Chemo Options

[countess1]

It is recommended that I have 6 treatments - 3 weeks apart of Taxol(175mg/m2) /carboplatin Chemo for a Stage 1C - grade 3 fallopian tube cancer. Are there any other options? Is it effective to just use carboplatin as it does not promote hair loss?  Or...fewer treatments...or smaller doses??
I read that "cold caps" can reduce hair loss...anyone used these?

[countess1]

You are a brave warrior. I commend you on your positive outlook. I am sending you much support for your upcoming diagnosis. Keep us posted.

I am considering peritoneal chemo which is more directly administered to the unhealthy cells.

BE WELL!!

[Jane39]

Hello, I was diagnosed at Stage 1A, Clear Cell in 2006.  It was recommended and highly debated at first whether I should have chemo, 6 cycles at carbo/taxotere, but due to the clear cell, chemo it was (it is always going to be combo of some sorts).  I was doing chemo no matter what.  Hair is hair, it will come back.  There are wigs, caps, bandana's.  I went 4 1/2 years, and even though I do believe that I had an excellent gyn/onc, oncologist and PCP and best follow treatment out there, this beast called OVCA re-entered my life in 2010.  You never know what the future holds.  It's like Vegas, it's a gamble.  It's your life, is it worth the gamble?  If your doctor recommends the chemo, do it.  It's not pleasant, but I've made it through over 20 cycles of chemo in the last 6+ years and so far-I am still standing.  I am due to have a PETCT scan on the 10-keep your fingers crossed, I hope I am still clean.

Best Wishes to you!!!
Jane

[countess1]

Your message is most compelling. I appreciate you sharing your experience and I am choosing chemo. Thank you!!!

[nyc lady]

I was diagnosed at stage 1A.....almost unheard of.  Below stage 1C, studies do not show that chemo increases the life expectancy, so chemo was not standard treatment for me.

I had my right ovary/tube removed in 2000, which is when they discovered the cancer.  I then was seen every 3 months by the GYN/Oncologist, CT Scans and CA125s.....in 2004, I developed masses and they preformed a complete hysterectomy.  Since than I have had many issues, so my follow ups have gone from 3 months to 6 months to 6 weeks back to 3 months....I am back on the 6 month rotation and I receive CA125s and pelvic sonos.

You will get through the chemo....I promise...and please, consider giving yourself the best chance at life!!!!

[rosereynoso]

I have a question.   You mentioned you did not not have to go through chemotherapy.  Can you tell me what stage you were at and what did they do to treat the cancer

[nyc lady]

I consider myself lucky, being an early stage survivor and not having to undergo chemo.  I cannot imagine the thought of my hair falling out....and then I look at all the beautiful women that I have know that have fought this beast and all the other beasts out there...they made it through, they dealt with losing their hair, they fought for their life.  
Taxol and Carbo are the standard line of treatment and they will give you the best odds in destroying any microscopic cells left behind.  I do not believe that a cold cap will make a difference in hair loss.  If you have long hair, maybe you can cut it now and donate it to locks of love or another organization?
Your hair will grow back, I promise.   Don't know if you watched the Grammy's years ago when Melissa Etheridge had just finished her treatment for breast cancer, she appeared, totally bald!!!  She was beautiful!!!  Not having hair showed the courage it took her to fight her battle.
I promise you, that you can and will get through this.  
If it makes you feel any better, I have a fried, stage 1C, fallopian tube cancer survivor, going on 8 years...and yes she had treatment!!!