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434498 tn?1223072774

Primary Peritoneal Carcinoma

My wife was diagnosed with PPC on Jan. 31, 2008.  Surgery was not able to get all the tumours as the cancer had spread.  Chemotherapy begins Mar. 7, 2008.  My question has to do with "down the road".  I realize PPC is terminal, however, I would like to know what to expect as to my wife's condition as the time approaches the median life expectancy of persons with PPC.  Could you tell me what to anticipate so I can prepare as necessary.  

Thank you.

Paulus432
9 Responses
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654968 tn?1304359430
I have been reading your post & I can't offer any help. I will be thinking of you at this terrible time. I will be praying for you in church on Sunday.

Thinking of you both.
Kathy
Helpful - 0
561476 tn?1220955776
Good Morning, I dont really have much to add, I do know about the ip treatments though. So if you have any questions in reguards to that feel free to ask away....

No one can determin how long your wife has to live, just make sure that what ever time she does have left you enjoy to the fullest.

Help you wife keep a good attitude, for thats half the battle.

what can you expect from chemo? It depends on how hard they hit her. If she gets zapped once every 3 weeks with the carbo/taxol she's gonna be pretty sick. I'd tell ya to hold her hair while you comfort her but she will loose that (better to cut it first as it can make her head sore if it comes out in clumps)
she probably wont be hungry so ya gotta try and tempt her with something that smells good to her. Her taste buds could change (mine did) thank god for the cooking channel I had to learn new ways to cook things as nothing I was able to eat before tasted any good.
Your wife will probably have leg pain (side affect of the taxol)

thats what you can expect from chemo. but those are nothing when you compare it to the fight for life. Live it up!! rest when you need to, but there's no reason she can't get out there and live.

Best of luck to you and your wife. You will be in my prayers
Brightest of Blessings
Michelle
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
This book isn't about me, it's about what God has done for me. The last 10 months has been like watching God paint a beautiful picture using people for paint and my life for paper.

Hi! How are things going?

My wife was dx'd with peritoneal cancer is Oct of 07. Hers spread from her colon. Once a cancer gets to the peritoneal lining it becomes very hard to get out, because the lack of blood flow in the peritoneal lining can't get enough of the prescribed chemo to the cancer.

My wife was able to get Inter Peritoneal Heated Chemotherapy, IPHC, (originally developed for ovarian cancer) and she is doing very good. The theory is that if the blood vesicles wont get the chemo to the cancer, they will go another rout and flood the whole abdominal cavity with chemo. It may be worth your while to talk to one of the few clinics that preforms IPHC one in PA one in NC and one in TX...I wouldn't let a dr who has never done IPHC to tell me that I wasn't a good candidate...especially if he is making $30k a month for me to stay on chemotherapy.  
Helpful - 0
434498 tn?1223072774
Thanks for your response.  All the things you have advised us to do we are doing.  Persons on four continents are holding my wife (and me) in their hearts and prayers.  The women's group at our church is providing food the entire month of March.  Our love for one another is stronger than ever and our appreciation of each day is heightened.  Thank you for your caring and for your prayers.

Paulus432
Helpful - 0
167426 tn?1254086235
When my daughter was dx'd with cancer, we did not think of death, we thought of life and how to accomplish that.  Sure the road is a hard one, the chemo takes a toll on the system, but it has to, to kill the cancer.  There are so many sucess stories now, about long remissions, even survivors of many years.  As far as "down the road', live your days together first and fight this damn disease together.  If and when the time comes, face that together also, NEVER GIVE UP HOPE.   Marty
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
I am very sorry to hear about your wife's condition.  You asked about how to prepare, so here are some thoughts from my own experience . . .

Remain optimistic, encouraging, and supportive to your wife.  Patients who are uplifted respond better to treatment.  PPC or Ovarian cancer are serious, no doubt about it.  But some patients are cured and many live a long, productive, and happy life even through periodic treatment.

Treasure every day and every moment that you enjoy together.  I won't tell you that an easy road lies ahead, but with you by her side your wife's future will be much brighter.

Be patient and loving -- even more than you already are! :-)  Your wife, and you, will face some difficult times in the coming months.  Your love for each other will get you both through these times.

Enlist the help and support of your friends and family members.  Sometimes it is awkward to accept help, but set that aside and let folks help in whatever way they can.

Try to find the chance to laugh together!  Watching funny movies or just being around friends or family members who have a good sense of humor and are upbeat can be very therapeutic.

If you and your wife are religious folks, pray often and get your church members and other friends who share your faith to also pray for both of you.

I hope these ideas will be helpful to you and to your wife.  I'll be praying for you, myself!
Helpful - 0
408448 tn?1286883821
Please continue to use this forum. Your wife, too. It has been a life-saver for me emotionally. I have stage 3b ovca. I have a form af tumor that is chemo-resistant, but right now I am stable. Many kinds of chemo are available. If your wife is offered I/P chemo, feel free to message me. I was able to complete all of my I/P treatments. I may be able to help her through it.

As far as longevity, no one knows. I think when docs give a time frame, it hurts more than it helps. That goes for any disease. My father was diagnosed with prostate cancer. It was found very late. It had spread through his lymph system and to his bones. His doc told him he had 3 months, maybe 6, if he was lucky. Because of that, he did not try chemo. He only took hormone therapy. He lived 8 years and 4 months. I cannot help but think if he took the chemo he may have beat it. I do know that he enjoyed every minute of those 8+ years. Love and prayers to your wife and you, Marie
Helpful - 0
41502 tn?1223517053
I was diagnosed ppc stage 3c in May o6. I did 4 rds i.p.chemo ( which you can't have any residual disease over 1mm) but due to toxicity for me switched and finished with 4 rds. iv carbo/taxol. I had remission from Jan. 07 to Oct 07. I am now on chemo, hopefully 1/2 thru, ca125 down to 28 from 265. It is impossible to tell but she should have quite a few chemos to try, and hopefully some remissions. My husband has been very supportive although he does worry and stress. He too, is hoping for me another remission. There are many stage 4 ladies on here that are further out than me, which gives us hope.   Donna
Helpful - 0
155056 tn?1333638688
Many women with late stage diagnois are "treated" for many years successfully.  There is no timeline as everyone responds to chemo and to different chemos differently.  There are many second, third, etc lines of defense to battle this disease so, no one can answer your question.  
The important thing right now is to concentrate on life and not think about death.  Chemo will not be easy on your wife, but as many of these amazing women will tell you, it is doable....your wife will need a lot of support and love right now....but, I can tell that you are caring and will be there for her.  Encourage her to join this forum, it will help the both of you...ask questions, we will help you find the answers and help you both thru this...you are not alone.
Pam
Helpful - 0
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