Suboptimally debulked - Need input

[chopps]

Hi,
My mother had surgery two days ago.  She is stage IIIC PPC/Ovarian Cancer which was only diagnosed through the CT scan prior to surgery.  I have read they should do a tissue sample during surgery to properly diagnose for the best treatment.

Anyway, she was suboptimally debulked leaving her uterus, cervix because of a 1 nodule great that 1cm that they couldn't remover due to morbidity.  They also left 1 nodule on her intestine because he couldn't remove it unless he removed the intestine which he said he couldn't live without.  Input?

IP chemo is no longer an option due to size of tumor an he says IV therepy will be more effective. He has offered to start in the hospital and also has offered a clinical trial with avastin.  Thoughts?

He was going to do a bowel resection intially but the cancer had not penetrated the bowel.  Good news.

I am looking for input regarding the suboptimal debulking and any ideas that can help .  We were obviously disappointed they suboptimally debulked.

We are going to get a second opinion but won't happen for a few weeks.

Also, how often should we request CA 125 or CA 125-II, Ct Scan or Pet/CT Scan?  Any other tests etc.

I have no problem asking questions, so if there are any I SHOULD ask now, please share!

Chopps

[crecco]

I am sorry that the surgery did not quite go as you planned, but there was still some good news. The way that I understand is that IP therapy is only good if the cancer is contained in the abdomen. If her Dr feels that IV treatment would be best than I would go with that. I have heard that IP treatment can be very hard on you.
  As far as the CA125 tests and the scans, her Dr will do them as he feels it is needed. From my own experience, the CA125 is normally done once a month, and scans done close to every three months if the Dr feels it is needed. (ie. big jumps in the CA125)
  As to why they left her cervix and uterus, it is hard to tell. I wonder if part of it is sometimes due to Dr preference as my cervix was left also. That would be a good question to ask him.
I hope that all goes well for her.
        Chris

[jlock]

I am gonna keep your Mom in prayer. Many of us can't be debulked properly as it could make the matters worse....but I do wonder about the cervix and uterus??  Seems like that is part of a hysterectomy.....I'm glad your Mom made it through the embolism....I would have been scared to death....good luck(((hugz)))~~~~Joanne

[chopps]

Thanks Marie.  I was hoping I 'd hear from you.  I appreciate your feedback about the residual chemo and the Dr. shared the same thoughts about the chemo.  We will address the uterus/cervix issue.

We had another little set back yesterday afternoon, pulmonary embolism.  It was really touch and go and she has stabilized today and seems to be doing better.  They said it is improving.  My sister and I have taken turns staying at the hospital.

Thanks. I will update soon,
Chopps

[marie3B]

I don't understand the uterus cervix issue.  That is what I would ask about during the second opinion.  I would go for the clinical trial Avastin if I had been given the chance.  I am sorry the surgery did not go as well as we all had hoped, but I am thankful she pulled through okay and hope the treatment goes very well.  There have been women with quite alot of residual tumor, but were able to get full remissions with I/V chemo.  I wish you both the best. Marie