Metastatic Ovarian Cancer to Intenstines

[RandyL]

My mother has been fighting ovarian cancer for 5 years. It has recently spread to her duodenum and small intestines. She is unable to eat and in severe abdominal pain. The tumor is too deep and she is unable to have a stent put in. It seems her only option is surgery to cut out a portion of the small intestine and reconnect. I'm even sure if she can survive this type of surgery. Anyone with similar circumstances, recommendations of surgeons or hospitals in the South would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks.

[marie3B]

I am glad that they can modify the by-pass.  I hope this goes smoothly.  She must be in a very good hospital for them to come up with this option.  This is something for me to keep in mind.  With my body, blockages are my worst fear.  I am fast approaching my 2 year survivor mark , June 14th.  I will be thinking of you and your mom.  She sounds strong and I admire the fight in her.  Marie

[RandyL]

Good Morning Friends.  Its been quite a while since I wrote. Its been an emotional roller coaster. The bypass never worked. Mom turned out to have another blockage further down that they couldn't see with the endoscopy. The good news is that they did not see any further "seedings" of cancer/ So they will re-do the bypass today which they say is just a "technical" correction and hopefully she will be able to start eating soon and be on the road to recovery. I hope you are all doing well. Never give up. Remember, you will not only be a cancer survivor. you will be a cancer CONQUERER!

[VANative]

Hi Randy,
great news that your mom is doing better and they know the next steps!  That is always the toughest for me.  Not knowing what to expect!   Good to hear she can go back on chemo and continue to fight this terrible disease.  It sounds like she is very positive and strong!  Best wishes in getting her blood counts  up, I'll keep praying for your mom and family.  Janice

[RandyL]

Hi Friends.

I went to see my mom last night. She is looking remarkably well. Its amazing how much better you feel when you are hydrated and your organs are working properly. So, here's the deal. They have decided they cannot do the surgery that involves cut out part of reeconnecting her intestines. Its a seven-hour surgery and is too dangerous. They came up with another option that is much less invasive. They are going to do a gastric by-pass. They are going to re-route the food away from her duodenum and small intestines. She will be able to eat and digest food and this will eliminate her abdominal pain. Then she will go back on chemo to attack the cancer. For my mom, chemo has always been "manageable". Through 5 years of on and off chemo she has been on cruises, traveled to Italy, been to my daughters' Bat Mitzvah, traveled to Colorado to see her eldest grand-daughter and has had as good a quality of life as possible. Are there times when it has been more debilitating (nausea, exhaustion, etc)? Yes, but she is a fighter. What has been completely debiliting is the pain from the tumor in stomach blocking her ability to eat and digest. If they can bypass that and eliminate the pain. She can go back on Chemo and keep fighting. Her surgery is scheduled for Friday. They have to get her platelets and her blood count up. Please keep her in your prayers as you are all in mine.

G-D Bless.

Randy

[marie3B]

I woke up thinking of you and your mom, but was too sick to check in until now.  My second cycle of my new chemo had had some rough spots to say the least.  I will continue prayers sent your way.  My grandson also prays every night for me and "my cancer friends."  We will be here for you and your family all the way.  Ladies here have sure pulled me through a mess.  Marie

[RandyL]

Mom is in the hospital being evaluated right now. In one short day since I happened upon this site, your responses and prayers have been an inspiration.

Thanks to all. I'll let you know how she's doing.

[VANative]

Hi Randy,
I'll definitely say a prayer for your Mom, you, and your family.  I would recommend you check with the leading hospital in your area and see if they have a cancer support program.  They may be able to recommend  a surgeon or a gyn oncologist that does surgery.  There is a group called Life with Cancer at our local hospital in Northern VA.  It is a group that supports the community and not just hospital patients.  They have been  a great resource for me.  I also got oncology surgeon referrals for my Mom from my GYN.  Maybe you have  a female relative, friend, etc...that has a GYN that you could call.   My Aunt experienced a blockage and did have surgery. She was very weak at the time of surgery, but they were able to operate.  Your moms doctor will certainly advise of that, but if she can take the surgery and if it were my Mom, I would want them to operate and get rid of that tumor.  Best wishes and prayers to yuo and your Mom. Janice

[JC145]

God Bless your Mom with her upcoming surgery.  Will keep her in my prayers.  Judy

[RandyL]

Thank you for your thoughts, prayers and coments. We are in South Florida. I don't think we can make it to Texas. I believe she will be admitted to a hospital today for nutrition and pain management. I imagine they will do the surgery sometime this week, if possible.

Thank you again for your prayers. I hope everyone reading this will send out a little prayer today.

Thanks.

[marie3B]

My heart goes out to you.  My mom had her cancer invade all of he intestines.  She had a full blockage and needed an N/G tube for drainage. Oddly she expressed no pain, just discomfort and pressure.  Her case was over 20 years ago.  Now I think she would have had a better chance at a surgery to give some relief.  Is MD Andrson a possibility?  They are in Texas.  Keep us posted.  I pray she finds the relief she needs.  Marie