Staging and Chemo treatment

[rubyellen46]

First question:  I have been diagnosed with Stage 1a or 1c ovarian cancer (Grade 3 transitional cell carcinoma with a minor component of serous carcinoma).  It is somewhat confusing, because the cancer was limited to one ovary only with no stromal invasion.  Following a staging surgery, two pathologists stated it was 1a.  My gynecologist states it is 1c because I had atypical cells with psaommoma a bodies in the peritoneanal wash, and my gyno-oncologist states it is 1c because I had a cystectomy prior to the staging surgery/hysterectomy.  Does any of this make sense to you?

Second question:  I have been given the option of the standard chemotherapy treatment (carboplatinum and taxol) once every 3 weeks, OR weekly treatments for the same period time.  My gyno-oncologist states I will probably not lose my hair if I choose the latter regime.  Is it as effective?  Does it have a downside other than more trips to the hospital for treatment?

[Annekathryn Goodman, M.D.]

Hi There,

A stage I c category is given if there is rupture of the tumor or there is a sign of cancer cells in the peritoneal fluid. So technically if all other biopsies (multiple lymph nodes form the right and left pelvic region and the para-aortic region, biopsies of the lining of the abdomen, the omentum, the appendix) are negative, you have a stage I c diagnosis.
The standard of care is 6 cycles of taxol and carboplatin given every 3 weeks. I would strongly recommend this. You are in a fortunate group of people who can be cured of their cancers.

It is a tough road for 5 months!
best wishes to you

[rubyellen46]

The period of treatment for either option is 18 weeks,

Thank you.

[rubyellen46]

My CA-125 was 9 prior to the surgery.  The ovarian cancer tumour itself did react positively to the CA-125 stain.  

[ireneo]

Excuse me for being so nosy but the way I read it (this is new to me) is that you had a cyst, went in to have it removed (after all, the CA 125 was great) but then found out you had early stage ovarian cancer after all? Did they take you back for a second surgery or just do it right then and there?

[rubyellen46]

I don't mind you asking at all.  I had no symptoms.  My  gynecologist felt cyst during a routine examination.  After an ultrasound, it was determined I had bilateral cysts. One was very small (<2 cm) and one was somewhat large (5 cm).  During laparoscopy, the gynecologist could only remove the small one, and left the large one for later hormone treatment.  No one suspected cancer, because Ca 125 was normal, as were hormone levels.  The small cyst was cancer; but not discovered until a later pathology.  (A pathologist in the operating room thought the cyst was benign.)  They scheduled a hysterectomy and cancer staging a week later with a gyno-oncologist.  The large cyst was NOT Cancer, and there was no other cancer present anywhere.  

[ireneo]

Thank you so much for the information. I'm so sorry this has happened to you and it sounds like it's out of the ordinary. My situation is similar to yours but I haven't had the surgery yet. I think I'm just scaring myself by reading this but the thought keeps going through my mind - what if. The waiting is difficult. I do hope that the doctor can give you some guidance to make a good decision and I wish you all the best. Praying for excellent health for your new year.

[Julon]

I am 65 years old and had cancer when, I was 22.  I had surgery and have been caner free since.I am blessed.. TWICE read on...In December 2006, my daughter who is 43  had a cyst and dwas told she "probably" had cancer breast and overian.  We had a losy Christmas, all we thought about was the "what if's". and we cried.
  Februrary she had surge  They began that morning at 6:30. At 9:30 the first Doctor, came out and told us, "all is fine, breast lumps were removed, no cancer." you cry for joy and thank GOD for this blessing.  It was another 21/2 hours. walking, pacing, praying and asking God for another blessing.  The Doctor was coming towards the waiting room and I went to meet her.  She looked at me and said "No caner"... I hugged her, cried and thanked GODd again for his blessing.  My daughter had a cyst the size of a grapefruit, with left ovary and tube entwined.  Can you imagine the pain, she endured.  We were both truly blessed.  Ladies, you must get angry and insist that you are not going to be a victim of cancer and live according.  Take care of yourselves, eat right and do have faith.
   Because you have been given "bad news' that doesn't mean, that it will turn out that way.
HOPE,BELIEVE,PRAY AND DON'T FOR GET TO THANK HIM FOR THE BLESSINGS... Good luck to all Julon .  

[ireneo]

Thank you so much. I know for me everything "looks" good, my gyno history, the ultrasound, etc. but I also know others have had it all look good just to go bad. I try so hard to not think negatively about it but it sneaks up on me, bites me in the rear when I least expect it. The waiting is hard. All the appts. and testing on my heart just makes me feel more vulnerable. But it doesn't mean things will end up badly. Thank you for a positive story. It helps, really. A blessed New Year to you as well.