I'm Scared - The Cancer is Back

• By Shirley62
• Reply 262661
• January 23, 2009 at 2:17 pm
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DianaS,

I understand just what you are going through. My cancer also has returned. I was in remission for 6 months and it is back already. Had a clean CT scan in July and in December the pain was back in my side again. Had a scan done in December and a small 1" tumor was found near my pelvis. My C125 went up to 69 doctor thought it would be over 100 before Chemo could be started it went down to 67. I started chemo once again last Thursday with a new cocktail of cisplatin, gemzar and a side of avastin. There is also a study going on with this combination. Please don't give up hope there is so many different kinds of Chemo out there that can used. Stay POSITIVE

• By momanderson920
• Reply 262750
• January 23, 2009 at 3:43 pm
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How does the oncologist know you are resistant to carbo/taxol? I am curious as I may have to go back on something if I recurr. Also I have had some odd pain twinges in my lower abdominal region which have had me worried. I just had dental work and have been in so much pain from that due to an abscess I got AFTER having the root canal retreat that the pelvic pains seemed minor but they are there. I keep trying to tell myself they could be scar tissue. I pray so. I don't see my oncologist for a follow up until Feb. 16. I hope you have a good outcome with the Doxil. One of our sisters on the site had a recurrence and went back into remission after taking either Gemzar or Doxil. So I don't know that it can't put you back into remission. And I have read about a drug called genistein which is in trials to resensitize the cancer to the platinum drugs. It is my understanding that they are the best.

• By DianaS
• Reply 262800
• January 23, 2009 at 4:32 pm
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I guess he knows I'm resistant because while I was having the treatment my CA 125 kept going up and they found the tumor. I pray your twinges are just scar tissue and there is a good chance they are. There are so many drugs out there but I'll definitely ask about the genistein. Sounds like it might be something I need. I wonder how you get to try the trials and if your insurance covers it or if you have to pay for it yourself.

Thank you!

• By momanderson920
• Reply 262965
• January 23, 2009 at 7:39 pm
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With clinical trials you do not have to pay for the trial drug but I don't know if you have to pay for the others. I was going to be on a trial back in April and that is what I was told. I would ask your oncologist about the genistein. If he doesn't know, I think you can go to the National Cancer Institute and look up clinical trials.

• By kmarienap
• Reply 263368
• January 24, 2009 at 8:56 am
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It is understood that if cancer returns within 6 monnths of treatment, it is considered to be resistent to the front line (carbo/taxol) treatment first given. Then they proceed to other drugs until something responds more favorably. There is always the possibility of this happening. My onco told me right from the start that even with remission, cancer is treated like diabetes would be-long term but treatable. Do not be afraid to ask your dr questions no matter how insignificant they may seem. You need to feel secure right now. Write down any questions so you don't forget -ALL your questions and concerns are important as are knowing the answers.

• By FavoriteAunt (Inactive)
• Reply 263417
• January 24, 2009 at 9:31 am
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As my onc. reminded me, this is a chronic disease that we have to keep treating. Basically, it will not go away.

I've had Carbo/Taxol twice. First time I got an amazing 6 yr. remission. With my first recurrence I had Carbo/Taxol again and got just a 10 month remission. I'm now in my second recurrence and am on Doxil. Doxil is given to patients who have had recurrences after being treated with Carbo/Taxol. It can be combined with other chemos, but my doctor has chosen to give me just that for now. I was happy to see I had a drop in my numbers after just 2 treatments.

Don't be scared about Doxil. What I read was much worse than I have experienced after 3 treatments. Read the posts on it and you'll get plenty of information. Your nurse will also give you lots of info - I even got a goodie bag of stuff from the manufacturer. Remember that each person is different, and like all chemos, just because something "can" happen doesn't mean it will. I'm taking it a treatment at a time and so far I've tolerated it quite well and feel much better than I ever did with the Taxol/Carbo treatments.

Try to stay calm and remember that you aren't alone, and that there are plenty of things they can use to treat you. Hang in there and let us know how things go.

• By NatalieM
• Reply 263603
• January 24, 2009 at 12:16 pm
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I will be thinking of you and sending positive thoughts and energy.

Peace,

Natalie

• By acosta1027
• Reply 265108
• January 25, 2009 at 7:39 pm
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Like everyone else said, it is a chronic disease that we will have to live with and hope for as few recurrences as possible. My oncologist just had a talk with me since it's looking like I might be heading for a recurrence. He reminded me that there are many drugs out there and many more in the making. He said attitude was a big factor (he thinks my attitude is great but he doesn't know all the fears and worries that hit in the middle of the night or in the car or like you said, practically every hour of the day). I am so grateful for this site where we can share these thoughts with others who understand because they are going through the same thing. As women, I think we try to protect everyone around us - spouses, children, parents, friends - that we can't show our true fears to anyone but people here.

Stay strong and positive!

• By LindaNC
• Reply 265222
• January 25, 2009 at 9:26 pm
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Hello, I am new to the group and I have already learned so much from all of you that have suffered with this disease. I was diagnosed with Stage III OC in April 08. I was treated with Carbo/Taxol also, but my CA125 never got below 45. I finished in Sept. and now it's Jan. and my CA125 is up to 110. I start on Doxil this Friday. The cancer that attacks my family is very resistant and agressive. I lost my 44 year old sister in Oct. 07, my Mom in Jan. 03, and my father in Jan. 1993. I am hopeful that the Doxil will be the just the drug that will do the job. I must admit that I am worried, but I have faith, a loving family, and terrific doctors. Peace be with you,
Linda

• By triker
• Reply 265731
• January 26, 2009 at 12:12 pm
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Hi, have faith and trust in God, that has been what has kept me going. Diagnosed OC4 Oct 07, had surgery and then carbo/taxil then in August my Ca125 was up and cat scan showed some nodules, now on Doxil and carbo, and the side effects are so much less. Biggest thing has been what doxil has done to my blood, new production of white cells was not happening so they have reduced the strength of the doxil on last treatment 2 weeks ago, haven't had a ca125 yet to see if my numbers are still going down. My biggest problem with the reccurence was that when I finished last winter they gave me a survivors certificate, no one had ever mentioned this was a chronic disease and really did not expect to be back on chemo. Now that I know the situation it has helped.
Please try to stay positive as everyone says, your mental state is as or more important than treatment.

• By DianaS
• Reply 265979
• January 26, 2009 at 3:28 pm
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Thank you for all your kind words. I'm waiting to hear back from my surgeon to see what her advice is. I'm just like you, noone mentioned to me that this was a chronic disease and I thought after my surgery I would finish with my chemo and that would be that. I don't even want to think about getting surgery again. I'm just praying that the new chemo will work. I'll keep everyone posted.