STAGE 4 OVCA Survivors

[les32]

My 65year neightbour and best friend has ovarian cancer Stage 4 (I think 'B') and in 2009 underwnet a debulking operation at RMH Fulham, unfortunately it was totally unsuccessful as her cancer had spread so much.

Are there other ovarian cancer suffers out there that would be prepared/willing to discuss their symptoms and compare situations?  as she is beginning to loose her fighting spirit of late. Whether this is because of the extra pains she is suffering or whether it is due to her being depressed in the first place, I do not know.
Whatever, it's just that she keeps telling me that she cannot find anyone else with the same Stage 4 ovarian cancer 2 years down the line and around 20 sessions of chemo and best part of a dozen CT Scans later, that she can talk to.

Please, if anyone out there is willing please reply.

Regards,
Les

[les32]

Thank you for your feedback and it seems to follow an almost exact pattern, I will pass this onto Jennifer.
Bestest regards,
Les

[Lindakcc]

I've diagnosed with stage 4 at 01/09 went through the debulking operation according to the doctor it was very successful, then went through a 6 months chemo, total remission but it recurred in 6 months, chemo again for 6 months, total remission but recurred again in 2 months, chemo again slowed it down to normal level but progressed again before finish the 6th cycle.  Now I have changed to Docetaxol but instead of slower it down, it just jumping up like a rocket.   I will never give up, so please tell your friend that there are many people with her conditions.  What we should do is to keep our body strong so we can keep on fighting and cope with the chemo.
With all my best wishes,

[les32]

Thanks for input, again may I enquire as to whether the lady who survived 9.5 years, had had a successful debulking operation or not?

[nyc lady]

This disease is relentless and extremely unkind.  

I knew someone that survived 9.5 years with a stage 4 diagnosis, someone else stage 3b (never had chemo) is over 20 years....and have met stage 1a women that didn't make it 6 months.  

If your friend is still strong they still might want to continue with chemo to keep her comfortable and possibly keep some of the masses from growing.  It becomes a personal choice between quality and quanitity.  

Best of luck to you and your friends,
Pam

[les32]

Yes, likewise after about 6 months of chemo and several CT scans, Jenny returned and in the words of her Surgeon.."there appears no reason why not to operate" So he started with keyhole surgery and again it was a case of nothing could be removed apart from a tiny slice for autopsy, as it would not have been possible to remove sufficient to be worthwhile. He further stated.."there will be no further attempts"

The report of her CT scan of the 26th January last stated there has 'been aggressive progression' with all tumours having enlarged.

Jenny has just returned home from hospital this evening after receiving 2 units of blood.

[Alisa42]

I read your comments to Plolly37... has your friend ever gone back in for debulking?  While like your friend, my Mom's first surgeryhad similar result "too much to remove with success", therfore they stiched her back up and sent her home for 3months with regular doses of chemo.  3 months later she went back in for her debulking and full hysterectomy.  She has had 3 ct scans, all clear but "free floating" cancer cells still roam her body just waiting to attach and grow.

[Alisa42]

My Mom has stage 4 OVC.  She had a regular paps 6 months prior to dx

[les32]

Thank you for your comments.
It seems that the quality of life revolves around the success of  debulking.
Jenny was operated on Christmas Eve 2008 but unfortunately told that the disease was so severe that nothing could be removed.
She has since received mega amounts of Carboplatin and Taxol up till last Sepetember. The body can only takes so much.
Her tumours have enlarged and in the words of the January CT scan report 'increased significantly'
She commenced Caylex last Monday and is suffering it seems from all the known symptoms as  well as the pains.
Regards,
Les

[polly37]

I have stage 4 ovc and had a debulking op in Aug 10. My CA125 levels have last week risen and I am about to have another scan (one of many) befor going to clinic next week to find out what happens next. Tell your friend she must be positive and strong. I am 73 and was diagnosed Dec 09. I will keep believing that I can beat this. The people around her can help so much. I still play bowls, although not as much as I used to. I will keep her in my prayers.

[les32]

Alisa42,
Thank you for your feedback, best regards to Mom.
Please, could I enquire as to what stage your Mom was dx'd.
Jenny had CT scan in 2002 but the computer said 'no'. It was only when she went private in 2008 that the CT scan picked it up. Like most women it was stage 4+ by that time. And, yes Jenny, also has been on chemo all but about 6 months.

Regards,
Les

[Alisa42]

Hello Les,

My Mom was dx'd with OVC Feb 18th 2008.  She has been on chemo all but 6 months.  She is strong, she works, has slumbers parties with my daughters, plays bunco, and is sooooooo grateful to be alive.  My prayers of hope are being sent to you and your dearest friend.   God Bless,
Alisa

[les32]

Manys thanks and now I understand the terminology, apologies for being so abrupt previously.
Bestest Regards
Les

p.s. Jenny starts on Caelyx(Liposmal doxorubicin) treatment next Monday 7th Feb.

[abrite1]

bumping this to the top