Reoccurring Ovarian Cancer

My mom was diagnosed 3c in July 2008.  She had surgery and then 6 rounds of carbo/taxol.  She had NED by the thrid cycle and maintained a 125 of 7.  This past week she felt bloated and not right.  Her 125 is now 147 and she has 2 lymph nodes in her abdomen that are malignant.  They drained a gallon of ascites.

Her doctor is recommending the same course of treatment with the 6 cycles of carbo/taxol.  Has anyone been in this situation and tried soemthing different?  The thought of being ill for the next 18 weeks is hard on her.  She has been doing many holistic therapies like IV vitamin C and supplements.

Thank you and God Bless everyone who is fighting this battle.

Joanna

[jane65]

Hi Joanna,
j know how hard chemo is for your Mom to go through, I had carbo/taxol for 4 months and it was difficult but it's the gold standard first line chemo. It worked so well for Mom, and gave her a long remission and iIm sure that's why her oncologist wants to repeat it.

Make an appointment with Mom, and her doctor to discuss her medical options.

If holistic therapy and vitamins cured cancer, we'd all be on it instead of having surgery and chemo.

Good luck,
Jane

[monkeygirl1967]

Hi Joanna

I was also diagnosed 3c last July. Full hysterectomy and 6 rounds of Carbo/Taxol. I'm with Jane in that it's the best first line chemo. How did they find the malignant Lymph nodes? Was it by scanning or physical exam of her abdomen/pelvic area? Just curious as I had my check-up yesterday. All good on the CA125 - 17 (I was over 6000 at diagnosis) and had physical exam - tummy and 2 internals, but I too am concerned as feel bloated quite a lot. What was the gap in between her last visit and the latest problem?

Wishing your Mum well with the treatment - be strong.
Jo

[geemom1123]

Thanks so much for your responses.  My mom did decide to go back to the carbo/taxol.  She will also receive avastin because she was part of a study last year.

Jo - - my mom felt bloated as well as constipated for about a week and then made an appointment with her onc.  last Tuesday.  The exam was negative.  By Friday, she had gained over 7 pounds and had her 125 checked.  SInce it rose so much she went to the ER and they did a CT scan and found the nodes.  They are going to do a biopsy today to confirm and start the chemo next week.  

I wish you both continued good health!  Thanks again.

Joanna