed by a 7-month remission, then a recurrence.   Beginning in Nov of 2007 I went through Doxil, Gemzar, Etoposide, and Arimidex.
I've just begun a cytoxan/Avastin regimen.  
It's always been my understanding that IP therapy had good outcomes but were unavailable to pts who had a colostomy (which was part of my original extensive procedure).
I'm at the University of Michigan.
Thanks.
Randy

[Randy411]

Hey, Brownie.  Thank you for that prompt response.  Man, you're awfully young to have this problem.   How are you doing now?  In remission or undergoing treatment?  Was the IP your first treatment or was that a way of dealing with a recurrence?   I will definitely find out about IP for me. . . I don't care what they need to do to stabilize me - I'm willing and able to undergo whatever treatment they can throw at me.  
Randy

[Randy411]

Thanks for the quick response, Diane.  You seem to have been treated successfully.  What did they give you?  And what stage were you when you were diagnosed?   Still undergoing any treatment or happily in remission?
Randy

[Brownie3321]

Hey there!

That's entirely not true. I had a colostomy and did IP chemo. It's not a trip to Baskin Robbins, but you do what you have to, you know? I would find out why you were told you could not do one with the other. Best wishes, D

[dian07]

Hey there, Randy.  Sounds like you have been through hell already.  I really don't have an answer......I think it is a good question.  Maybe it is just too tough on a person.....maybe the way the bowel is hooked up the IP chemo chemicals would be too tough on the bowels.....you know it is literally slushed around in the abdominal cavity.  Some of the women who have had IP say it was very difficult and others say it was no big deal.  I wasn't offered IP but would have undergone if I had been offered.  
Hopefully the cytoxan/Avastin will provide you some relief from chemo for a very long time.
Peace.
dian