please doctor can you answer

[Allison666]

Dear DoctorI have recurrant ovarian carcinoma with mets to liver, spleen, vaginal wall and perituneaum. I am 41 i am having palliative carboplatin, i had the first one two weeks ago and an due for the next one on Tuesday. My question is: I have noticed the pain from the vaginal wall tumour is getting worse. Does this mean it is getting worse and the chemo is not working?
Also my Oncologist is reluctant to tell me how long i have left to live, i asked him did i have maybe 2 years and he said maybe?
What are the statistics? How long do you think i have? Can what i have, just all of a sudden gallop ahead and the end come quickly?
I was first diagnosed June 2005 with grade 3c ovarian cancer. I had radical hysterectomy followed by 6 cycles of carbo/taxol. I was symptom free for 12 months before my symtoms returned.
PLEASE CAN A DOCTOR just give me a clue as to how long i have left

[suzyQ51]

Hi Allison....Live each minute to the fullness.  I was diagnosed stage 3 in 2005...had chemo and radiation off and on since.  I am 52  had CAT SCAN last week and the tumor in my peritanium has shrunk and there are no new spots on my lungs.  They feel I have stablized.  First time I have heard that.  I'm sure you have a family that love you.  I keep looking forward to different things.  Like my granddaughters 5th birthday in May.  So I focus on that.  Little steps.  I read uplifting books, read this forum a lot and pray, pray pray.My love and prayers to you

[Helmar]

Hi Allison...Please don't waste your energy thinking about the end of life, but look to enjoying each day that you wake up and look out your window, knowing that you are still alive. I was dx Stage 4 in Feb 04 and I have not had one day that I've thought of dying.... it's just not on my agenda at all. I've even taken out my football membership again this year, and looking forward to going to each match. I've been on chemo just about non-stop for the past 4 years, and haven't seen my hair for almost all of that time too, but still each day is sweet to me. Doctors quite often can't dx this disease until it's well advanced, so don't expect them to tell you when your time to leave this wonderful life will come....they don't know. As we are all different, don't take too much notice of the stats. Maybe another chemo to go with the Carboplatin could be of more help for you... maybe Taxotere or Taxol? I would be looking at getting a second opinion ... it seems that you could need something more than just Carboplatin alone. I have a deep feeling that being mentally strong does help one a lot in fighting this disease, so I hope you can live for now, and not worry too much  about the future. Stress doesn't help us.
Wishing you all the best...hugs...Helen..

[vegas2cr]

Please listen to the wise woman above my post.  She says it like it really is.  I have stage IV and was in dormancy only for 4.5 months until they discovered more again recently.. I focus on living not dying...Get a second opinion, use what ever pain meds you need... think alive not dead.............

You need to talk with someone whom you trust and confide that you are frightened... if you don't trust your doctor get a new one... and as Marty pointed there is hope... grasp it reach for it.. don't give up.

[SimplyStar]

I am not a doctor, this side of the forum is for the community.  Why do you want to talk about dieing?  No one knows when that will happen.  The women on this forum, many of who have OVCA also, talk about living. Don't you have someone that cares whether you live or die?  Maybe you need to ask about a stronger or different chemo, to help fight this cancer. My daughter has cancer and she talks about living, she plans for a future,  she also was dx with 3c  and has recurred,  but she is fighting everyday to get into remission.  Please do not sit and worry about dieing, think about living. With all the good research going on right now with this disease, there is HOPE and to give up is not good.  Only God knows  your remaining time, talk to Him, not the doctor.  God won't  give you a time limit either, but He will listen and if you listen really hard , you might get your answer from Him,  He has a plan for you, He has had it since the minute you were born. I am an old lady and have lived my life listening to God,  His answers always give me Hope for a new tomorrow.  Live Allison, fight this with all you can.  Marty