is it ovarian cancer?

[Kat55]

Dear Doctor Goodman, I have been dx with metastatic ovarian cancer after being NED for 7 years. The radiology report  said it. It is supposedly in my retroperitoneal area. A pet scan lit up in that area. All my labs are in normal range and ca125 is 17 which is high for me. I was on metformin for about a year. I had surgery but the doc didn't take out anything nor did he do any biopsies.  I'm supposed to start chemo carbo and taxol but I feel that I don't have enough info yet. How will they monitor my progress? I've also had a ct guided biopsy and I haven't seen the report. When I get it what should I look for? I'll be in Boston today to get my staples out and I'm going to get that pathology report. I feel fine and all this has come about with routine screening. I really want to stay local with all my further treatments even if it means that I have to do more of my own research and maybe give the new gyn-onc a shot at being great. My hormone levels were high normal and few glandular cells at papsmear. What should I ask for next?

[Annekathryn Goodman, M.D.]

Hi There,
carbo and taxotere are perfect.
taxotere is like taxol but with less neurotoxicity
abraxane is a taxol like chemo that is used when someone has an allergic reaction to taxol. In that case the allergy is usually to what the taxol is mixed in which is called cremaphor. taxol is not water soluble. but abraxane is water soluble.

I am overseas right now in China. When I get back in a week , I will get the poem for you.
It is entitled "remember"
take care

[Annekathryn Goodman, M.D.]

Hi There
you should get copies of your operative note, pathology reports and xray reports
it sounds like the best way to monitor your cancer is by CT scan.

The standard chemo is carbo and taxol again.
I know it is alot to go through!
please keep in touch
best wishes

[Annekathryn Goodman, M.D.]

Hi There,
ah -sorry about my delay!

germ cell tumors are a different cell type that clear cell tumors which come from the surface lining of the ovary  
It sounds like you are getting great care
best wishes



Remember

Wayne Muller

Remember who you are
Remember what you love
Remember what is sacred
Remember what is true
Remember that you will die and that today is a gift
Remember how you wish to live

[Kat55]

Dear Dr Goodman, I've finished two rounds of chemo. I will have a ct scan after the third round. At that point we will consider whole abdominal radiation. I feel confidant with that plan.
Is it posible that I had a germ cell tumor that turned into clear cell? It would certainly explain the slow tumor growth.
I found the poem "Remember"

[Kat55]

I saw my onc again today. He told me that I'm on carboplatin and taxatore. I was mistaken about the abraxene. I feel confidant in the treatment I am recieving. I would love to hear your little poem again ---who am I --what do I want---it goes something like that.

[Kat55]

Dear Dr. Goodman, The path report showed ovca recurrance, clear cell .I'm on chemo it's called carboplatin and abraxene. I never heard of abraxene before but my onc assured me that it was a better combo could you tell me more about it? I hope that I got the correct spelling and word for it, all I know is that it will make my hair fall out faster and that it is alot like taxol. He [my onc] also said that there is a possibility of doing radiation at some point. So ok I'll do whatever it takes. I'm worried alot about the new genetic discoveries concerning clear cell.
Thank You