Operation today, not good

[pillow2x2]

We just got home from the hospital after my sister in law went in for a routine hysterectomy for fibroid tumors.  They had done a bunch of test and said no cancer.  When they opened her this morning, the surgeon said that it was an ovarian tumor that spread to her omentum, small intestine, colon and the wall of her stomach.  They called in a general surgen to remove the omentum, part of small intestine and part colon.  Said there were many many small tumors through out her, too many to remove.  They said there was no need to biopsy the lymph nodes but everything i read is that that is how you tell the stage of the cancer.  Can anyone tell me what stage this is in based on what was done in the surgery?  It was a devistating diagnosis because we all went in with the notion that there was no cancer.  How long will she have?  The general surgeon said that we needed to wait for the pathology that takes about 3 days.  We can't wait 3 days to know what to expect!!  My brother in law believes she will take no treatment. If that is the case, what to expect?  Any info would be helpful

[nancy219]

Hi my name is nancy. yesterday I had a ultra sound and was told Ihave a cyst on my right ovary. The radioligist said he saw nothing that looked like cancer. And now I'm going to see another doctor about what to do. I am so afraid. I lost a very dear friend a few months ago to ovarian cancer. And I cant help but feel scared. And Im not wanting to be a person that waits a couple of months to check it agian. Do I have the right to insist on going in and removing it. And getting this proactive ball rolling. Or should I do what ever they suggest.

[pillow2x2]

Thanks Pam, G and Chris,

Your quick responses have been very helpful.  My sister in law was told about the findings this afternoon, and she responded very well.  Her initial instinct is to fight, which is not what her husband thought she would say.  I have been looking at info all day and have a better idea what is in store.  I will refer her to this site as I know it will be helpful.  I will update with progress, but more importantly I will keep you all in my prayers.  You all inspire me!!  

[nyc lady]

No one knows how long anyone will survive, with or without cancer.  Right now, she needs to heal from the surgery and gain her strength for chemo.  The treatment is pretty much the same regardless of the stage.  I have never had chemo, but, many of the other women can and will answer any questions that you and/or your sister in law might have.

The stats on this disease are poor when you get to later stage diagnosis, but, someone has to be on the winning side of the numbers.  

At one of our support meetings recently we went around the room and told of our diagnosis stage and date, there was a stage IV going on 1.5 years, no recurrence, a stage 3C OvCa and also breast cancer survivor 2 years no recurrence, we have a stage 3b almost 21 years, a stage 3C that has never been in remission - there is a tumor and CA125 is high, but, her doctor chose to try armidex, 7 years and she has been stable.  There is hope...and right now, your sister in law needs to cling to the positive.  

She is figthing a difficult battle, she is lucky to have a strong support system.  She is going to need help, there will be days when she is really not going to be feeling well, it will be important for her to know that everyone is there to help and support her....and please, tell her when she is ready, that we are here to help her through this...the members of this forum are the best and will help you and the rest of your family any way we can.

All the best,
Pam

[golfgal911]

When I had my initial surgery (knowing it was ovca), the cancer was spread everywhere in my perititoneum and the doctor was unable to remove anything.  I had 6 chemos, responded well, shrunk the thing, and then had a very successful debulking, with no visible tumor remaining.  No one knows how things will turn out, but please don't assume the worst.  There are lots of treatment options.  Chemo was no where near as bad as I'd anticipated.  They have ways to minimize the side effects.  Help your sister to stay positive.  My thoughts and prayers are with you.
G

[crecco]

I am sorry that your sister is having to deal with this. It must be so much harder since they told her here was no cancer. Unfortunately we cannot tell what stage it will turn out to be. I know that 3 days seems like such a long time to wait.
  They do not necessarily have to biopsy lymph nodes to tell the stage of the cancer. That can be determined by a biopsy on the cancer that was removed and also by the extent of how much and how far it has spread.
  One thing that most of us tend to never look at is a "time frame" on how long we have. We have all decided to fight this beast and plan on being here for a long time yet.
  When you see your sisters Dr, take a list with you of all of the questions that you want answeres to. Also it is best to have at 2 of you there when you talk to him. Everything can be so overwhelming at first, that it is easy to forget questions that you wanted to ask and to miss things that he says.
  Most of the questions that you have asked can really only be answered by her Dr. He will also tell you what he feels is the best treatment route to take. Whether your sister wants to do that is entirely up to her. but if possible I would sit down with her and try to encourage her to follow that route.
  I know that this is a very difficult time for you right now and I wish your sister the very best. Please keep us informed as to what you find out when the reports come back.
   Chris