ca 125 drop from 1000 to 367

I have only just found this site so am new here but here's my story.

My mum was diagnosed with Peritoneal cancer is August 2009.

The docs told us she has no tumors and no bulking of cells just cancer deposits of which the biggest is 1cm on the covering of her liver although it hasn't penetrated her liver.

She has just had her 2nd session of carbo/taxol and the doc said her ca125 levels have dropped from 1000 to 367.

Is this good or am i expecting too much as i thought they may have dropped further.

Her doctor is happy and said the treatment seems to be working quite well for her.

I don't know what stage my mum's cancer is at but am guessing it is 3 or 4 but probably should ask.

After reading some of the sites on the internet I am getting confused as some of them are saying if she was in the high end of the stages there would probably be fluid in her abdomen, tumors etc.

Any advice would be welcome.

Thanks for your time
Michelle

By FavoriteAunt
Posted October 7, 2009 at 9:44 am
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First of all, don't believe all you read on the internet, and don't get too involved in that. There is mis-information, exaggeration and some basic untruths so if you want to still use it, stick with the reputable sites from major hospitals. People get confused with what they read, for good reason. Not all things happen to all people, and each case is very different.

Your mom has had a terrific response to only 2 chemo treatments so you should be very happy. Her doctor is correct. There's a good chance that number will drop further at the rate she is going. Re staging, that is something only her doctor can tell you, so don't try to figure it out on your own. It's usually done at the time of surgery, and it doesn't sound like your mom had surgery.

Stick with the plan - she sounds like she's doing very well. All the best to her, and you.

By snowy123
Posted October 7, 2009 at 9:50 am
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Hi,

Thanks for your reply.

Some of the sites on the web are very scary and after she was diagnosed I was in a terrible state and even worse after what I had read on the net.

You are right she hasn't had surgery and as far as I can tell from what her doctor is saying she doesnt need it.

She went for her 3rd chemo session today but her platelets were at 98 and the cut off limit is 100 so they have delayed it until next week.

She was diagnosed with ovarian stage 2c in October 2007 and now it has come back.

The nurses have been great and said they were shocked to see her back in treatment.

Mum's been great though and said she's not ready to leave us yet as she's got too much she wants to do.

I really admire how strong she is being as I don't think I could be like her if it was me.

Michelle

By lynnpamela
Posted October 7, 2009 at 9:52 am
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My mother also has peritoneal cancer, which is supposedly rare, and is also referred to as ovarian cancer which grows outside of the ovaries in the peritoneal cavity.

This cancer starts at stage 3, but your mother's sounds like 3a because you said the largest is 1 cm. My mother's was 3b. There's a terrific book called Ovarian Cancer: Your Guide to Taking Control. I think your mother's drop in CA-125 level is terrific. That's a big drop. I think your doctor is being honest in being happy with the drop.

My mother also has cancer deposits on the surface of her liver, but not in her liver. From what I read, that is still stage 3. I'm not a doctor, just somebody dealing with my mother's ongoing battle for 3 plus years.

Did your mother have an initial surgery? My mother did not have ascites at her initial diagnosis and has had very small amounts since.

The biggest advice I can give you is to be as supportive emotionally for your mother as you can. This is very difficult on her, and also on you. Believe me, I understand. Not only do I have my mother struggling with her disease, but my father has had colon cancer, which progressed from stage 1 to a recurrence in his lung (stage 4). He's clean now, but who knows what tomorrow brings.

Don't forget to build time in your day to restoring yourself, because the stress can be overwhelming at times.

Best of luck with your mom and you. Any advice I can give just write to me.

By FavoriteAunt
Posted October 7, 2009 at 10:07 am
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Michelle,
If your mom had treatment previously and got into remission, it's a good sign that she is responding well again.

Re the platelets, and any other counts that get affected - they will monitor them and if she needs anything to boost them they will do it. They will usually delay treatment for a short time, but not indefinitely, so they are being careful (as they should).

If she doesn't need surgery, then they believe the chemo can take care of it. She sounds responsive and I hope she gets great results and gets back into a nice long remission. Being strong and positive really does help and your mom sounds like a fighter. Be like her - she's a good role model!!

By lifeisgrand
Posted October 7, 2009 at 10:31 am
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I have to say you're the first person I've seen here who has referred to the book Ovarian Cancer... Your guide to taking control. It is like my cancer bible... or as I often say, my owners manual for ovarian cancer. I borrowed it from the library so many times in the last six months that I finally went ahead and got my own copy, used from Amazon for a couple dollars. Everything in there from diagnosis to well you know...

It sounds like the chemo is doing the trick! It must be going down by half each cycle. That is a great place to be. Wish her well for me. This is a great place to come and reach out to others who have been there and done that. We gotta look out for our own...

By Jennali
Posted October 7, 2009 at 11:42 am
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I would be thrilled with that drop myself! I am glad that your mom is responding so well.

You will be a great support for your mom. You will both have some times that are harder than others, but having each other will make a world of difference.

My main advice would be to let her vent and cry and complain when she needs to. This disease isn't fair. She will sometimes feel angry, sad, depressed. Let her express those emotions. Certainly encourage her to think positively, but believe me, it is tiring to have to feel like you need a constant "happy face." She will be able to move past those negative feelings much more easily and quickly if she is allowed to express them.

Sending you wishes for strength and peace,
Jennali

By zircons
Posted October 7, 2009 at 3:44 pm
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I had primary peritoneal, stage IIIC. My numbers were low 128 at initial diagnosis. It was spread throughout my abdomen including on the ovary. I had no real symptoms. Had carbo and taxol the first time. Was in remission for three years. Now am having carbo, gemzar and vorinostat (an experimental drug). Her CA 125 went down significantly and you should be very pleased.

By susieakins
Posted October 22, 2009 at 11:04 pm
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hi zircons,
may I ask you about your new chemo treatment? Is it a trial?
I will find out in a week if the carbo taxol I am on now is doing anything for me. If the CA 125 is not down significantly, I want to stop the last 3 treatments.
thank you,
Susie

By Mimi25
Posted October 24, 2009 at 10:52 am
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Susie: this is NOT about OVCA, but EAKINS. That was my maiden name and there aren't many of us out there. Would love to communicate re above:
pls reply at: stuff25@comcast.net.
Mimi

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