Mother may have Ovarian Cancer

Hello,
My mother was having trouble breathing and coughing and was sent to the respiratory clinic.  She was diagnosed with Malignant Pleural Effusion in her right lung and Metastatic Adenocarcinoma.  The doctor also told her her lung was expanding as well as it should.  They did a buch of tests blood, chest, ultrasound, CT but they told her all the tests were inconclusive and they didn't know where the cancer was coming from but think it's most likely in the pelvic region.  My mother had a hysterectomy a few years ago but they left her ovaries so were thinking it could be her ovaries.

The reason for my post is that she's been waiting over a month now for the gyneocology department to schedule her an appointment and I'm getting very concerned.  She has a nurse come to the house everything 2 days to drain the fluid (about 300-400ml) each time.

Could you tell me what stage of Ovarian Cancer this sounds like?  Also, an estimated prognosis?  Also, what treatment options she may be able to get?

Thanks,
Melissa

[nyc lady]

I wish I had an answer to your questions.  This must be a very scarey time for you and your family. Have they done a CT Scan on your mother''s pelvic area?  An MRI?  Something?  Are there masses on her ovaries?

As had as it is, try not to panic, until you know what you are dealing with.

Good luck and keep us posted!!!

Can you make calls yourself to get her into the doctors?

[Ramsay14]

You've been waiting a month and you don't have a scheduled appointment?  I agree with nyc lady, it's time to make a call to the gynecology department yourself.

[mdm101]

Thanks for your replies.  My mother's nurse, that comes by her house every couple days to drain the fluid from her right lung, was able to speed things up so now she has an appointment for June 16th - with the Gyneocolgist that specializes in Ovaries at the Cancer Center.  

To answer your questions: I'm not sure if my Mother had the CT scan or anything on her pelvic area or not, but I will check with her.   When she was at the respiratory clinic they were mainly concerned with her Malignant Pleural Effusion.  They were doing a lot of chest x-rays and stuff.  

I've done some reading and it sounds like Malignant Pleural Effusion is a symtom for advanced Ovarian Cancer.  I'm really hoping and praying for the best outcome but I'm getting very concerned and impatient waiting to hear her diagnosis.

[mdm101]

Well my mother was diagnosed with stage iv ovarian cancer with malignant pleural effusion.   She is starting chemo in a few days which is to last for the next 9 weeks.  Then she will have surgery and then go on chemo again afterwards.  The doctoer seemed confident and even told her that he was giving her the "cure treatment".  My mother never reads the internet or anything so she is thinking everything is perfect and she will be cured no problem.  

I've done lots of reading and see that the prognosis for this stage is not good.  Does anyone know if people usually beat this stage of cancer, especially with the pleural effusion in her right lung?

I'm really hoping for the best but when I read about it on the internet her chances seem so low.

Thanks!

[JC145]

Personally, I think it's unfair of the MD to use the word "cure" or we got "all" of the cancer.  Everyone reacts differently to the chemo and there may be women out there who have had long remissions.  I just met an OVCA lady who was in remission for 9 (nine) years .. but I don't know what her original diagnosis stage.  When MD's use the word "all" .. it means they got "all" of the cancer they can "see".  Individual cells are too small to be seen with the naked eye.

Having said that, your Mom is getting the best treatment for OVCA.  How long of a remission she will have no one can predict ... hopefully and prayerfully, it will be many years.  

At this point, I would think positively that the chemo and surgery will take care of today.  What's down the road is not in our hands.  Help Mom through this and enjoy your time together after chemo.  It doesn't pay to think/worry about the unknown.  Today is a "present".

Judy