Mom had surgery

[mudgett]

My mom was diagnosed in Sept with stage 4 ovarian cancer.She has been on chemo and just had surgery yesterday.When they got in there the Dr. said that he did not see any visible cancer.Her original CT showed a mass on the liver and she had a pleural effusion.They drained her lung and her belly.She has responded well to chemo.One of the things they were looking for in the surgery was to see if she had a mass that was resectable on the liver.But the Dr. said he did not see anything.They removed both ovaries and the omentum.When the Dr. came out of surgery he told my dad that he got everything.Now my dad and the rest of the family think that she does not have cancer anymore.I tried explaining things to them but they insist that the Dr. said that he got everthing.Does anyone have any ideas how to handle this or just leave it alone.
                                                    Thanks
                                                              Lisa

[kaysgirl]

Get ahold of the doc and explain your concerns.  My mom's docs said that her's wasn't curable and my dad never heard that part. It is hard when everyone isn't on the same page....explain that to the doc...perhaps he can clarify what he meant to your family.

[jlock]

Since your Mom is a stage 4 I would also recommend more chemo after her surgery. There are cancer cells that can not be seen most likely inside of her.  She is very lucky to have responded so well to the chemo.  I hope your Mom gets stronger and stronger and can enjoy her holidays~~~Joanne

[Cindy809]

I had two surgeries and both doctors came out with the same and told my husband that they got all the cancer. Yes they did!  All residual disease!  Microscopic disease needs to be addressed.  Did he mention additional chemotherapy for this?   If there is no plan for additional chemotherapy, please explain to your parents that the standard of care for Ovca for stage 4 is chemotherapy following surgery.  She has the best chance of keeping her remission that way. Cure?  No oncologist can say for sure.  Some ladies with stage 1 disease live for years with no recurrence.  So my advise would be chemotherapy for your Mom...hope this helps....Cindy

[JC145]

Even for cancers that are technically "cured", no one can say 100% that anyone is cured.  Cancer cells are so minute.  You should have the family speak to the doctor again.  He should not have said that he got "everything" ... he should have said that he got "everything he could see" .. a hugh difference.  Cells are so tiny which is why chemotherapy is necessary for most women.  Good luck and God bless.  Judy

[bohan54]

The doctor should be providing information about the next steps in treatment.  You obviously understand that this is not the end of the road and this must be made clear to your mom and dad.  She must be monitored for recurrence even if she is currently in remission.