possible ovarian cancer

[stargirl451]

Hi guys,
I'm eighteen years old and my fifty year old mother has been in the hospital for the past few days and the doctors suspect she has Ovarian Cancer. They believe there is metases in the lymph nodes so it looks like it would probably be at least Stage III. She also has fluid and blod clots in her lungs. We are still waiting on biopsy results though. They said her growth would be too big to remove surgically without chemotherapy to shrink it first. My mom has been healthy other than carrying extra weight around her stomach and a snoring issues which is probably due to the cancer. I'm really worried, my mom is one of the strongest people I know, having lost both her mother and brother to colon cancer as well as losing her father and sister too young, who were both about her age at the time. I'm leaving for college in about three weeks but I want to be there for my mom during her treatment. I know she would want me to stay and focus on my school work but I just don't know if I can be as strong as I know she will be. I just wanted to hear about any similar cases to this and get an idea of what to expect in what's to come.

[Memmers]

My mom was dx with Stage 2a back in Dec 2006 and she had a 6 cycles of Chemo every 3 weeks with thankfully no interruption.  She started her chemo in Jan and was done by May.  She took to the chemo very well except for being tired by the 2nd day.  Maybe you could put your schooling on hold.  I was by my mothers side every step of the way and at times when she was ready to give up I was right behind her pushing her through it.  It was hard at times especially that I have 2 young children and a husband but my husband did everything he could to help out.  Thankfully she has been in remission and we pray every day for no relapse.  Your mom needs you now although she'll tell you she'll be fine.  It's you turn now to take care of her.  Good Luck and I always include all the women on MedHelp that are fighting in my prayers.  Keep us posted.

[stargirl451]

Thanks guys! Although I want nothing more than to stay by my mother's side through this I know nothing would disappoint her more than if I didn't go back to school. I'm hoping to be able to come home as much possible while still focusing on my work. Thanks so much for your support and I'll keep you updated on my mom's condition.

[shewrites]

Until you know otherwise, assume that your mother will be at your graduation.  We have many women on this forum who are stage 3 or 4 who were diagnosed several years ago.  Their doctors treat their ovca as "chronic," and they continue to receive treatment as needed.  There's hope.  

That said, you might want to check out local optiions for continuing your education.  Community college credits are supposed to transfer, and taking some classes at a local college or university might work, too.  Learn what you can about these options and keep them "in your back pocket" in case you need to be home for a semester somewhere down the road.  

Also, check out local resources such as the American Cancer Society, the hospital, church, etc.  See if your mom can get rides to chemo, for example, or join a support group.  Find out where she can get a wig, properly styled and fitted.  Some of this you can do online or by phone from school, and that will make you feel better as well as being helpful to your mom.  

I have a friend who runs a website called "Chronic Babe."  She talks a lot about building a support team.  Your mom would be wise to intentionally build herself a "team," including but not limited to her doctors, famiily, friends and co-workers, support group --- down to the neighborhood kid who's willing to mow the lawn or shovel the sidewalk or the grocery store that delivers!    

Good luck to your both!  

[marie3B]

I like the idea of taking transferable classes at a community college close to home.  My mom had ovca/colon cancer like mine.  I was 26 then.  I could focus on nothing but her.  There is a form of cancer that in women is very hard to tell if it started in the ovaries or the colon.  My mom had that and so do I.  To know for sure a biopsy must be done.  The kind of cancer I am speaking of is called mucinous cystadenocarcinoma.  I pray all goes well with chemo and the debulking surgery.  Take care of yourself.  We are here for you and your mom.  Marie P.