What is Ovarian Cancer
Ovarian cancer is a malignant ovarian neoplasm (an abnormal growth located on the ovaries). It is the fifth leading cause of cancer death in women, the leading cause of death from ...
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CHEMO AFTER SURGERY
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The oncologist found my mother cancer free when he operated 5 weeks ago. We were thrilled. She had undergone 9 treatments of chemo prior to surgery. He removed her ovaries and appendix during the surgery. He had told her initially that he wanted her to have 9 chemo treatments following surgery, and then when he found she was cancer free, he reduced that number to 6, but at her most recent appointment, he said to be on the safe side, he thought he would do 9. This was a big blow to Mother. I know it is only 3 treatments, but she was so hoping to return home by the first of July, but it is not to be.
What determines how many chemo treatments following surgery? Is it the CA-125 levels? Unfortunately, we do not know the number. My sister is in charge of communication with the doctor, and she did not ask the last time. Prior to surgery they had dropped to 141 from 300+ Perhaps the number has not dropped enough??? I am just curious. She is having blood tests on Tuesday, so we will likely know then. Thanks for any insight! I hope you are all doing well. You are all in our prayers! Blessings! Susan Wales Posted on 06/07/09, 12:06 pm |
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A normal CA125 (0-35) isn't enough to determine whether the cancer has all gone or not. Your mother has no visible evidence of disease and that is fantastic news. She is getting a lot of rounds of chemo, but the dose would have been determined by all sorts of factors, including her age and how well she is tolerating the treatment. They will want to give her as much as they safely can. Clearly, she is doing so well that they will give her the full course. It is better to be safe than sorry.. Sub-microscopic cells could still be present, they would not give her so much if they thought she wasn't able to take it.
I know it's disappointing when you think it is nearly over, that happened to me.. just one more.. then another and another.. I nearly drew the line myself, but what kept me going was the thought of how I would feel if I had refused the last few treatments and then the disease had returned.. although it returned anyway, in my case, at least I know I did all that was possible.. thanks for updating us.. huge hugs to you and your mom.. she will soon be through it an recovering in the comfort of her own home.. xxx 
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Thanks so much Haili:
It is such an encouragement to hear your perspective. We will be thinking of you this week too! We just keep telling Mother 9 more weeks, and you're home! She will be home before you know it! XOX Susan Wales
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After the 6 rounds of chemo my CA 125 was just a 1. The doctor said that it would go up and now it has. I agree with Inka, the doctor orders what is needed and gives what they think a person can take. I only had carboplatin because I was so sick. Your mother must be a strong person and a real fighter to handle it all at her age. Best wishes to you and your family. Janet
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