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So...I go for a PET scan tomorrow to find out if my stage III ovarian cancer will become a stage IV. They think it went into my liver. I was wondering if anyone out there is/was a stage IV? I start chemo next week and they are seeing if I qualify for a clinical trial. If you have stage IV, I was just wondering how you are doing? This site has been very helpful!!!
Cancer Surgery Ovarian cancer Anxiety Chemotherapy Carboplatin Taxol Hysterectomy Confusion Melanoma Avastin Breast cancer Taxotere Suicide Pain Muscular dystrophy Depression Floaters Diarrhea
My wife had stage IV ovarian cancer in 1972. I've always felt the way she was treated for it was the reason she survived so long (twenty-four years before any recurrence).
Her type of treatment was very similar to the angiogenesis & low dose chemotherapy treatment that is finding increasing acceptance in cancer centers today.
Her postoperative chemotherapy drug was among the slowest acting and least toxic of the alkylating agents. Depression of the immune system was slow and reversible, allowing it to regenerate and contribute to recovery. The lower-dose regimen was meant to attack the blood vessels that feed the tumor.
Tumors create their own supply lines by secreting substances that stimulate the formation of new blood vessels and researchers suspect that frequent low doses of certain drugs may disrupt the growth of those new vessels, starving the tumor (she also may have had some of her own anti-angiogenesis predisposition).
In correspondence that I had with Bristol-Myers Squibb, single-agent Carboplatin would have had the same mechanism that affects tumor cells, like Chlorambucil (Leukeran) that my wife took back in 1972.
It has not been shown that platinum-based "combination" therapy is superior to single agent therapy. No substantial benefit has been found in giving ovarian cancer patients combination therapy. Clinicians have found that the toxic effects of Taxol/Carboplatin treatment can cause a lower quality of life for patients.
The other factor in her longevity was the fact she received talc pleurodesis. She had cancer cells in the pleural fluid (fluid from the cavity that surrounds the lungs) which is evidence of stage IV cancer. It wasn't until University of Florida researchers recenlty discovered that talc had the ability to stunt cancer growth by cutting the flow of blood to metastatic lung tumors.
This could have given my wife her survivability. Talc pleurodesis causes patients to produce 10-fold higher levels of endostatin (which was first discovered in 1997), preventing new blood vessels from forming, slowing cell growth and movement, and induce nearby tumor cells to commit suicide.
I found out (late) that the chemotherapy she should have been given for her recurrence would have been Leukeran, or at least single-agent Carboplatin. Instead, they gave her Taxol + Carboplatin. She was resistant to Taxol. The result is history.
I was told I had stage IV oc. I had a total hysterectomy and the doctor was able to get all the cancer out. I went through a couple of rounds of chemo. That was two and a half years ago. Every three months I go to the doctor and in November, I go for my yearly CT scan.
The things I have been doing to keep healthy is taking vitamins --- Co Q 10, C, D, B12, and Selenium. I, also, take Essiac. Last week I was able to find Lemon Grass Tea and it is suppose to make cancer cells commit suicide.
I have stage IV OC. I was diagnosed in 2005 and had
surgery,chemo and went into remission for a year and
a half. Then in 2007, it came back. I have been receiving chemo on and off since then with small
breaks in between. I has been challenging I will not
lie. But I have come to terms with it and have found
some peace with the illness. I realize I may need
treatment the rest of my life. I feel God's presence
in my life and he carries me thru alot. My anxiety
has lessened and I feel happy moments frequently.
If you have any more questions, feel free to ask.
I have stage IV and was diagnosed 2/2008. I had extensive surgery and have been getting chemo since 4/2008. It has been two steps forward and one step back all the way but, hey, I am here! I also had radiation to my abdominal area for 14 treatments a few months ago. Attitude, faith, hope, and the support of my family and friends is what gets me thru each hurdle.
My wife was diagnosed in May of this year with stage IV. She had a complete hysterectomy and has recently finished 4 of 6 chemo treatments. She also qualified for a blind study receiving Avastin. Her CA 125 counts have dropped to single digits and her MRI now shows no visible cancer in her spleen or liver. We know it can come back but we are happy for whatever good news we can get. STAY STRONG!
Just semantics really, but when you are diagnosed stage III, even if it spreads elsewhere, you still have stage III ovarian cancer. Only difference is that you would now have stage III, recurrent metastatic ovarian cancer. So when you look at statistics you are still look at those for stage III with recurrence.
I was diagnosed stage IIIC in 1997. I had a recurrence in 2004 to my chest. Still NED and doing great.
I have an 84 y-o friend who was diagnosed stage IV 2 years ago. Surgery, chemo...same old familiar drill. I saw her recently at the grocery store, and she is doing great. Her CA125 remains low. It can happen!
Thanks everyone...you too Nancy2627! I have a lot of anxiety right now. I'm 34 and I'm having a little trouble trying to concentrate on one day at a time. All I think about is my family and especially my mom. Don't get me wrong, I'm a fighter and I'm ready to take on what ever I need to, I'm just nervous. And I'm angry! I try not to think of statistics, but it's always in the back of my mind. I just pray that it is a long haul, that way I'll a least still be here. I'm still trying to find peace, though. I'm working on it!!!
My mom has been diagnostic with stage 4 around the end of this June. After complete the extended surgery, Her CA125 goes down to 45 and then 21.5 (right before starting the Chemo).
