mom has ovarian cancer

[shayo]

I am so glad I found this site.  My 83 year old mom was diagnosed with Ovarian Cancer in November 2009.  She had surgery in December.  She has a stage 3 grade 2.  She started with the pill form of chemo but her CA125 levels increased so she started oral chemo---taxol and one more---in February.  The nuelesta shot was horrible for her and she ended up in the hospital for 4 days---also had a UTI--- with  blood transfusion.  She lives in Des Moines Ia and I was with her last week---I live in Kansas.  I just can't believe how tired she is and how she has such trouble eating.  I am so worried about her.  Her potassium levels were low so they put her on potassium pills as well as she was retaining fluid in her ankles and feet.  My mom is everything to me and I feel so helpless.  Any insight is very appreciated as I know many of you are also on this journey.  Will it get better?  I am just so worried about her age.  She is a fighter and a very postive lady.  Please help me to know how to help her.

Much appreciated and thank you for allowing me to be part of this site.

Michelle

[heartbroken912]

My mom is an almost 72 year old diagnosed with terminal cancer stage IV peritoneal cancer usually comes from ovarian cancer.  She is taking Neulasta shots right now 24 hrs after her chemo treatments.  They ARE SUPPOSED to make her feel pain in her bones and whole body.  This means it's working!!  The shot helps her bone marrow produce more healthy cells that are killed by the chemo.  Have her dr give her MANGANESE it's to help her gain her appetite back while going thru this.  Have drink ENSURE, very cold, with ice chips this will also help her digestion and is highly recommended by doctors.  Mom also drinks those shakes.  We also add Carnation milk bags to the shake to bring up more flavor in them with a banana or fruits as your mom would like.  Tell her to hang in there.  My mom is still fighting and she is a stage IV, not III so if your mom is strong and has the eagerness to fight this illness, all will go well.  Best wishes and my prayers are with you and your family,

Vilma

[Carcinista]

I'm sorry to hear about your mom. Chemo and surgery are a lot to take for someone young - she's doing so well! Try not to get discouraged; it takes a while to get used to all the waterfall of side effects that come with all the things she's going through. But making sure she eats is so important - get some Ensure or another protein shake that's easy to get down; she needs to keep up her strength and protein and good fats are crucial.

Another way to help her feel better is for her to get some exercise each day, even if it's only walking up and down the hallway a few times. The endorphins released with exercise are mood boosters, immune strengtheners, and will help her sleep. And it should help with her lymphedema - massaging the lymphatic system by moving the muscles in her legs will help push fluid out of her legs. (Also, I rely on TED support stockings for mine - sleep in 'em every night. V. sexy.)

Good luck to both of you; she's lucky to have you looking out for her.

Sarah

[Sue838383]

Hi shayo,
It is always a big shock to the patient and their family when the C word is mentioned. As for the tiredness your Mum is experiencing, good quality food or juicing may help her. It seems that oral chemotherapy really seems to take it out of people, as there is no rest and recovery period in between chemo treatments.
No doubt a positive attitude from mum helps the cells be happier and therefore helps the immune system.
Juicing is a good way to boost energy and help a person feel more vitalized, as long as you don't overdo it because too much vitamin C can make some chemo agents more difficult to eliminate from the system and the patient may feel more toxic from the chemo treatments. You will need to speak with the onocologist regarding this.