Surgery UK

[canuckVisland]

My mum was diagnosed with PPC in March of the omentum. It was said to be stage 3. She was told at the time that they would not operate due to the size of the tumor so they would try and shrink it first using carboplatinum/taxol line of treatment. Her original cat 125 was 480 which was taken early on before she was even diagnosed with PPC  in February. She has had 6 treatments of chemo, 2 ultra sounds and 2 cat scans cat scans during this time. We know it was aggressive from the fact that it had grown from 2.5 cm which was picked up on the 1st ultra sound to 5cm 2 weeks later.

Anyway she has just finished her chemo went back to the Womans Hospital in Liverpool where they checked her new catscan which showed that the tumor had shrunk but they have found something (dont know what since they didnt tell her) on her liver and lungs. Then proceeded to tell her that she is not a suitable candidate for surgery, no reason given and then told to come back in 3 months or before if new symptoms show up. They took a new bloodtest but she is never given the results.

So heres my question, we know that the tumor is aggressive, she still has it and no surgery if offered, no chemo is offered, once the remnants of the chemo has worn off whats to stop the tumor from taking over in the 3 months while she waiting for the next appointmenet and being twice as bad as before. Isnt 3 months a long time to wait between visits with this type of cancer and severity of the disease.

I feel like they are washing there hands of her. She asked if it had gone into remission and they told her they dont use that term anymore , only that it had quietened down. We seem to be pulling our hair out over here in Canada with the lack of choices, information, trials and slowness of the health care system in the north west. Is this the same all over the UK for people diagnosed with PPC ?

Any tips on what to do next is greatly appreciated.

[JC145]

I have PPC .. no doubt about it ... she needs a more knowledgeable doctor.  Don't know the "rules" in UK .. but if need be, have her complain of stomach pain or something and go to the ER and get some attention .. and the sooner the better.  Good luck.  Judy

[jamiann5]

I agree with the other girls, get a 2nd opinion.  I have taken my mom to a total of 4 physicins now.  Don't stop until you feel comfortable and be sure to find an gyn onc.  They are the most specialized in the field.

Good luck to you and your mum.

jamie

[canuckVisland]

This was an oncologist, a new lady that had recently taken over my mums case after the previous onc left. Is 3 months a long time to wait between visits for someone with primary peritoneal cancer?

[dian07]

I agree completely with Joanne......get copies of your mom's medical records and get a second opinion.....it is imperative you consult with a GYN/ONC.....I wouldn't waste any time , either.  Please give my very best to your mom.
Peace.
dian

[jlock]

This is an easy question...get a second opinion!!!!!  Run...do not walk to the nearest gyn/onc. Use only a gyn/onc as they are the specialist in this field and your Mom will have a better overall outcome.  Keep us posted~~~Joanne