Stage IIIC Ovarian Cancer No Surgery

My mother was diagnosed on December 18th 2007 with Ovarian Cancer Stage IIIC, after having a laparoscopy to explore the cancer extension. At that moment the Dr. said surgery was not possible due to the extension of the tumors, and because she had many tumors around the pelvic area and a big tumor next to the liver (about 16cms. x 8 cms.). He said, he couldn't find the ovaries. IP chemotherapy was also discarded. On December 21st she started an IV chemo with Taxol and Carboplatin, and she is now between her second and third chemo sessions. After reading your comments to other forum members I was wondering if we should look for a second opinion from a gynecologist-oncologist to insist on having surgery now, even if the impact on her daily life is much stronger. I worry if we wait quietly until the sixth chemo session and the end of this cycle to consider surgery, she will decrease her chances of recovery. She has generally good health, and no chronic diseases. Please, let me know if we should insist on surgery now! Thanks!

[crecco]

  I was dx stage IV in Nov 05. Due to the fact that I was so sick, the Drs would not do surgery. They opted for chemo first. For one to shrink the size of the tumors (which is important because the more of it they can get during surgery, the better) and the other so that I would be able to with stand a major surgery. They also decided to add two more chemo sessions after the original 6 for as a pre-caution.
  IP therapy has been discarded for your mom due to the fact that it is not contained to just the abdomen.
  I see more and more now Drs opting for chemo first. As i said, the more of the cancer they can get rid of with the chemo, there is that much less they have to try to remove during surgery. And the more they get, the better the chances of staying ahead of it.
  It sounds like her Dr is confident in what he is doing. They told me that if had the surgery first that I probably would not make it through it. So hang in there. He is probably doing what he feels best in her situation. I wish her all the best. LOL Chris

[silver&gold]

Hi , I think there would certainly be no harm getting a second opinion , you are not feeling comfortable with the waiting and you should follow your instincts . If the second opinion is the same then at least you know that you have looked for another approach . Wishing you well Angie

[rmarie]

The Dr.s forum had a similar question that she just answered tonight.  Hope that helps

[Brownie3321]

Hey there. It's always a good idea to get a second opinion. On the other hand, there are women on here who have done chemo first to shrink the tumors and then had the surgery with great success. I think if another doc were to tell you you are taking the right path, you may feel better. Just get one to cover all bases. With love and prayers, Deandra

[Brownie3321]

Hey there. It's always a good idea to get a second opinion. On the other hand, there are women on here who have done chemo first to shrink the tumors and then had the surgery with great success. I think if another doc were to tell you you are taking the right path, you may feel better. Just get one to cover all bases. With love and prayers, Deandra