Update on Mom's OVCA

Mom was diagnosed a few weeks ago with OVCA.  Path reports came back that the Tumor was aggressive, was on the surface of the ovary, was in the other ovary, but was no where else (no cancer in ascites, or other abdominal organs).  However, the path reports could not determine if the cancer had spread to the lymph nodes, so she can't be staged yet.  The GYN/ONC is sending her for a CT scan, and then might have to operate again to remove/biopsy the lymph nodes.  It seems this could either be stage 1 or 3 cancer. (she had a partial hys. 20 years ago and a tubal).  My question is, if cancer is to spread, where is the first place it usually spreads?  Can we assume that if it hadn't spread to the ascites, or other surrounding organs, like in her case, that it didn't make it into the lymph nodes also?  Or is the lymph nodes one of the earliest places it spreads, (it would spread there before spreading to ascites, which doesn't make sense to me, or other pelvic abdominal organs)?    Blessings to you all.  

[Amaris]

I know all cancer is different in their spreading patterns, but if she doesn't have any showing in the surrounding areas I would say that's a good sign. I know when my mom had Ovca the ascites was cancerous her liver had a spot and a few spots on surrounding organs, but it never got to her lymph nodes. So if the surrounding areas are clear keep the faith I'm not a doctor, but that sounds promising.

[Borgs]

Thanks so much for your thoughts, I really appreciate your time.  Your thoughts are consistent with mine.  It's comforting and we do have faith.  It's been a bit of a roller coaster in that initially the DR said the PATH was totally clear exceot for the tumor of course, which would have meant early Stage I, but now they came back and said that was incorrect and they aren't sure about the lymph nodes yet and need to re-test.  

[hopeshell]

I am so sorry to hear about your mom.  I was told the same thing regarding stage 1 vs. 3.  For three weeks I thought I was probably stage 3.  It is hard to wait!!!.  The cancer can spread anywhere.  It is likely to be in the pelvic washings, lymphs, omentum which is why they take samples of all of this with the staging surgery.  I had an area that looked like tumor growth in the posterior peritoneal region.  The tests on the cells looked like malignancy and some tests pointed in that direction and some didn't.  They waited until my peritoneal washings and lymphs came back clean and then they decided to stage me at 1a.  They had 4 path meetings to discuss my case.  That leads me to believe the lymphs and washings are usually positive if the cancer has spread - possibly one of the first places to show the malignancy.  I will be praying for your mom.  Let us know how she is doing.

[Borgs]

thanks so much.  i really appreciate your thoughts.  mom is having a CT today, hopefully that will indicate something.  

[Borgs]

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[SimplyStar]

My daughters spread to 3 small lesions on the abdominal wall, they removed 23 lymph glands with the original debulking. the scans now show that the lesions are either "dead' or shrinking.  CA125 is going down also.

[Borgs]

Thanks SimplyStar, I appreciate your response.  My mom should hear about the CT tomorrow or Monday.  I will keep everyone posted.

[Borgs]

Hello all.  Update on my mom.  She had a CT on Wed., called Dr. today for results.  My mom received her CT results.  The lymph nodes looked good however there was fluid around her lungs and in the abdomen.  All these areas seemed to be clean from PATH reports after her surgery last month though.  Is there a chance this fluid could now have cancer cells, or is the fluid still a byproduct from the surgery?