What to expect?

[Aabhas]

My mom is nearing 50. Ovarian cancer has already occurred twice. Recently she got her tests done. Her counts are again on the higher side, i.e. 42. Even if she goes through the chemo trauma once again,will she be able to live a normal life? What can I expect? Do reply......

[helenl89]

t all depends what your definition of normal is. i think the living in fear everyday of a reaccurence is normal for most of us. going through the chemo again, is more of a interuption of ones life, than anything else. i worked through my entire chemo, part time however.. what i hated the most was the constant stream of drs appts. it all depends on how much strength one can muster to fight this awfull disease. in my opinion I think the emotional stress it puts on people is far worse than physical aspects of it. no matter what you do it's going to disrupt ones  aspect of normalecy.

[kismetfarm]

I guess it is hard to presume any one thing will happen for any individual.  At this early point the not knowing is pretty hard isn't it.

I live a normal life (well in my opinion) I had a recurrence five years ago and despite various treatments haven't had what you would call a remission since.  Some chemos have some effect but they don't completely get rid of the tumours, most do nothing, I've had a bit of radiation to get some problem spots and am going to see the surgeon again later this month to discuss surgery as an option again.

I work full time (had six sick days last year and that was mostly time I needed off for scans and oncologists appointments not that I was actually unwell).  We also have a small farm with cattle and horses and I manage most of the tasks round the farm, ride my horse fairly regularly (not this week as my back is sore :-()  and generally do pretty much what I want to do when I want to do it.    Like your Mom I'm on the downward slope to 50.

So for me it hasn't been the end of the world (it felt like it when they first told me about the recurrence).  I wouldn't call me typical though - I have been luckier than many.