She is in chemo right now. Her doctor told me that the chance is very high (over 75%) if her boby response to the medicine (Taxol/Cabol). The most important is the extended surgery must remove and localize all of tumors. We still stay strong and hope things go well
Hi, I'm another stage IV survivor, since early 2006. If you click on my name, I've posted most of my relevant history info under my profile in the "about me" area. I hope it is helpful for you.
I was diagnosed stage IV in December 2007, completed 6 rounds of IP carboplatin and IV topotecan (due to resistance of the tumor to taxol). Had a complete remission that lasted 4 months. Made many major changes in my life and have just now completed 6 rounds of Gemzar and carboplatin. My CA 125 has been slowly rising, but it still normal. Will have a CT scan next week so will know for sure if remission is total or partial. All through this, my energy and mental capacity have been almost normal. I enjoy every day of life and give thanks to God for His blessings.
I'm stage IV now after my first recurrence went to my liver. I only had carbo as my chemo because of my muscular dystrophy. My CA125 is over 400 with no cancer showing. Got another CT scan in Sept.
Take care & God Bless
Hi, I'm stage 4! I had 6 rounds of taxol/carbo and 2 rounds IP cisplatin and complete surgery! I'm now in remission for one year! I'm taking a study drug/vaccine once a month. I go for CT scans every 3 months along with blood work! So far so good! I go, again, for the ct scan on Sept. 4th!
Wish me luck!
Jan
jrogers130@yahoo.com
Just incase you need to talk!
Hi. I was diagnosed Stage IV in January. I had 4 rounds of carbo/taxol and then my hysterectomy. Now I am getting carbo/taxol/avastin - have had 2 treatments thus far.
I mostly try not to focus on what stage I am, but instead listen to my doctor,who is positive about how the chemo is going.
Having supportive friends and family is extremely helpful.
Thanks everyone!
My mom was diagnose w/ ov but it has spead to stomach we know it's turminal . Can people survie this type of cancer?
Mfourreal
Ovarian cancer patients would certainly have a better chance of success had their cancer been chemo-sensitive rather than chemo-resistant, where it is more apparent that chemotherapy improves the survival of patients, and where idenifying the most effective chemotherapy would be more likely to improve survival.
Hi, Favored.
Would you please tell me what dosages you take and how frequently you take the following supplements?
Co Q 10, C, D, B12, and Selenium. I, also, take Essiac.
Did your oncologist OK you taking these supplements? My oncologist pooh-poohed the positive effects of vitamin and mineral supplements and I lean more in that direction, so I may change oncologists because of that.
I am stage 3C Ovarian cancer. I had the debulking surgery the third week in June 2009 and one round of Taxol/Carbo so far. I am more than one week overdue for my second chemo treatment because of a low platelet count. It is now 38,000, so I will need a platelet transfusion this week to bring them up so that I can continue my treatments.
My first treatment went amazingly well and all of the bad symptoms of cancer that I had prior to diagnosis and before the first chemo have disappeared, like excessive fluid buildup in my abdomen, which caused me to have to go in for a paracentesis procedure about every other week, excessive diarrhea that occurred over several months prior to and after surgery and lack of appetite. I can actually eat normally and really enjoy food again. Before, I could only eat a few bites at a time. I lost a ton of weight.
I am very apprehensive, however, of the possible side effects of chemo that may catch up with me eventually, like neuropathy, muscle pain and nausea.
Hi Reddynamo,
The vitamins I usually take are once a day. I, also, use ginger and cinnamon and I take two each of those everyday. My oncologist didn't think these things help, but, they do. I am much better and have been in remission for two and a half years. I just started drinking lemon grass tea and found out that is good for the digestion just like the ginger and cinnamon. The Essiac and lemon grass make you urinate, because they get rid of toxins from the body.
I still have neuropathy in my feet and hands. The chemo was so hard on me, I couldn't take it. Medical doctors don't lke the idea of trying something new or trying alternatives, but, using them in combination with what you are doing or alone has a wonderful effect. Also, you may want to try a half cup of cottage cheese with a spoonful of castor oil. Or maybe try Ensure.
Sometimes you may have to change doctors or try something on your own. Be your own advocate and follow your first mind. When you get a gut feeling, follow it.
Hi Reddynamo,
I too had 3c and had carbo/taxol. I had a low platelet count from this and had to switch from carboplatin to cisplatin. To ensure that my platelets did not respond badly with the cisplatin, I had to be admitted to the hospital and have the infusion over a 36 hour period. I had no side effects with the carbo/taxol except hair loss, but the cisplatin is pretty rough with nausea/vomiting. I have now been in remission for 18 months with no evidence of disease. Yea!!!!!!!
I have been taking lots of supplements. The most important supplement is Vitamin D. I take 4000 mg per day. There has been a lot of research recently about how low blood levels of vitamin D are related to cancer. Additionally, I take 20 mg of melatonin per day. My oncologist does not say much about supplements, but I get most of my information from my general practitioner who is into holistic medicine. If you like your oncologist, I wouldn't switch, but try and find a practitioner who will work with you on supplements.
Feel free to contact me by email if you would like. ljared@wwcr-cro.com All the best!! Leslie
hi i was diagnosed stage iv in march this year.. i have now finished treatment. i responded brilliantly to the chemo and surgery was then possible... i feel really well and am planning going back to work and have two holidays booked ... positive mental attitude is def a plus good luck x
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