Type of surgeon for recurrence

[Heather527]

My mom and I both have ovarian cancer :-(  I'm going through IP chemo right now for stage IIIC. Hers was also III, her first surgery and chemo were not quite two years ago and she's facing her first recurrence. Unfortunately its not looking like her gyno oncologist is going to be an option for surgery, she's moved out of the state where my mom lives and isn't covered on my mom's Medicaid.

Her gyno oncologist is trying to work something out with her hospital and my mom does not want to see anyone else. They've just been driving 4 hours across state lines for her checkups, which worked up until now. My dad is pushing for an oncologist surgeon (not sure if that is the correct term), saying she doesn't need a gyno oncologist for this surgery because all of her "female" organs were removed. The cancer is in her pelvic area, there were 5 spots that showed up on a CT scan about 6 weeks ago.

It was drummed into our heads that its best to have a gyno oncologist perform surgery the first time, just wondering about subsequent times in a situation like my mom's?

[shewrites]

Yes, it's certainly hard to fathom you both having ovca at the same time.  One or both of you should probably have the genetic test for BRAC.  If you are positive, you would then be able to warn other females in your family of the possibility of risk.  

Cleveland Clinic has an excellent reputation, so that should be comforting.  I agree with Sarah that you want a gyn/onc involved all along the way.  

Best of luck to you both.  

[Heather527]

Thanks for the feedback. While the clinic my mom's gyno oncologist is at finally approved her state's Medicaid, the hospital would not. But, it turns out she can be covered at the Cleveland Clinic and there are some gyno oncologists there who look promising.

I still cannot believe this is happening to both of us at the same time. I should be finishing up my chemo when she is having her 3rd surgery. Unbelievable.

[cjan222]

Also, this disease ***** as it is.  I'm sure your mom would feel much more comfortable in the hands of a familiar surgeon and if that's at all possible, I think you guys should keep pushing for her.  I hope it works out!

[Carcinista]

I think a gynecologic oncologist is the way to go for any ovarian cancer issues, not just surgery on gynecologic organs. Gyn/Oncs have seen this disease and all of its evil sneakiness so many times they may recognize issues or recurrences or side effects that can be remedied in the way that a general surgical oncologist wouldn't because they're not as specialized.

I had my first recurrence debulking surgery and concurrent HIPEC treatment done by a surgical oncologist, but my Gyn/Onc was in on the whole thing. If your mom does decide to have a regular surgical onc do her next surgery her Gyn/Onc should consult and plan to follow up. IMHO.

Good luck with your treatment and your mom's - your family must be very strong to go through all of this at once.

Sarah