Results & may be changing my oncologist

Hi everyone,

I got my results today and am depressed. But what do you expect when you aren't doing chemo. Well I am stronger now so I'll start in again. After the Gemzar and chemo all year I was weak and I was a little worried about my brain therefore I put off chemo until after I found out about my brain mri since not given a good prognosis on that.

Well, I was so relieved that with my 6-month brain scan that it is still the same. Nothing growing.

But the abdominal area was not good

[alanpvegas]

I'm so sorry!  :)  One thing before I forget, the last chemo (trial) my mom was on (tubulin stabalizer like taxol) was able to pass the blood/brain barrier and is effective against taxane resistant cells (should you ever be interested in the future...no idea on the future of this chemo though).

Have they ever discussed IP chemo with you at all?  If you think you are strong for it, the NCI recommends it for all ovarian cancer patients as it has a high success rate but is hard on the patient (most can't complete, but even having some IP chemo helps more than not).  In-fact, ask about 'heated' IP chemo.  Very very very few places do this (I assume because of equipment?) but that has even higher success.  Basically the theorey (building on the known about IP), is that when the chemo is 'heated' you are killing cancer cells that way as well.  Now that it is in direct contact with the cells via IP, it has a high kill ratio.  Not many people know about that though and it's often not offered (sadly).  It would be best to do this one *during* surgery (after debulking), but like I said very few places are equipped for it and few oncologists do it.

Good luck and keep us posted!
Alan

[SimplyStar]

along with the heated IP chemo I have also read about rolling to distribute  it around the belly better.  I am still wondering what a ginger wash of the belly would do.  Mayo wouldn't do the IP with Leslee because they had a high incindence of infection of the ports.  But have noticed from the posts this does not seem to be the normal problem.  Sure hope you can get the Avastin, Leslee is trying to get Mayo to add it to her Doxil,  with the FDA approving it for 2 other cancers we think there is a chance of release, although she may have to pay for part or all of it. Working with the insurance co now.  Helen I wish you luck, you deserve a good break.  Marty

[Kimchi]

Helen,

I am truly sorry to hear about  abdominal area not being good but happy about brain results. Really was hoping that the cancer would give up and leave you be...Just curious, why can't your present GYN/ONC work with Avastin? why would you have to change ONC just because you change meds? I know that you really wanted to give your body a break and enjoy spring/summer.  Now you are  both physically and mentally stronger and ready for a new battle.  Hope you get new meds approved fast.  Stay positive.

[alanpvegas]

Ginger wash of the belly...that brings back ideas!  I remember when that first came out too (U of M study) and I was thinking, so why don't they just do that?  What is amazing there is plenty of natural methods that can effect ovca effectively when used directly on the cells...but there is no money in it....well, that is, unless you make an analog of it and jack up the price 1200%.

[Helmar]

Gee Helen... what can I say, apart from how sorry I am to hear your news. I was hoping that it would all be good, but with this lousy disease, we never know. One thing to be thankful for is your brain scan was good, so that's great news. Now, about the other.... I can only say that I had really great results with Taxotere/Carbo, so how about you have a crack at that, while waiting for the other one? I think in the light of what you have reported here, you need to start on chemo a.s.a.p. so this disease doesn't get too advanced on you, and with the fact that you've been off the chemo for a while, your body should be ready to fight the beast now.
I don't know about 'knocking on Heaven's door' though... that's a little premature just yet,as far as I would be concerned. Drag out all of that toughness that I feel you have stashed away there.. and give this beast one hell of a fight. I wish you all the best Helen, and keep us up to date with how you are doing. Right?
You are in my thoughts and prayers....and I'm sending you lots of happy and healing hugs...Helen...

[freshair]

Thank you for everyone's response. Your support helps me to be stronger.

I was depressed yesterday but now ready to fight. I have plans to see my oncologist and talk to her about Carbo/Taxotere as Helmar and Diane had/have success with. Then also interview other oncologists after starting chemo. Then will do the Avastin next but will start the approval process.

I have learned my lesson that you don't take time off. And hopefully others will learn from me.

Yes, Helmar ASAP is what I felt last night. And when I said knocking on heaven's door, I did mean in the WAY FAR OFF FUTURE. Why try Avastin when I have no other options. Why not now?

Yes, Marty a Ginger wash may be all that I need. Who knows, right? I'm open to anything but of course that needs years of study and FDA approval.

Alan-heated chemo would be interesting. You need surgery then. I am not a candidate for surgery, unfortunately. I don't want IP chemo. My feeling is that is only good for a first chemo. I am afraid of my organs on that (my gut feeling).

Kimchee-I will be positive.
I must try the Carbo again and hope I am not resistant to it. I remember I had a lymph node in my breast that it cleared up. I have done Carbo in 2003 and 2005 so lets hope it works in 2007.

All my best,
Helen