Ovarian Cancer Support Group

I have had this disease for nine years now.. with two recent recurrences. I also have it in my neck nodes and am currently on doxil. With a recurrence we are unlikely to be cured, but can hope for a remission, which can last any length of time or at least periods when the condition is stable. There are many different treatment options available these days with new ones coming along all the time. Does the scan result mean you will be trying something else? Avastin has been proving very effective for women here.. Please let us know how you get along.. I will be wishing for all the best for you.. Inka xxx

My mother was diagnosed in January, and she's still undergoing the chemo, but doing well . . .a few bumps here and there, but overall is amazing at 82! We are just too soon in the treatment to give you a success story, but I would like to offer several from the other women in the chemo lab. We have been very inspired by their success stories. Several have had a recurrence more than once, but they Inca have had the disease anywhere from 10-15 years. This is very hopeful. And they will have recurrences early on, and then go into remission for 5-6 years, and then have another recurrence. These recurrences do happen, but as the doctor has told my mother, "they are treatable and manageable in most cases. So I believe you can find great hope in this! I found this site very helpful regarding the various types of chemo. If you don't respond to one treatment, then they are others. There are women in the chemo lab who found the cancer in the 4th stage who are still living and thriving after 5-6 years. I do know that many of the women have the cancer spreading to the stomach lining, but again it's treatable. One of the women was having the chemo directly into her abdomen. She is doing very well after a couple of months.

Also a dietary tip, my mother's doctor keeps telling her, "Protein!" Eat lots of protein, especially the protein meal replacements. She has felt so well and energetic despite problematic blood counts that our entire family is now on the protein powder and full of energy! It's just one more healthy habit you can adopt. It can be mixed with applesauce, oatmeal, make a milk shake or even put in fruit juice. Please keep us updated on how you are doing.

On August 4 I will be 5 years since diagnosis. Recurrence showed up about 1 1/2 years ago. I've been able to enjoy life, despite the chemotherapy that will most probably be a continuous part of my life.

When I was diagnosed I recall crying and my thoughts were of all that I'd miss. Since that day I've seen my second grand-child born, my daughter marry and have our first grandson, and my husband get to retire. Therefore, I can say...living with the disease, while not easy, has still offered some very wonderful moments. I wish you the same kind of success that I have enjoyed.
hugs and more hugs lindamae

Thank you for the success stories....the fact that my recurrance happened so quickly has me concerned. Keep the positive successes coming.

I had a6 month recurrance then Doxil. Tumor grew a centimeter. Operation is over and they were able to remove half of an inch wide tumor. So now we do radation, chemo and AVASTAIN. I am not YET a success story but paln to be.

Dear Pamela
I was initially terrified when I was dsiagnosed 18 months ago because the stories I read about ovca were quite grim. However, I had surgery 6/08 and have been on chemo since 8/08 with no break. The good news is that my CA125 has reduced from 7500-20. Lots of love and strength.
xxLinda

Keep your faith and never loose hope Hugs and Kisses to you Pamela Im not a success story yet either but plan to be Linda

Halli ,
How long were you remission first time?
thanks

Hi, I was diagnosed with IIIC disease in November 2007. I was treated with only carboplatin because I had numerous surgical complications. I had a 16 month remission but recurred this past August and now am on carbo/taxol. My doctor originally said that "we never say cure with ovarian cancer - we treat it as a chronic disease." Several members on this site are having great success with Avastin. There are various trials out there when conventional treatments are exausted. Since you are on Doxil you might consider whether you are eligible for the Precedent trial from Endocyte (I think). It is good to be on this site to learn that we can live with Ovca. Best wishes, Janet

Recurrences are fairly commonplace with OVCA, but there are alternate treatment plans that work! Hang in there . . . new drugs are coming on the market every day. There is hope! Never give up! You are in our thoughts and prayers.

XOX

Susan Wales