overian cancer spread to brain

[homimoshiri]

My mother has overian cancer, her CA 125 went down after two surgeries to 79 then shot back up to 500 they changed her Chimo and it went up to 1000 then she started to get head spins, now they did a MRI and said it has spread to brain and there are pockets in many areas biggest one with 2 cm wide, they put her on staroid and head radiation.... Why would her cancer which had not spread to any vital organs spread to brain, is this the normal way of treatment? They found the Geens that caused her cancer lately but only drug that is now under study is bason on the Chimo she takes so she doesn't qualifty

Is there anything we can do for her?

[hollyarian]

My mom has the exact same thing. Wish both of us a lot of luck.

[Dennis MD]

Hi.
It is uncommon to have brain metastasis in a primary ovarian cancer.  Hematogenous metastasis to extraabdominal site/s can be possible.  
Steroids and radiation are the usual treatments given in brain metastasis.  Steroids are given to decrease the peritumoral edema (edema surrounding the tumor in the brain).  She may also need to be given anticonvulsant to prevent seizures.  
Since she has progressive disease in spite of having chemotherapy, there may be a need to change her present chemotherapy regimen.  
Good luck and God bless.