Ovarian Cancer Recurrence

[Tybear]

Hi there...I am 28 yrs old and am currently undergoing chemotherapy for a recurrence of Ovarian Cancer. I was originally diagnosed September 2005, stage 3c. I have two tumors deep in my pelvis, measuring 5cm and 3cm. The one tumor is causing several issues with my kidney and I have had to have a stent put in my ureter to keep it from being blocked. My question is, is secondary surgery feasible? I've mentioned it to my doctor's and they've pretty much dismissed the idea, saying that my first surgery was the big one. It's awful knowing I have these tumors just sitting there. My chemo, which is actually a clinical trial, is keeping everything stable - they are not shrinking. I should also mention that I have MicroPapillary Serous Carcinoma, which is a slow growing, yet aggressive cancer and it typically doesn't respond to traditional chemotherapy (hence, the trial I'm on). I'm being treated at Princess Margaret Hospital in Toronto - the medical system here is not like other countries. I cannot just call up a surgeon and ask for surgery. I have to have my oncologist refer me, and I'm not so sure he will. Do women not ever have second debulking surgery after a recurrence?
Thanks in advance,
Becky

[Denise L. Johnson, M.D.]

The comments made by some on this site are not intended for helping others.  I will forward these comments to the administrators to help with these situations.

Take care,

[Mary 53]

In the interest of trying to help others and share what you have learned, you simply seem to have neglected some good manners. I totally hear that your efforts to communicate your good fortune is well-intended, but If you want to be heard by others, say what you need to say, drop what I see is a tone of arrogance, say it once, and drop the insults and judgmental comments. For example, in this section from a recent post, you stated:

******And I was not kidding about Mama tumors and Baby tumors...if you are educated enough you know what I mean....so if you excuse me I have better things to do than read your insults ...wrestle your minds and bad habits  ladies******  

Please note that not only did you make a derogatory comment, but you did so in an insulting manner and then you topped that off by offering your judgment. Also bear in mind that this forum has typical E-mail limits. You do not know the people you are making comments to on this forum. Remember that their are layers and layers of information behind the words that are typed. But, in the interest of space, time, and efficiency, you are not going to get the whole picture. If I am wrong and you and Becky are acquaintances, then please forgive me. Having said that, I will tell you that I do know Becky quite well and she is a person of great character, wisdom, unbelievable strength, and empathy toward others. Of all the people who have touched my life, including my own father who died from Lymphoma in 1974, a dear friend/mentor whom I lost three weeks ago to Pancreatic cancer, and even myself after receiving an initial dx. of Ovarian Cancer 7 years ago, Becky is the strongest "proactive" and caring person I have known. And I have known her for two years. Like Becky, I have led a very "clean" life in many aspects, and to this day I am still baffled as to why I was touched by this dreaded monster. Sugar has not passed my lips since 1979. I have exercised 5 days a week since 1982. Things happen. I know of no one who has "given up."

Thanks for reading this feedback. I think it is admirable that you want to share what you know...but I do suggest you shroud the message more gently. From my experiences, and I have had too many to even fathom, your message has a better chance of being heard if you soften the delivery. And, please give people credit deciding what to do with the information you send...and understand that seriously, "one size doesn't fit all." Just think about it. Sorry to say this, but I felt anxiety build when I read your posts and I honestly do not think that you intended this, since you of all people know that anxiety causes stress which causes the release of cortisol, which causes....ok, you get the picture!  I wish you continued good health.

Mary

[ovaca2005]

My heart goes out to all of you ladies...

[Tybear]

Giving up?! HAHA...where on earth did you get the idea that anyone has given up? Why, because we didn't do what YOU think is the best treatment? Just because YOU believe in something as strongly as you do, doesn't make it truth. Your way or the highway...I get it. I'm going to stop arguing and just say what you really want to hear: THANK YOU  Alterna, for showing me that doctors don't know ANYTHING about cancer, that I can CURE my cancer with food and that the medical establishment has had it WRONG all these years...
This is a forum for CANCER SURGERY...not alternatives to cancer treatment. You should really take your soapbox somewhere else....

