Metastasis in ovarian cancer

My grand mom was detected ovarian cancer stage 3c in dec 2007
she was given paclitaxel/carboplatin as her first line treatment and then hysterectomy was performed 6 march 2008 and then again she continued chemo. But during the this time after about 2 cycles she again developed a tumor . the doctor called it progression in the pelvic region. he changed the medine and now gave her liposomal doxorubicin/oxaliplatin . But that also dint seem to work for her .

in dec 2008  we went for homeopathic treatment for about 3 months bt things again dont seem to turn up well. she recently also was experiencing certain fluid discharges and bleeding ( post hysterectomy ) from the pelvic region...
Now her CT_Scan reports indicate the metastasis in liver and spleen...

Now she is on gemcitabine chemotherapy ...

What alternatives do i have right now ??
can she go for a surgery ??
and is the bleeding due to the tumor or is it some other phenomena ??

[Annekathryn Goodman, M.D.]

Hi There,
I am so sorry to hear about what your grandmother is going through. It sounds like her cancer is very aggressive.  The cancer does not appear to be sensitive to chemotherapy. The bleeding probably represents tumor penetrating through the vagina. A pelvic exam would help to understand that.

Her doctor has given very appropriate therapy and the chemotherapy chooses are just right. However, if the cancer is not sensitive to these chemotherapies, it may be time to talk about stopping chemo.

Surgery is not appropriate.

I know this is really tough for you and the whole family.  Is there a specialist in your area who is expert in palliative care and symptom management?  A specialist of this sort can help guide therapy to maximize quality of life with pain management and other symptom management.

[sameerrastogi]

hello doctor goodman
thanks for your advice and time. yes we do have specialists which shal deal with palliative care.
i have heard a lot about a new medicine called avastin ....

can that help her ???