Recurrence

[melgab]

I was initially diagnosed with Stage 3C OC in February 2005. I had a full hysterctomy and 6 rounds of Carboplatin and Taxol (Last round finished in June 2005).  I had stayed in remission for 2 1/2 years and my CA125 had been a 2 the last two times.

In December I started feeling a pain in my right shoulder and my right side. (My doctor actually thought it was my gallbladder and sent me for an ultrasound which came back fine).  I then went for more bloodwork and my CA125 came back as 18. I was sent for CAT scan of chest, abdomin and pelvic and while that came back inconclusive, my doctor was proactive and performed an exploratory laparoscomy. She found some cancer cells on my bowels and there was some fluid behind my liver with cancer cells.  She did tell me that while it is back, she had never caught a recurrence this early before and was glad that I knew my body so well.

She is starting me on 6 rounds of Carboplatin and Taxol again. Since I had been in remission for over 2 years, she feels that this should work again.  

I am curious to know if anyone had a recurrence and was treated with the Carboplatin and Taxol again and is back in remission.
  

[melgab]

Thanks for your reply.  I am so glad I found this site.  When I was first diagnosed, I would go on the NOCC (ovarian.org) website and joined their discussion groups.  I had not been on the site for about a year and it has changed alot and it doesn't seem like to many people go on or join the discussions.  It so helpful to be able to communicate to people that our going through the same thing and know how you feel.

My doctor is beyond wonderful. I trust her 100% and would recommend anyone in the NJ area to see her if necessary. She literally saved my life and I know she will get me through this new hurdle.

[melgab]

Thanks for your reply. My doctor did tell me that they have to watch out for any reactions with the Carboplatin.  When you had your reaction, was is immediate?  I didn't have any reaction while I was getting the treatment, but when I woke up the next morning my cheeks and nose were flushed.  I am writing everything down as I feel things, so I can let my doctor know. But my husband and I were curious whether it was a delayed reaction or just coincidental.

[mrsbaguba]

I recurred almost 5 yrs. after a Stage 1C dx.  I had 3 small localized lesions removed, successfully surgically removed; no microscopic cells anywhere else, and becasue it was so far out from my orig. dx, I went with Taxol/Carbo again for 6 rounds and then a year of Taxol only as a maintenance.  My oncologist is extremely aggressive and very optimistic; she said she is treating me as thoguh I was a first occurance.  I finished my maint. in Oct. and since then have had clean scans and a CA 125 that hovers between 4 and 6.   It is very good to know our bodies so well, and also to advocate and get something done ASAP. Good for you that you have a doc that is so proactive and took the bull by the horns.  I know you'll do well; just take one day at a time, and I will keep you in my prayers. Judie :)

[casey644]

I have had a recurrence as well.  In my case, second look surgery was involved as it was an encapsulated tumour, so I took the chance that they could successfully remove it (which they did). Surgery was followed by 6 cycles of taxol/carbo which went quite well and I've been stable until just last week.  I was clean for another 16 months.  Just a caution re the carbo as the average # of cycles normally tolerated are 8 (or so).  I did tolerate 9 quite nicely, but had a reaction on the 10th.  This time out I'm being scheduled for 4 cycles of chemo (with taxol) and then they'll re-evaluate as it's been caught quite early again and my oncologist is quite confident.  The Johns Hopkins website contains some really good information on recurrent ovarian cancer and talks about the platin drugs as well as taxol.