kharker

recurrent Ovarian CA

Posted on 06/29/08, 11:05 pm

I was diagnosised in November 07 and had 3rds of Carbo/Taxol then surgery in Jan08 followed by 3more rds of Carbo/Taxol. Had the last chemo in March and CA-125 went down to 26. As of Monday June 23 my CA-125 is now over 800 and CT showed a tumor the size of a softball. I am scheduled to start Chemo again next week on 2 study drugs. Has anyone had recurrence the quickly and if so how are you doing? I am very scared right now. I just started to feel better and now it's back.
Thanks
Kathy

• Reply #1 08/17/08  2:13pm
  
  jrzgrl
  Kathy, I guess you're probably back in chemo by now? I have been battling this beast for 5 years now. I've had many recurrences. I joined a local support group, that helped immensely. You might want to check and see if you have one available through your local hospital or doctor. Recurrence is such a let-down, I know. I recurred first only 5 mos. after finishing my chemo and I was devastated. It doesn't mean it's the end....I'm still battling...recurring again presently. Just dig deep, put that game face on again...and fight the good fight sister! You can talk to me anytime...
  Angela
• Reply #2 08/17/08  10:01pm
  
  kharker
  Hi Angela
  Thanks so much for your support. I am having trouble staying positive that I can beat this. The Dr keeps telling me that I have so many options that others don't have. I know that should make me feel better. It makes feel better to know that you have been fighting this for 5 years and that you have had recurrences. If I know that one other person can fight this it makes me feel like I'm not alone in this fight. Please stay in touch with me. I think that we both need the support.
  Kathy
• Reply #3 01/29/09  9:11am
  
  Halli
  I've been dealing with this for nearly nine years now.. I was in remission for seven years. This time the chemo didn't get rid of all of it.. as, I believe, is the case with you. CA125 of 26 could indicate that you still had some cancer cells. Mine was 92 at the end of chemo, but they couldn't give me any more as I had all I could take and had to have a break to recover a bit.. now we are looking at further treatment. So many of us here are in the same boat.. you are definitely not alone.. My best hopes and wishes go with you. xxx
• Reply #4 02/01/09  3:54pm
  
  jrzgrl
  Hi Kathy, How are you doing? Are you still in chemo? I finished 6 rounds of carbo/gemzar last month and am considered in remission again. I hope the gemzar has worked for you. Let me know how you are doing.
  Angela
• Reply #5 02/02/09  5:46am
  
  JulierRae
  Hi Kathy,
  I too have been sturggling with recurrence after remission. It is hard to stay positive, but I truely believe that staying positive helps the outcome of the progonsis. Hang togh and fight the good fight. Talk to me any time you need too. You are in my prayers.
• Reply #6 02/04/09  5:02am
  
  kharker
  Hi Angela,
  I was on Topotekcan that kept things stable,but the Dr wanted to try another trial of Decitabean and Carboplantin we did two months of that and the tumor started to grow and ca-125 went up to 1398. This means that I am platium resistant so now we have started on Doxil. I have had the first round last week. Hopefully this one will work. I'm trying to be positive, but there are days that this really gets me down. I have faith that I will get better and get my life back.
  Thanks for all your support
  Kathy
• Reply #7 02/15/09  4:37pm
  
  RhodaM
  Hi Kathy,
  
  I'm not in recurrence at this time but when I was doing chemo my local cancer support group was an invaluable support for me. I don't know if I could have kept up such a good attitude without them. Have you any such group you could attend in your area??
  You're in my thoughts and prayers.
  Rhoda & Scottie
• Reply #8 02/18/09  12:06am
  
  kharker
  Hi Rhoda & Scottie
  I have just started working with a OVCA support group. They were saying how many years that they had been a suvivor 10-20 years which is great but they were all diagnosied at stage 1 or 2. I am the only one at stage 4. Scares me, but really trying to stay positive.
  Thanks
  Kathy
• Reply #9 02/19/09  10:16am
  
  Halli
  I pinched this snippet from another discussion as I thought it might encourage you
  
  ''I'm stage 3C - border line to stage 4 and I'm going to make it. I have no doubt that I will kick cancer's butt. My oncologist - after discussing my plan in the hospital, when he got to my hospital door, he spun around and looked at me and said "You're going to make it. Your energy and your attitude. Yep, you're going to make it."
  
  The more I deal with the professionals the more I get the sense that they are very aware of how attitude can effect our journeys here. I have always had a strong sense that stress has paid a huge part in my cancer history and I've been at it long enough now to be convinced.. I've spoken to several top specialists about this and though they don't agree on a lot of things, they all agree that stress has a major part to play.. If the group is uncomfortable for you then don't go to it.. find things to do that lift your spirits and avoid things that don't.. xxx
• Reply #10 02/22/09  4:44pm
  
  kharker
  Thanks Inka
  I know I'm going to make it also! I have beaten the odds already, if you beleive the first oncologist that I saw. I feel better everyday, just tired. I get the second round of Doxil tomorrow and I know that it is working.
  Hugs to you
  Kathy

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