CA125 - recurrence of cancer

[gajini]

My mother aged about 58 years was diagnosed of having ovarian cancer stage iii during March 2010; she had a surgery where the uterus and ovaries were surgically removed. She had chemotherapy for 6 cycles. She had the recurrence of ovarian cancer during Jan 2011 and had 5 cycles of chemotherapy.

The CA-125 count came down to 5. Then till the Nov-2011 the count was 7. She had CA-125 test on 17-Jan-2012 the count was 1593. To confirm the steep raise in count, she had the test again on 19-Jan-2012 the count surged to 2293. 

She appears to be normal and she does not feel any severe abdominal pain. Doctor said since there is no severe pain or swelling, there is no need of Chemotherapy. He has prescribed to take tablets and return for a check-up after 2 months. We are not convinced with his response.

Is that ok just to take up the prescription as he said? We feel that the count is extremely high and go for Chemo treatment to bring it under control. We really feel scared and worried about my mother’s health.
Do we need to look for second opinion? Is it a high time to undergo treatment immediately?

Kindly advice and direct us. Thanks.

[nyc lady]

There are many doctors that treat with tamoxifen/femara, etc....I knew someone who was stage IV and she survived for 9 years on femara.....these are breast cancer drugs and sometimes help if the cancer is estrogen receptive.   I do not know why waiting another month for the scan would make a difference, but, that is the doctor's choice.   She has been off of chemo for some time, I am surprised that he will not start another chemo regimen, but, every doctor is different.

Best of luck to you and your mom.
Pam

[gajini]

Thanks..

Doctor suggested taking Tamoxifen pill/ day. He said at this stage even CT scan won’t give a clearer picture of the cancer recurrence. After a month a CA-125 test and CT scan can be done to decide on the Chemo treatment.
Also it is not fair to give the chemotherapy right now, since last chemotherapy cycle (5 cycle) had ended during June2011. He asked to check with him in case of any severe pain or swelling occurs within a month.

[nyc lady]

Has the doctor done any scans to see if there is a reason for the rise in her CA125???  

Most doctors won't treat just for a rise in a number, but, if there is a growth in tumors, etc, that is a different story.

What tablets did he prescribe for her?

[shewrites]

Recent studies have shown that there is no difference in lifespan if you wait to have chemo until there is evidence of  disease.  (Many women prefer not to do chemo until they must.)   The CA-125 is an indicator but it is not "evidence," which would probably be found on a scan.  

A second opinion is always good if your mother is concerned.  But I wouldn't put her through it unless SHE is worried.  She's entitled to have faith in her current doctor if that's how she feels.  

Good luck and God bless ...