Re:New Here

[Sandgluff]

Thank you all for your information. Because of her only having 10 inches of intestines, she cannot absorb any nutrients and therefore is on TPN. Her last trip to the hospital involved blockage of the last bit of intestines so they inserted a "PEG" into her stomach and it drains into a bag-- so, now even if she wanted to eat something, she can only have liquids. The nurse came in yesterday and informed her of these high numbers, and she just cried.. It really breaks my heart. The Priest came in to do the "Prayer for the sick" and that was just so emotional. She is going to attempt to go to the dr on Tuesday and ask him to do a PET scan (she has never had one- only CAT scans) to see where the cancer is and if it has spread. The nurse seems to think, because of her destended belly that it may be in the liver and if that is the case.. a different Chemo might be helpful. She says she is not sure if she wants the treatment.. these last two rounds of DOXIL have really beaten her up. I don't know anyone who has been through cancer before.. and I don't know anyone who can understand the pain that I feel watching the women who cared for me all my life, my best friend in the entire world.. just fall apart.. be in so much pain and so sad because of it. It hurts so bad.. I am glad I found this site.. If anyone would understand.... I am just looking for some hope!!!!

Thank you again
Suzanne

[EchoUK]

Hello Suzanne,

Like everyone else I am very sorry to hear about your mother but you tried hard to help her and I am sure that she knew you did all you could. Remember that - it will be a comfort in the future I promise.

Love from Ruth in the UK xx

[vegas2cr]

I am so sorry for your loss.  I know how hard she fought and hope that you will find some light in this your time of darkness.  As you know we all just keep fighting... Ronni

[hotrodgirl]

I'm very sorry to hear about the loss of your mom!  My prayers to your family!!!

[Sandgluff]

Thank you all for your advice throughout this process.. I am just so sorry I did not find this forum sooner. I wanted to let you know that my Mom passed away on Tuesday, September 4. She had such a tough battle and she faught really hard.

I wish you all the best of luck and please don't ever give up!!!

Suzanne

[Sandgluff]

thank you.. I just don't think she can stand another round of it.. She is very discouraged and in so much pain. She has now been put on Oxygen and can bearly get a sentence out.. it is just so disheartening-- I want to tell her to keep fighting because that is what I want.. but, I don't know what she feels and cannot comprehend the pain.. so, I just tell her that I will support whatever decision she chooses.. if she wants to go for more treatments- then I will be there to hold her hand.. If she chooses to deny them- I will hold it just the same.

[Helmar]

Hi Suzanne... My numbers are 1852 at the moment, but have risen lately by 1050... but the highest they have been was 7500. I'm not on Doxil at the moment, but did have it last year and it worked really well for me. You can't gauge by only 2 treatments with it though... it will take 3 or 4 before you see good results, so your Mum needs to stay with it if she can... it's important to keep going with it.
Wishing you and your Mum all the best...hugs...Helen...

[airama]

I would like to know if any have had early symptoms.  I have read that you don't have early symptoms.  Did any of you feel anything unusual or any pain anywhere before diagnosis.  I would appreciate any information you can give me.  Thanks.  Airama

[horselady1]

I have stage I refractory ovarian cancer. I had 6 rounds of carbo/taxol. My CA 125 continued to climb throughout the chemo. They immediately placed me on Doxil. After 3 treatments, my numbers continued to climb. My oncologist wanted to take me off chemo because my PET and CT scans weren't showing anything. She also believed that I should have seen a reaction from the Doxil by the third treatment. She wanted to stop chemo until she could get a visual on the cancer. My surgeon agreed with my opinion, which was, I disagreed . I fought for my 4th treatment. It's now two weeks  later and my numbers went down a little.  It's the first positive reaction in 10 months (after surgery). I am proud of myself for sticking with my gut feeling. I am now going to continue my battle now with a new oncologist. He has three options available for me.
Never give up! I am the perfect example of how you really might need a fourth treatment before the Doxil takes hold! Good luck!

[SimplyStar]

Your Mom sounds like a fighter and that is a positive thing,  my daughter is on Doxil also and had to skip last weeks treatment because of the side affects  of foot  sores, her CA125 went up slightly to 285.   I wonder if your Mom needs the ascites drained, if this is happening it usually helps a great deal with the pain. My Moms name was Ruth also.  I certainly hope she gets to feeling better soon.

[Sandgluff]

Thank you.. Funny- My Mom's name is Ruth too..
Is it normal for the numbers to increase so much after 2 rounds of the DOXIL? She is afraid that the Chemo is not working and therefore doesn't want anymore. Since taking it she has gone from 15,000 to 50,000... Helen- what are your numbers? Are you on DOXIL as well?

[Helmar]

Dear Suzanne.... I agree with what Ruth has said... this is a very unpredictable disease and we can be up one minute and down the next, so that's why your Mum must try and keep going, as tomorrow could be a better day for her. The Doxil takes 3-4 treatments before it starts to work, so if your Mum can do another couple, then she could get some good results..... I hope she does. My Oncol. repeated tells me not to take too much notice of the numbers, as its doesn't necessary mean there's lots of active cancer. The numbers can be up for other reasons. My numbers are generally fairly high compared to some of the other girls here, but I feel really well, and lead an active life, so I don't worry too much about them. Continue to support your Mum as you are doing.... as that does count for a lot.... and given a little time, you could see improvement for her. Tell your Mum never to give up... and don't you either. :-) We are all here to support you Suzanne. Hugs....Helen..

[EchoUK]

I am so sorry to read how poorly your mother is - this disease seems to be totally unpredictable as no two cases are quite the same.  Your mother is having a really rough time of it and I admire her for going through all the treatments she has done - I am sure your support has been massively important to her.
You will soon have answers from other posters much more knowledgeable than I am - especially if you are in the USA where accessing treatment is somewhat different to the UK - I am sure that you will find their advice helpful.  I wish your mother a turn for the better - it can happen - in the meantime my thoughts are with you both.

Hugs from the UK,

Ruth xx