post-surgery but pre-chemo support

[drhitch]

Hi, I'm new to this forum.  My wife (51, no children) was diagnosed with stage 3B or C ovarian cancer about 2 months ago, and has just recovered from radical hysterectomy surgery.

1)  her doctor hasn't released pathology results yet and will likely be doing so on 5/16 when surgery staples are removed.  Am I wrong to want to know prior to the visit with my wife?

2)  She has an inter-pariteneal (sp?) port already installed for chemo.  They "plan" on using Taxol and Plantin (sp?) for a six-cycle three-week rotation (e.g. about 18 to 20+ weeks).  Is this really the mainline protocol for O.C....should we be seeking other treatment options (no "witch-doctor" options needed)

3)  How do I broach the subject of a 2nd opinion and/or moving my wife to Sloan-kettering or Cleveland Clinic, etc?

Thanks
Doug

[turtledovemom]

Doug...
God bless you and your wife during this time.  I know how much she must be appreciating your strength.  It's so important to us at a time like this.  You and my husband have a lot in common...please take care of yourself.  Your wife needs you to be in good shape, too.
I was a patient at Memorial Sloan Kettering over 27 years ago and was found to have an abdominal mass this past spring.  Originally, I was going to have the exploratory surgery done here at home in CT, but found that it's easier than I could have ever imagined to connect with the doctors down at MSK.  Check out their website at
www.mskcc.org for information for new patients.  It really sounds as if your wife's present doctors are ready to move, especially since she already has a port in place, etc.  However, my theory now (thanks to prayer and the women on this site) is that we are all entitled to a 2nd opinion from whom we wish.  You will need the cooperation of your wife's present docs...MSK will require copies of records, tests etc.  They even wanted to redo the ultrasounds themseles with a radiologist working alongside the tech.  That's ok...we're worth the extra effort.  I can't speak for the Cleveland Clinic, but would strongly recommend MSK for a second opinion.  Please keep in touch.  If you'd like additional info about what we experienced at MSK, please let me know.  
peace,
Anne

[dian07]

Hello...this is a tough time for you and your wife but at least you are taking the time to arm yourself with viable options and lots of knowledge. I don't understand why you have not already received the pathology reports. I don't know your wife, but if you feel a need to be pre-armed, and it won't offend your wife...go for it.
Now, there is no way a confident surgeon or team of doctors should be insulted by your desire to get a second opinion. You sound like a straight forward person..just request a second opinion..period.
The chemo and method of delivery planned for your wife are the cutting edge right now....the only other option you might have is for her to take part in a trial.....you could ask about any that she might benefit from...
I don't know how aggressive and pro-active your wife is, but it is extremely important that one of you be just that...make certain everyone knows you want to be part of the decision making team....you are not willing to be a bystander...my chemo ended last Septembr...if I can help in anyway at all..please return to talk...and remember...there really are no stupid questions...you guys are in for the fight of her life...quite literally, and it can be scary and confusing...please do stay in touch.
Peace be with you and your wife
dian

[suzsen]

I believe the inter-peritotoneal (sp?) is the first choice treatment right now.  They just did released the study and it showed dramatic improvement over regular chemo.  The side effects are a bit harder to take, but once the chemo is done the side effects go away at the same rate as with regular chemo.

It never hurts to get a 2nd opinion but it sounds like your wife's drs are right on top of everything.  My mom also waited about 6 weeks after surgery to start chemo, it takes some time to heal from surgery before the treatments.  I would think that there's no reason to rush the pathology results since there's some time before treatment will start.

Good luck and best wishes to you and your wife, and please let us know how she is doing!

[gah_70]

Yes, Doug, Taxol and Carboplatin is the first line treatment for OvCa.  Unless she happens to be allergic to one of the agents, or have a extreme side effect, that is more than likely what she would receive no matter where she went for treatment.  But it is your right to seek a 2nd opinion if you wish, and if for any reason you and your wife are not satisfied with the care she is currently receiving, then it is your duty to find a place with which you are satisfied.  One thought, however.  Inter-peritoneal delivery, as the other ladies have posted, IS one of the newest treatments out there.  If your wife's current physician is using this method, then it seems that he/she is using the most advanced treatment options.  Of course, there is much more to being a good doctor than how tech savy one is.  

Please do continue to keep us informed of her progress.  My best wishes to you both as you begin this journey.

Gail :)

[scaredmomof3]

my prayers are with you and your wife.  The gyn/onc who performed my surgery is The director of gynecological oncology for the Cleveland Clinic  Health System. His name is Peter Rose. I fortunately had good results from my surgery, but wanted to let you know this info.  Best of luck whatever you choose, Shari

[Tybear]

Hi Doug... I just finished treatment in Feb for Stage 3c Ovarian cancer. First off, You need to tell your wife to get on to these websites and start asking questions. The drugs she will be using aren't as bad as I'm sure she's thinking they will be. I had very little side effects and am feeling great now - in remission and all! She is getting a type of chemo (IP) that wasn't even offered to me because my hospital doesn't do it yet - it is supposed to be better than recieving it through the veins. Personally, I would not like it if my significant other knew more about my problem than me, but your know your wife best - if you think it would be better for you to be more prepared, then do it. I wish you luck and please come back with any questions - lot's of people here who can help.

[fungirl]

Hi Doug,
I am so sorry that you and your wife have to go through such a rough situation.  I think it is you and your wife's rights to know the pathology reports ASAP.  I got my reports two days after surgery.  I do not know if this is a typical time period or not, but do not be afraid to call and see what they know.  I have no experience with cancer or chemo, but you and your wife will both be in my prayers.  Kasie