my sister's progress

[beccasue51]

I have never liked roller coasters.  My sister's ovca has sent us on one wild ride.  She was diagnosed with stage IV ovca on April 3rd of this year.  She has completed five chemo treatments (taxol/carboplatin).  Her CA-125 is now at 135.  My sister's debulking surgery was somewhat successful.  Her gyn/onc surgeon was able to reduce all cancer to <2 cm; HOWEVER, there was an 8 cm plaque-like tumor on her diaphragm that he was unable to remove.  What's the word on a tumor of that size being left after debulking surgery?

[marie3B]

I had residual tumors left in the diaphragm.  Mine were not as large, but there were several.  Some shrank or disappeared in the months following chemo and others stayed stable for 18 months.  I wish her the best.  Marie

[gah_70]

Like Marie, that's the only place I had visible cancer after debulking.  My surgeon was confident at the beginning that chemo would do a good job at taking care of what was left at that location. Nearly two years later, I had my gallbladder removed and it turned into a "second look" surgery because my recurrence was found at that time.  However, no cancer was left on my diaphragm.  I don't know the size of the lesions that were left, but I'm doubtful they were 8 cm.  But no matter the size, chemo should have a pretty good chance at killing it.

Best wishes to your sister!  Please come back and update as you can.

Gail  

[beccasue51]

Thank you so much!  I spent over an hour last evening reading posts on this forum.  I felt so much better by the time I was through.  I had asked questions of the doctor on the other forum, which she promptly answered.  Just yesterday I realized that if I wanted to communicate with women who had personal experiences, I needed to be a part of this group.  Glory!  Thank you again & I will be back.