ca 125

[DJB69]

Hi - My mother was diagnosed with advanced ovarian cancer back in September and her ca-125 test was 29,000. After just 2 rounds of chemotherapy her level reduced to 1,600. She has one last dose of chemotherapy before surgery in January of 2008 and then the doctor has recommended she follow up with 2 additional cycles of chemotherapy given intraperitoneally (ip). Any thoughts on her prognosis and the ip treatment are greatly appreciated.

[rmarie]

I have OVCA stage 3 C with one recurrence, and I consider, as do the majority of us, this to be a chronic disease.  We fight it with surgery and chemotherapy for as long as we can.  Prognosis is not a word I have used with my Gyn/Onc maybe way down the road, but not while I am still fighting this damn disease.  Your mom will be staged during her surgery, she had an impressive drop in her CA 125 with 2 treatments and that is a positive thing.  The IP chemotherapy has demonstrated good results in treating OVCA, it is reported to be rougher than IV.  Sometimes they continue 6 treatments of IV and give additional IP Chemo.  You could write on the Dr. forum and ask about that.  May your mother get good news with her surgery, may the tumors have shrunk and be easily removed.  All my best to both of you.
marie

[Diana14]

HI,  my mom also had ovca.  It was a large tumor in her belly.  It was removed along with a hysterectomy.  Pathology report showed clear cell carcinoma, (very bad type of cell) Dr. is suggesting chemo for preventative reasons, 6 sessions every 3 weeks.  She is refusing it, scan have showed she is free of cancer but it's a high chance of this type of cancer to come back.  We've gotten a second opinion and the Dr. said the same thing as the first, but just talking about it makes her cry and she avoids talking about it.
She understands the consequenses, but i can only say so much.  It's very hard when it comes down to our moms right?
I wish you luck and of course your mom.
Keep me posted
If you like to keep in touch my e-mail is ***@****
Enjoy the holidays if possible, what kind of surgery is mom having?
My prayers are with you and your mom
BE STRONG
Diana