Recurring ovarian cancer

[km1946]

I was diagnosed over 2 years ago with 3c ovarian cancer.  After debulking my first round of chemo (carboplatin and Taxol) the cancer was back in 3 months.  I had more debulking and more chemo (taxotere) and the remission lasted 6 months.  I then had topotecan and relapsed after 7 treatments and am currently on Abraxene.  My CA-125 is down to 17 and I have 3 more treatment to go.  Between treatments I had spent my time riding with my husband who is an long-haul driver.  My question is: Could riding in a very jarring truck play a part in why my cancer seems to be coming back after such a short time?  I know that the tumors rupture and spread like spores do.  A friend told me I should not be going on long trips in the truck because the jarring would bring the cancer back but I cannot find anything to support this.  

[BeachGal7]

Hello km1946, you are asking a very interesting question.  I was diagnosed with OC Stage IIIb in April 2006.  Since then, I have travelled by air (thrice out of the country and once within the country) and all four times I have noticed that the CA125 tumour marker has multiplied at least twice after holiday time.  When I am home and eating just home cooked meals - well, some Saturday nights I eat out of course, then my CA125 tumour marker actually increases very slightly, or sometimes it has actually dropped.

[Jan214]

Same here on the road trips.  I don't go anywhere and I had a 4/6 (4 before I knew it was back & 6 before chemo) mth remission last summer and now I am taking a break against drs advice because I am to weak and sick to keep putting this poison in my system.  Heck, I am still peeing out the last poison cocktail.  I kicked myself up one side and down the other last summer for eating ice cream.  I was sure the sugar caused it and I cried for a week.  I don't eat junk food, but I got on an ice cream kick and I was angry with myself.  So many others have thought the same thing about various things bringing the cancer back, but it is just an insidious disease that strikes when and where it wants to.  I wrote a post where I said "I ate some ice cream this summer and have been kicking myself.  I didn't know about sugar and cancer until my PET scan.  Did I bring this on myself with a couple (okay, more than a couple) bowls of ice cream?"  Here is the link and you might want to read it.  It is actually quit funny in parts to read the things that people thought they did to bring this on themselves. I will tell you what they told me.  Repeat after me and out loud; I DID NOT BRING THIS ON MYSELF BY ENJOYING MY HUSBANDS COMPANY AND RIDING IN A TRUCK!!!!!!  Here's the link and it has a lot of replies so worth the read I think. http://www.medhelp.org/posts/show/323915
Good luck to you and please don't think it is your fault in any way, shape, or form.
Jan

[Terrin2]

I am not doing any road trips, and it has come back three times, I was also 3c.  

[suzyQ51]

My husband is a trucker too, and I have gone many times with him.  I know what you mean about the bouncing around, etc.  Some of the roads they go on are so rough you think your insides are shaking out of you, BUT I agree with the others.  You just keep on going with your husband as long as you feel good.  Unfortunately the company my husband works for now doesn't allow me to go; and I know it would really keep my mind better if I could go with him and not have to think about this disease all the time.  I'm finishing up 2nd round of CHEMO; hopefully one or two more treatments; but its important to try and keep your life as normal as possible when you are feeling good, so you go girl and enjoy the country and scenery.
All the best Sue

[Teresa222]

I say more power to ya for feeling good enough to join your husband in his truck.  I must be a puny OVCA patient. I haven't felt up to doing anything as courageous as that.  
Teresa

[marie3B]

I agree. Just make yourself as comfortable as possible in the truck. Enjoy your life. Enjoy the time with your husband.   Marie

I can't resist the urge to say "keep on truckin' ".......................

[Tybear]

I know we'd like to try and find a reason why this cancer seems to come back over and over, but the truth is, it's just the nature of this disease. Like Pam said, when it's diagnosed in the later stages (I'm a 3c) this is the way it is for most of us. I recurred about 7 months after finishing Taxol/carbo, re-started chemo and am only now, after over a year of trying different drugs, am I responding to treatment. I know I won't be cured of this disease, but I won't let it ruin the life I have now. Keep going out with your hubby...why be apart and be miserable when you can be together, enjoying your life? I am  certain riding in that truck had nothing to do with this...
Good luck with the Axbrane...
Keep in touch,
Becky

[nyc lady]

I don't think that there is any documented facts that would say driving will cause recurrences.  Sorry to say, that regardless of the long haul drives, this disease, especially later stages, is known to recur.  Many women recur immediately after coming off of treatment, or, even while on treatment.  Don't think recur is really the proper word to use.
I think that spending time with family and doing what you want is more helpful then harmful.
Have you discussed  your concerns with your doctor?
Hope that the Abraxene will keep  you in remission for a long long time.
Good luck.
Pam