On this site go to forums and on the right side of the page is the "Ask a Doctor" section. I will send you a private message for the other site as it will be blocked if I post it here.
Hi Sharon,
Thanks for the info. How exactly do I go about getting on the OVCA forum? Not sure which site to go on... or what not.
Thanks, Rachael
Try to get on the medical OVCA forum. It's hard because they only accept so many posts per day but will be worth it in terms of getting a professional opinion. We will try to support you here in any way we can with personal anecdotes. You may also want to check out About.com which has a Dr. available to answer medical questions promptly.
So sorry to hear of your mom's suffering. She is lucky to have you as a concerned supportive daughter.
Best wishes,
Sharon
My mom had a lot of ascites.It also was around her lung.Is your mom able to have a bowel movement,very important.She should drink Bio-k,a drinkable probiotic,aids in food digestion.Is she taking a stool softener or Senokot.Smart Water is good.Bromelain,a pineapple enzyme improves chemo response.New chapter organics Ginger Force for healthy cell renewal,their multi-vitamin is great.As long is she can eat and go to the bathroom daily,that's half the battle.I have a lot of other suggestions.Just being for their is helping more then you know.This is the most evil of all cancers.The early symptoms are just so vague.Thats why its not usually found until later stage.the only symptoms my mom had was weight gain,abdominal swelling,and indigestion.Be strong for your mom and family.Don't be afraid to ask questions,make suggestions.Marinol helped my mom with her appetite,a narcotic.Are they giving her Emend before chemo.Is she taking Ativan & Zofran for nausea.She must walk,it helps with the constipation & fatigue,everyday with help if needed.
Thanks so much for your reply Jen. I was aware of all the problems and such from the ascites. It's just hard because answers are so vague.
Did your Mom have the ascites?
My Mom is only 49.... I'm 23. I have two older sisters 33, and 32... and my Dad is 53.
I hate this disease... why can't they figure out a cure? It's just so unknown, and it seems to be an epidemic more and more lately. My Grandma and Grandpa were both diagnosed with sorts of cancer within the last 2 years also. So 3 family members in 2 years! They have to figure this out!
I think your mom's best bet would be a permanent peritoneal catheter.Every time she gets a paracentesis theirs a risk of her lung getting punctured.The most common problems from ascites is shortness of breath,pressure in bowel area making it difficult to go the bathroom,pressure in stomach area,difficulty eating.Sometimes the ascites can accumulate around the lung.Hope this helps.I'm so sorry,I've been in your position I was my mom's caretaker up until her passing in August.If you need any support I'm here for you.My mom was only 50.I'm having a hard time,depression from the holidays,her birthday's coming up.God Bless you and your mom,Jen