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Diagnosed cancer after biopsy

by Cosmogal, Jun 30, 2008 04:37PM
My mom just go the result of her biopsy from a lesion they found on her femur. They are saying that she has cancer and its metastic. They said from either the ovary or uterus. Well my mom had a hysterectomy at the age of 29 (she is 59) and her ovaries are really almost gone. If she does have ovarian cancer why is it that all her blood work (C125, Ca19 and CEA levels) were fine. If it has spread then wouldn't it show up? She starts radation tomorrw and then sees the oncologist. I am scared to death. Is there anything for me to cling on to? I don't want to lose my mom.
Thanks
Paula
Member Comments (18)

by DrNoopurMD, Jun 30, 2008 11:31PM
To: Cosmogal
Hi,

Apart from the biopsy what all tests has your mother undergone? How did the doctor conclude that she has ovarian or uterine cancer? A CT scan or MRI of abdomen will help in diagnosis. I would suggest you to seek a second opinion.

by Cosmogal, Jul 01, 2008 07:16PM
She saw a radiologist today and starts radiation therepy tomorrow. They are also ordering a pet scan as well. Then they will be doing surgery. According to her results from the biopsy they are saying that the cells from the lesion on her femur are consistant with ovarian or uterine cancer. We know that it can't be uterine since she has a hyterectomy so it only leaves the ovaries. She has had a bone scan, MRI and xrays but only on her leg cause that is where she has been having the issue. The pet scan will tell us if they see any anywhere else. I just don't get why it doesn't show up on blood work if it has possibly spread from the ovary to her femur. Any thoughts on that?
Thanks
Paula

by DrNoopurMD, Jul 01, 2008 11:17PM
Hi,

The CA-125 returns a true positive result in only 50% of stage 1 ovarian cancer patients.
http://www.ovariancancer.jhmi.edu/ca125qa.cfm Since it has already spread to other parts of the body it indicates a late stage cancer which should cause some elevation in blood levels of CA-125. However it cannot be used as the only diagnostic tool for ovarian cancer as it is not 100% accurate. A transvaginal ultrasound or MRI of the abdomen will be diagnostic.

by Cosmogal, Jul 04, 2008 09:57PM
Thanks! My mom is recieving radiation right now on her leg and its seems to be going well. She is scheduled for a Pet Scan this week. Once she is finished with radiation she will have surgery on her leg. Then she will see her oncologist and then do chemo and radiation at the same time. Still not sure why her levels do not indicate cancer but I am sure they will consider running those tests again. The doctors have said that it is odd since it has spread. Anyway, she is in good spirits and is trying to stay optomistic in light of her diagnosis.

by DrNoopurMD, Jul 04, 2008 10:13PM
Hi,

I am so happy that your mother is responding well and has a positive attitude towards the whole situation. I also think that the blood tests should be repeated as it is quite possible the levels may be elevated next time around. Please keep me posted. Thanks for sharing!


by Cosmogal, Jul 06, 2008 06:39PM
This morning my mom was trying to get from the couch to the wheelchair and her leg broke. She was taken by ambulance and went into surgery at noon today. She was in incredible pain. I have never seen anything like it. She did well. We have yet to hear back from the surgeon. This was a planned surgery but made sooner due to the break. Her pain is more tolerable at this point. She had only had 2 radiation treatments. In one of her xrays she has a swollen node. So now I am worried about that as well. I am praying she has some kind of fighting chance. I am afraid that if she doesn't she won't make it long. Before this she was determined and now I just don't know. Right now I am in the room with my mom watching over her.
Thanks for your help.
Paula

by DrNoopurMD, Jul 06, 2008 10:57PM
Hi Paula,

The swollen node also indicates that the cancer has spread.
Since she is responding well to radiotherapy and surgery and more than anything else has a positive attitude, I think she has a chance. Please do not lose hope. Take care!

by Cosmogal, Jul 07, 2008 03:20PM
Thank you so much. I am hoping for the best, She is drinking the stuff for the CT scan. My mom is relatively healthy so I am hoping she can fight it. I am really numb right now.  The surgery went great and she actually got up today and stood. Something she hasnt' done. I think I am going to see if they will send her to Moffitt Cancer Center in Tampa. I am really scared to hear the CT results. I just don't get how she can feel great everywhere but her leg and it just take over and invade her body like this! Its very scary. Like a time bomb that went off. I know that this diagnosis probably won't cure her but I am hoping that for awile it can put her in remission. I hope.

by Cosmogal, Jul 07, 2008 05:03PM
The CT Scan came back. The only place they found it was in the upper right lobe of her lung. No where else as I was told. Now she had the one in her bone pretty much taken out. What do you think of this? I am hoping it gives her some hope now. We thought for sure the ovaries but its not.

by Cosmogal, Jul 07, 2008 09:10PM
I was wrong. The lower abdominal scan has not been read yet. The said that is was only a single lobe involved and her oncologist is talking with a surgeon about going in and taking it out. So far though the upper part, that is only the one thing they have. They will continue with radiation once she is up to it and then chemotherepy. The doctor said that she should continue to respond to radiation and it should actually be better with the metal rod stablizing the tumor. So again we will see.
Paula

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