Reccurent OC (within 6 mo. after chemo)

My mother 56 y.o. was dx OC 3c (90% endrometrioid+10% clear cell) in July 2007 and had a surgery in August 2007, and removed the both ovaries, the fallopian tube(I suppose), the uterus, omentum. The operation was suboptimal, leaving few tumors of around few cm.

After the surgery, she did 8 rounds of chemotherapy (Carboplatin+Taxol) and her CA125&CA19-9 went down to 9 (for CA125) and 15 (for CA19-9). Her CT was also clear.

But unfortunately, her CA started to raising up 2 months after she finished her chemo, and in June 2008, she was told that the cancer came back.

Initially, she was treated in Japan, where she was living for more than 30 years, but as there are fewer type of chemotherapies that can be used in Japan, compared to other countries, we decided to go back to her country, which is Italy.

After the reccurrence, she had 2 rounds of Doxil, which did not have effect (CA 125 went down but on CT, the cancer growth was noticed) and she is now on Gemzar, as her body condition did not let her use Topotecan.

She is given Gemzar every week for 2 weeks and she has a breat of 1 week, and now, she finished been given 3 rounds of Gemzar. In other words, she received 2 rounds of Gemzar and had a week off, and she recently had the 3rd round.

The doctor in Italy told us that after the 4th round of Gemzar, which is scheduled next week, they will check by CT to see if Gemzar is working or not.

My mother is not really feeling well, physically nor mentally. She has pleural effusion so much cough and has difficulty in breathing but the doctor said that it is not the right moment to remove the water. She also have hernia which is inoperable for the moment. She can not walk too much and she spends most of the time in bed.

Here are my questions:

1. We strongly hope that the Gemzar is working but in case Gemzar in not working, what other chemotherapies can be tried?

2. Is it normal that she is not feeling well, and spending most of her time in bed? Is there anything that can be done, so she can spend time in a more fulfilled way?

3. Is there anything we can do so she can breath easier and does not have so much cough?

As I am in Japan, and my mother is in Italy, so far apart, I am so worried about my mother and want to know in what condition she is now.

Thank you in advance and waiting for your reply.

Milumilusha

[dian07]

I have no solution for your and your mom's dilema, but I did at least want to acknowledge your plight and comcern for your mom.  The pain, anxiety, eagenress and fear is palpable in your voice.....so is the love you have for your mom.  There really isn't much you can do....especially with the distance between you two.  It is so wrong ....nobody should have to go through this.  
Your mom needs to advoate for herself.... if she wants to try other chemo then she needs to insist.   If her breathing is so difficult she can't do anything she needs to insist they remove the ascites.  I know it will be difficult for her, but, she needs to be demanding she be listened to.  
I am so sorry you and your mom are going through all of this.
Good luck to you both.
Peace.
dian

[JC145]

There are many drugs available ... Avastin is showing good results.  Sometimes Avastin is used in comination with other drugs.  But, you need to go on other Ovarian web sites for all of the possible choices for drugs and/or trials.  RE: fluid .. don't know why they cannot remove it, especially since she can't breathe.  I hope she has some family member near her to advocate on her behalf.  Will keep your Mom in my prayers.  Judy

[jlock]

I agree with the other ladies and don't understand why her lung can not be drained...espcially since she is having a difficult time breathing.  There are so many chemos out there so she is gonna have to really advocate for herself with these Oncs.  I'll keep her in prayer..~~~Joanne