Need some encouragement

[clm]

Hi there - I'm new to this forum, and hoping you all can help.

My mom Ann (who isn't an internet user, so I'm posing on her behalf) was first diagnosed in 12/2006 at stage 3. They did surgery & removed just about everything, then she went onto chemo for around 6 months. She was in remission through late 2007 & 2008, but was recently told that she is out of remission with a 1x.5 cm tumor on a lymph node and a CA-125 of 84 (she was down to 9 after chemo).

She's having a hard time dealing with the fact that her oncologist and others she's working with are not very encouraging. She is a realist and understands the nature of the disease, but she's looking for some example -- ANY example -- of someone who is living with the disease after it has recurred. Either someone who is in remission again after a recurrence, or who is not in remission but is living relatively normally. She wants to believe that there is SOME chance, even if it's a small one, that she might beat this back and have more good years. Without that hope she's having a hard time being positive or seeing a point in fighting.

She's about to start in a study group using Gemzar, Avastin and Platinol, and she's also worried that the side-effects could be as bad as the last time (one of her prior drugs was Taxol). She couldn't care less about cosmetic issues, but last time she was unable to eat and went from 135 lbs to under 95 lbs. So any experiences or advice about that combo would be helpful too.

I haven't searched this forum yet but I'm about to, so I apologize if what I'm looking for is already posted somewhere else. Thanks  -

Lynn

[clm]

Thanks so much for your responses, I can't wait to share your thoughts and stories with my mom. I'll be at her house tomorrow for Christmas, and seeing these messages of hope will no doubt be the best gift she'll receive. If anyone else wants to jump in, the more the merrier! :-)

Thank you again, and I hope everyone here has a happy and healthy holiday -

Lynn

[jlock]

I took me 13 months to go into remission after surgery back in Nov. 04.  I'm currently having my 3rd recurrence.  I found the 2nd round of chemos easier than the originnal carbo/taxol.  I have been on topotecan,Gemzar,Doxil,Carbo,taxol and Navelbine.  For me the worse was Navelbine (I just stopped 3 weeks ago,too toxic for me) Except for this last round I felt great and at times even forgot I was on chemo,(I kept forgetting to do my weekly labs)  There is life after recurrence and it can be as good as ever.... it all depends on how she reacts to each chemo. I would think they would might re-try her on carbo and instead of taxol use maybe taxotere instead.  It gave her a good response last time and theres no reason to not think it wouldn't do it again.  I will keep your Mom in prayer...good luck~~~~Joanne

[Hazel30]

Hi Lynn, I hope this will be some encouragement for you & your Mom.  My Mom was dx late 2005 actually 2 days from today will be 3 years.  She has recurred twice and right now on her 2nd recurrence on very good drugs.  She lives a very normal life, beside the fact, knowing she is living with cancer.  She works, works and spends time with me and my family when ever she is off.  She is happy and doing great, our hope is that there will be drugs that can manage the disease keep it stable so that all woman who are living with cancer can live a happy normal life span.  So far the drugs are getting better and better so there is lots of hope.  In your Moms case, sounds like she's been in remission for a good long time so she will probably be able to go back on the same drug combination as her first line of treatment which makes her platinum sensitive, that is great.
Best of Luck to her

[jennerfennerbenner]

Hi!  My thoughts are with you as your family fights this monster.  I have a very good friend that was diagnosed with stage 4 -4 years ago. She did the regular chemo and just had her first reoccurance and successful completed another series of chemo with good results.  Remember we don't have to let OVCA make us statistic!  Good luck, if you ever need to talk I'm here for you.  I went thru this with my mom when I was a young girl, and now my sister and also another close friend.  Together we can make a difference!

[kismetfarm]

I'm still here...

Diagnosed stage 3C December 2000, surgery and taxol/carboplatin. Recurred in February 2005, surgery but they didn't remove any tumor as they considered it too far gone, several different chemos of which one finally worked moderately well, (the rest did nothing) and a couple of lots of radiation.

I wouldn't say I was 100% healthy but I work full time, usually feel well and there isn't much I can't do.  

I fought for years with the negativity I felt about the whole thing - then I realised I didn't have to subscribe to the doom and gloom.  To be honest I go weeks on end without giving it too much thought.

[westajul]

Lynn,
My Ovca has also recurred and I am currently going through chemo. One of the drugs in my chemo regime is avastin. My only side effects have been hair loss, tiredeness and some loss of appetite( but not due to nausea.) but it only lasts a few days.  I am not sure where you live but if it is possible a second opinion may help your mom. Especially if you can go to one of the great cancer places like MD Anderson or Sloane/Kettering. Also as Sharon said your mom was in remission a long time and that is always a positive sign. Good luck and Happy Holidays. Julie

[bohan54]

You came to the right place!  I am not in your mom's place right now but there are many member of the forum who can give you solid, experience based advice and support.  She's had a nice long remission and it is very possible that she can do it again.  I'm sure she appreciates your research and support.

Sharon