[Anna-maria74]

HA HA HA HA LMFAO Becks I dunno why you even dignified that with a response - I wet myself laughin! "Mama tumors" HAHAHAHAHAHA "hotdogs"

There was me giving up smoking tut tut right I am so back on the fags mate its the hot dogs that been causing the problems.

Im off to get rattied tallyhoooooooooooooooooooooo

UP THE HOT DOGS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Alterna keep on wrestling them crocodiles ; )

[Tybear]

Thanks for your kind words. I too, will never be cured...it was found at too late a stage for that. I will just learn to manage it as best I can, and enjoy life to the fullest. Maybe if I had been diagnosed at stage 1c ovarian cancer, I wouldn't have chosen chemo either...but, that's not the cards I was dealt.
We all have choices in life...don't let the unkind words of a stranger hurt you...it's not worth it. Until someone has walked in your shoes, they will never truly understand the journey we have had to take. You are in my prayers too - keep up the fight! It's not an easy one, but we can do it!
Becky
p.s. there are many wonderful women on the Ovarian Cancer forum who have been on Taxol as well...maybe you could post your question over there...I'm sure someone will come along with some advice!

[bkane]

Tybear,

First of all let me say you are in my prayers.  Secondly, i'm with you sister, i also wrote a post about problems i'm having with my legs from the chemo i was on, it's posted on this page up a ways from your post and the same person that wrote to you, wrote to me about my problem.  And when i first read the post, i thought it was rather harsh.  I belong to the NCCC (National Cervical Cancer Coalition) and no one on that site would ever dream of talking down to someone.  I was kind of hurt too.  I do not have the type cancer you have, i have cervical with no cure, just long term remissions hopefully.  It has already mestatized.  You are in my prays honey, and i hope you find the answers you are looking for.  People that are crude or ignorant have no business being on this site.  God bless you and your family and by the way, your picture of you and your daughter is beautiful.  If you should ever want to talk just let me know and we can email or chat on the phone.

Barb Kane

[Tybear]

Did I ever suggest I didn't follow proper food guidelines? I understand why the liver is so important. I'm going to my natropathic doctor tomorrow to find out what I can do to help cleanse it. (yes, you read that correctly...my natropathic doctor) You shouldn't take everything so literally. I said I enjoyed a few hotdogs this summer...not that I ate them every night for dinner. I was using it as an example. And my one cup of coffe a day (if that) is not full of sugar. Thank you for your imput, but I don't appreciate you talking down to me...I know there's more to it than surgery. I've probably been through more than you could ever imagine. I had my "mama" tumors removed two years ago and yes, they're now back. That's the nature of this disease, especially when your diagnosed late stage like I was. I have never expected a quick fix for anything. What's sad, is when people like you come on here preaching about everything everyone is doing wrong, and suggesting that they themselves are to blame for their cancer. If you want to do that, then take it to the wellness forum or women's health forum. I came here to ask a doctor a question about cancer surgery...not to get a lecture about sugar.

[Tybear]

My doctor at my appointment today was actually quite for surgery and quickly gave me Dr.Ferguson's name, saying she was a great surgeon who was aggressive, which is what I need. I am meeting her on the 18th and I'm very much looking forward to it!
Thanks for all your help!
Becky

[Tybear]

I've actually just found out that I now have a 5x5.5x6cm "mass" on my liver. I was not expecting to recieve such awful news. I'm guessing secondary surgery is now definatly out of the question, now that my cancer isn't localized. I'm still going to ask for a consult regardless, to see what they have to say, especially now that my doctor's are stopping the clinical trial I am on.
Thanks everyone...

[Tybear]

Thank you both...I appreciate your opinions.

[cml75]

Hi Becky,
You can be helped.  You need to see a competent Gynecologic Oncologist who is able to perform a secondary debulking procedure.  Have your oncologist refer you to Sarah Ferguson, MD at Princess Margaret in Toronto.  She is an amazing surgeon and if you are a candidate for surgery she can do it.
All the best,
CL from MSKCC

[Denise L. Johnson, M.D.]

That is a beautiful picture of you and your child.  Yes, physicians do perform debulking of recurrent tumors.

I know that the Canadian system is different, however, I am sure that you can get a second opinion from a gynecology oncology physician.

D