My mom was just diagnosed with Stage 3C

[Monican]

Hi Everyone,

My mom (who just celebrated her 59th birthday yesterday) was diagnosed with Ovarian Cancer on July 1st.  She had surgery on July 6th and the surgeon feels confident that he was able to remove everything.  The source was her right ovary and had spread to the abdominal lymph nodes.  She had a modified radical hysterectomy, an appendectomy and removal of all abdominable lymph nodes.  My poor mom is in so much pain right now but she's a trooper.  I am feeling so many different emotions right now.  I have an amazing circle of supportive friends and family but sometime I feel like I am being duped by them when they say "everything will be okay".  Of course, that is the only thing they would say and the only thing I want to hear but still ... I constantly feel like I'm being shielded and protected from the harsh reality of it all.  My mom's surgeon would like her to start chemo this week if she is up to it but I am uncertain as she just had such a major surgery.  She has absolutely no appetite.  Is this normal?  I guess I don't really have a specific question.  I just wanted to share some thoughts with people who may have had or are going through similar experiences.  Please send your positive thoughts and prayers my mom's way.  She is truly one of the most loving, kind, funny, and thoughtful people I have ever met and I just want her to get better soon!

[Monican]

Hi Guys!

So my mom did not end up starting chemo on July 16th.  She ended up having an infection in the wound and hence they did not start.  This week, they still felt that the wound is not healing enough so they did not start this week either.  It's a 50/50 chance that she starts next week depending on the healing of the wound.  She currently has this contraption called a wound vac so I'm hoping this helps the healing.  Anyone have any experience with the wound vac?  I was very anxious today but fly out tomorrow to see her and I'm sure that will make me feel better.  She still doesn't really have an appetite.  Not sure if that's normal.  Thanks for all your well wishes.  You have no idea (actually you probably do!) how much it means!

Mon

[Oregondaughter]

Unfortunately, she's been on chemo since last August 30th.  She proved to be platinum resistant, and has been on doxil and then gemzar and is starting avastin this coming friday.  She tolerates the chemo well.  Her hair has grown back from the carb/otaxol treatment and she is feeling good.  It's just seems that the cancer is sure enjoying her body and won't just go away.  I told her it is all that healthy living and she should start smoking and drinking and maybe that will help. :)  Her oncologist is awesome and we love him and he is still hopeful that we can stabilize the cancer.  There are a lot of people on this forum that reach "NED - no evidence of disease" after the 6 rounds of carbo-taxol.  Don't let my mom's tough journey discourage you.  We're still in the fight and have had many, many good moments this past year.  There have been hard one's too, but the love of a mother/daughter is precious and strong.  You're going to get through this...even if at times you feel like you won't.  

There are a number of daughters on this site, and we're here for you too.

Denyc (it's pronounced denise, my mom's crazy spelling)

[Monican]

My mom was just released from the hospital today and she is starting chemo TOMORROW!!  It seems fast to me since she is still recovering from a major surgery but her doctor (a gyn/onc) feels confident that my mom will be able to handle it.  I hope she can.  

Thanks so much for your messages.  Even though I'm surrounded by people that mean well, it helps me alot to talk to people who really get it.

Oregon daughter, how is your mom doing now ... a year later?

[Burnzie]

You sound like a very devoted and loving daughter.  I'm sure your mom is grateful for your presence.  I agree with the other girls; usually they wait on chemo for about a month because your body has to adjust to the insult of surgery.  Blood levels can be altered in surgery and you want them at their peak before starting chemo.
People sometimes say stupid things and that is just par-for-the-course.  You will get used to handling it.  They mean well, they just think they have to say something and sometimes end up putting their foot in their mouth.  Keep your chin up.

Karen

[Oregondaughter]

I so related to your post.  My mom was diagnosed 3c July 9 last year.  The surgery was a big deal for us.  It took my mom a long time to recover, at least a month.  Then she started chemo and that took a lot out of her also.  I'm glad they were able to rmove all visible cancer, like Marie said, it's great news.  My mom started chemo about 5 weeks after her surgery.  

People really don't know what to say.  I had to be careful of who I spent time with because while they certainly mean well, they really don't know how unbelievabe this whole journey can be.  This is a great forum to come to.  Ask questions, vent, encourage.  The people on this forum have seen it all.  Hang in there, and pace yourself, it's a marathon, not a sprint.

[marie3B]

The fact that it appears they removed all visible cancer is great news.  Usually they wait 4 or more weeks to start chemo.  They want enough time to recover and regain strength.  Will they be trying I/P chemo?  I know what you mean about the "everything will be okay" line.  It is both irritating and comforting at the same time.  I am very sorry that your mom has had this hit her.  I do wish her the best of luck with treatment.  I know women in long remissions after a 3c diagnosis.  Take care of yourself, too.  Marie