Ovarian Carcinosarcoma

[January-2016-UK]

Hello, I was given the above diagnosis today. I need three cycles of Paclitaxel and carboplatin in an attempt to shrink the tumour in order for it to be operated on. Has anyone else had this diagnosis and was the chemo successful in shrinking the tumour ready for an operation?

[babsclunn]

Hi and welcome to our family did they give you what stage you are

I was told surgery wasn't an option too complicated but after six sessions had shrunk enough to operate

Had surgery 18 month ago was diagnosed two years ago

Hope all goes well with the chemo

Any time you need any advice or just to have a rant the ladies on here are great support X Babs

[January-2016-UK in reply to babsclunn]

No, I forgot to ask but maybe they don't know as they have only taken a biopsy. You have given me hope that the chemo might work and then I can have the operation. Thanks.

[kaz14]

Hi, I was diagnosed at stage 3c three years ago, told inoperable but after four cycles of chemo the tumours had shrunk enough, I then had a successful operation followed by another three cycles of chemo and still in remission three years down the line. I was not given a good prognosis but it's all turned out ok. I had carboplatin only as I was allergic to taxol, still worked !! Good luck

Love kaz xx

[January-2016-UK in reply to kaz14]

Hello kaz, thanks so much for your reply. I don't know my stage. I am so hoping the chemo might work for me. It's so strange to think that I am really ill when I feel perfectly fine, just keep going to the loo a lot and a bit of a fat tummy.

[Missfitz]

Hi there. I was diagnosed July 2012 and told I was inoperable - ovarian rumours were too big and disease was too widespread all over my pelvis. After 4 cycles of carbo/taxol I was told they would try surgery. I had a full pelvic clearance and the surgeon told me the chemo was very effective and I had no visible cancer on anything he removed! Stay strong. X

[January-2016-UK in reply to Missfitz]

Hello, that sounds really encouraging. Which is harder to cope with, the chemo or the surgery?

[Leeds2015]

Hello. The chemo is very good at reducing the cancer. I had 3 cycles and then they could operate and 3 more chemos, just waiting for results but all the signs are good my ca125 started at 2662 and was 90 before my last chemo and then hopeful for a long remission like Kaz. It is a roller coaster ride but lots of useful info on here to help. Good luck with treatment

[January-2016-UK]

My ca125 was 1250 but that was on 13th November; I don't know if it goes up as the tumour gets bigger, as it is certainly growing. Fingers crossed we have a long remission, just like Kaz. I have just been told my chemo will start next Wednesday, 13th January so I am really hopeful now from all your replies that I will be able to have the operation. I'm guessing I'll know before any scans if it's shrinking as I won't have to go to the loo so frequently!

Good luck to everyone!

[Susan3]

Hi

Like many ladies I was told they would start with chemo and then see about surgery . After three cycles I had an excellent response and had surgery followed by another three cycles which put me in remission . I was lucky in that didn't have to many side effects from chemo .Sadly I am back on treatment now but have learnt to cope with this disease by seeing it as chronic condition . Good luck with your treatment . Well done for posting so soon after your diagnosis !. The shock is the hardest part . Be kind to yourself and schedule nice treats while on chemo . Having something to look forward to makes a big difference.

[JPTjpt123]

Yes I had 4 cycles then big op then 2 cycles. the tumour shrunk and so I went on tablets. unfortunately the tablets made my CA125 go up so no I have had 5 monthly courses of Caelyx with one to go and hopefully this will bring it down. don't despair the doctors know what they are doing and if one thing does not work they will go on to the next one.

regards

Maria