Aa
Are we doing all we can?
My mom was diagnosed with stage 3C Ovarian Cancer in April 2005. She had surgery and all was remove except for the uterus because it was just too hard to get out. It was followed by chemo. First line of taxol/carboplatin but re-occurence 8 months later. Back on taxol/carboplatin with a re-occurrence after about 6 months. It then followed by 2 lines of topotecan. They recently tried radiation on the pelvic area. After all this, her CT scan showed that the cancer had spread higher in her abdomen area. Doctors suggested that nothing else could be done. They sent us home, registered my mom with the CLSC (organization that provide support and home care). Doctor told us she would have probably 2 to 3 months to live. That was very hard to take.
That was about 4 weeks ago. Funny thing is my mother is feeling better then I've seen her in 2 years. They gave her cortisone to help her eat. They say that a tumor is pushing against her intestine and that is why she could not keep anything down before. She now has a very health appetite. She has morphine but hardly takes or needs it right now.
The reason for my post is I can't help but think there is something more out there that could help her. I read the posts in the forum and they talk about other chemo like gemzar and others. Or surgeries to help remove the tumors.
I just want to make sure that we are doing all we can for this awful disease. I saw on the news that there are some trial about a new injector that can help reduce tumors. It's actually from a doctor Bell from Ottawa Ontario... where I am located but I can't seem to find any information on it.
Maybe I am just grasping at straws. I have been enjoying every minute I can with my mom and it's so nice to see that right now she is has some energy and able to do some things she enjoys in life. I guess the fact that the chemo is getting out of her system is helping her right now but without kidding myself I know that they won't last very long unless there is something else out there that could help her.
Your insight would be greatly appreciated it.
Sylvie
That was about 4 weeks ago. Funny thing is my mother is feeling better then I've seen her in 2 years. They gave her cortisone to help her eat. They say that a tumor is pushing against her intestine and that is why she could not keep anything down before. She now has a very health appetite. She has morphine but hardly takes or needs it right now.
The reason for my post is I can't help but think there is something more out there that could help her. I read the posts in the forum and they talk about other chemo like gemzar and others. Or surgeries to help remove the tumors.
I just want to make sure that we are doing all we can for this awful disease. I saw on the news that there are some trial about a new injector that can help reduce tumors. It's actually from a doctor Bell from Ottawa Ontario... where I am located but I can't seem to find any information on it.
Maybe I am just grasping at straws. I have been enjoying every minute I can with my mom and it's so nice to see that right now she is has some energy and able to do some things she enjoys in life. I guess the fact that the chemo is getting out of her system is helping her right now but without kidding myself I know that they won't last very long unless there is something else out there that could help her.
Your insight would be greatly appreciated it.
Sylvie
I have not heard very good things about Cancer treatment Centers Of America. I know of a few ladies who have great insurance,but still before treatment center would see them they wanted the cash up front. One lady needed 17,5000 and the other lady over 25,000. I do know that they offer alot of treatments that are considered cutting edge and so there fore many ins companies will not pay for their treatments. I'm not saying to not look into them,I'm just saying beware of the up front costs.
"Dr. John Bell and his team of researchers have developed the treatment by engineering a virus to kill cancer cells and then inject it directly into a tumor. "
its the movie out by will smith. the whole world turns to zombies because a virus vaccine goes haywire. were all gonna turn into zombies laughs
I don't want to mislead anyone. Here is the article I saw in the news. I haven't beenable to figure out what type of cancers they have been treating but if you are interested here is the link. I cannot confirm if any ovarian cancer patients were part of the trial.
http://ottawa.ctv.ca/servlet/an/local/CTVNews/20080715/OTT_Cancer_Care_080715/20080715/?hub=OttawaHome
http://ottawa.ctv.ca/servlet/an/local/CTVNews/20080715/OTT_Cancer_Care_080715/20080715/?hub=OttawaHome
You might want to drop a note to Tybear. Becky has been getting her treatment in Toronto and might be able to point you in the right direction. I so hope there is another way.
speaking of cancer treatment center of america, I'm gonna have to ask them about this vaccine.
posts the link below if you want to watch the article on it. its very interesting. ***.***
posts the link below if you want to watch the article on it. its very interesting. ***.***
If they are the only two obgyn in your area, have you tried cancer treatments of america???????? they fly patients from all over the world to there clinics at no charge to the patient.
Marie... thanks... i found the link but I'll have to wait for tomorrow because it looks like they only take a certain amount each day. As far as if my mom wants to fight i'm not sure. If additional treatment would have her in bed all day long probably not. If a treatment would prolong and give her additional quality of life than I think she would go for it. The only problem is that nothing comes with a guaranty :(
Stillfighing... I totally agree with you about what the doctor said. They cannot predict the timeline. They gave my dad 6 months and it took 8 days so I totally agree that it is in god's hands and nobody knows. The second opinion is a great ideal but I'm not sure where to get it. They are the only team in the region who specializes in ovarian cancer. I will continue to search and see if I can find a specialist in Montreal or Toronto.
Thanks for your input and suport...
Stillfighing... I totally agree with you about what the doctor said. They cannot predict the timeline. They gave my dad 6 months and it took 8 days so I totally agree that it is in god's hands and nobody knows. The second opinion is a great ideal but I'm not sure where to get it. They are the only team in the region who specializes in ovarian cancer. I will continue to search and see if I can find a specialist in Montreal or Toronto.
Thanks for your input and suport...
Doctor told us she would have probably 2 to 3 months to live. That was very hard to take.
pft like they know. when its your moms time to go she will and not before. If you are not happy with what the Dr is telling you seek another oppinion. Dr's are only human and they are infalable. It may be there is something else out there to help your mother and her current Doctor just doesn't know about it. the point is when in doubt. go see another Doctor.
I had trouble eating at one time to, but it was due to a bunch of fluid in my stomach. had a parathentises done and woooooo hooooo I was able to eat/drink again.
pft like they know. when its your moms time to go she will and not before. If you are not happy with what the Dr is telling you seek another oppinion. Dr's are only human and they are infalable. It may be there is something else out there to help your mother and her current Doctor just doesn't know about it. the point is when in doubt. go see another Doctor.
I had trouble eating at one time to, but it was due to a bunch of fluid in my stomach. had a parathentises done and woooooo hooooo I was able to eat/drink again.
To post to Dr. Goodman click on ovarian cancer under Related expert forums to the right below this. I don't think you are wrong to wonder if more could be done. It would not hurt to seek a second opinion. It does not seem like all options have been exhausted. Does she still want to fight on? I would say that if she does another opinion is the way to syart. Good luck to you both. Marie
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