Chance of Recurrence....

[4mom]

My mom who is 55 was diagnosed for stage IIc clear cell ovarian cancer in October. She just finished her second of 6 treatments of carboplatin and taxol. Does anyone konw if radiation therapy is suggested for stages 1 and 2 ovarian cancer? Also, with being clear cell, are their better drugs than carboplatin and taxol, because clear cell is resistant to chemo? Is this true, or does it depend on the person? And lastly, what is the chance of recurrence at this stage? The doctor said the tumor was in just one ovary, and extended to the pelvic side wall. He said "my mom was clean and no evidence of the cancer left", but wanted to do chemo as an 'insurance policy'. Has anyone ever heard of this? And if the cancer does come back, what is usually the timetable - 1 year, 5 years, 10 years? I know there are a lot of questions, but I am just trying to figure as much out as a I can. The good news is that my wife and I are expecting are first baby in January to keep my mom's spirts up through Chemo...

Thanks for any input.

[chickpea_and_me]

I was diagnosed with stage 2b ov cancer this summer. I did the same 6 rounds your mom did.  Radiation was never done for me either...I vaguely remember onc saying it wouldnt work for this cancer because it wasnt contained. ie...it had spread past the ovary which meant it was in your system so chemo was the best.

I read somewhere about 40% chance of recurrance for stage 2 but really its all a **** shoot.  I've seen stage 1's reaccur and stage 3's that dont and vise versa.  We all just have to pray and hope we have beaten it.

Congrats on the new baby!!  LIfe does go on.

[baguba]

First, congratulations on the expected arrival.  Nothing will cheer your Mom up more than that!

I was diagnosed 4 1/2 years ago with Stage 1C; was clean until May this year; then had a recurrence.  When first diagnosed I took 6 rounds carbo/taxol as an "insurance policy" as well; radiation was not offered to me.  My surgeon said she never thought I would have recurred.  One doesn't know; though the common denominator is OVCA, remember we are all individual cases. As the above post says, some Stage 1's recurr, others don't; some Stage 3's never recur.  Even though mine has recurred I feel blessed that it was found early and localized with a totally clean surgery. After 6 rounds of carbo/taxol AGAIN, I am taking a year's mainetenance as an "investment" (they must have changed the terminology this time around); but what you must remember is that your mom's was caught at Stage II, which is early.  She needs to stay on top of her CA 125 testing, CT/PET scans and regular appts.  And if she doesn't feel well, or if she feels something is "not right", speak up.  I have found that there is much hope out there for this beast.  We need to be our own advocates.  Your mom is so lucky to have such a devoted son who is so concerned.  With all this love around her, and the goodness of God and her medical team, she will be able to get through this.  There are multitudes of drugs available (so many since 2002 when I was originally diagnosed).  Each day brings new hope and positive encouragement that your mom can live a full and normal live.  I will keep her in my prayers.  Have a wonderful holiday season, and enjoy that new baby!  God Bless!  Judie :)