Little update...

[Be-Positive]

Hi all,

So this week has been a very frightening week with mum, unfortunately the treatment mum has been on hasn't been working. It's carbo/caeylex, the disease has been progressing and is now on her small bowel, pancreas and was blocking her bile duct from her liver which has caused the jaundice. Mum was due for an ECRP which is a endoscopy (camera down throat & stent pushed through to unblock bile duct). That procedure was unsuccessful as they found the bile duct was blocked with tumour so they had to do a PTC which is putting a tube in through your side above the bile duct and they make a hole directly through the tumour itself and put a stent and external drain in. Jade and I flew to Barcelona on Wednesday (my sister) where we got a phone call to get to the hospital as mum had an internal bleed. We managed to get a flight home in time the same day and mum have an emergency procedure to stop the bleed. The bleed was caused to the tumour bursting through a blood vessel, it was a very risky op they had to do but it worked and she is doing very well! They did the PTC yesterday and she has external drain, draining all of the bile out her liver. The amount coming out is crazy but what a relief she must feel as that was all inside her. Wednesday didn't seem very positive, however today they have been around to discuss radiotherapy & more chemo.

I'm guessing they might put her on weekly taxol, that's purely from my research and the fact they said they will probably get her on a chemo that is more frequent. Taxol seemed to work in her first combo of chemo so is a complete guess!

Has anyone had radiotherapy on their bowel/liver and what are the side effects? I think they want to do radiotherapy next week to get the tumour shrunk ASAP as they can't do chemo until the jaundice is completely gone which can be weeks!

This has been the most surreal week of my life but I'm gobsmacked at how much these guys can do, she has been looked after so well and they have managed to save my mums life.

Onwards and upwards with more treatment. We have a holiday booked as a family in September so that is our goal to get mum fit and well to go on that.

[TrishLey]

That has been a very tough week on you all. I hope you are all able to have a rest this weekend. I am glad to hear your mum is doing better and I am sorry your trip was cut short. I know in previous posts you were thinking of cancelling it but your mum was insistant that you and your sister go. Just wanted to send you a message to let you know I am thinking of you all xxx Best wishes xx Trish

[Hidden]

So sorry your trip had to be cut short but it would seem your Mum is in good hands at the moment. Thinking of you all

[Hidden]

What a fright you all must have had, glad she's doing better now and she must be more comfortable. As you say look forward to your trip in September something positive to focus on.

Hope all goes well with the chemo to xx

[trix70]

So sorry to read the problems your Mum has had , and how very frightened you and your sister must be.

I have never heard of anyone having radiotherapy for ovarian apart from maybe in the states, so will be interested to hear if they do use it.

But it seems they have a plan and your Mum is feeling better so look forward to your next trip.

Best wishes to you all. X

[Be-Positive in reply to trix70]

Yes we were told that radiotherapy wasn't used as the organs in that area float and it's harder to target. I think because of where it is maybe it is easier to target now. Interesting to know how they will do it though and will let you know.

[Millie-c]

Oh dear, it sounds like your mum has been through a terrible time this week. Glad to hear she is doing ok.

It is amazing what the doctors can do. It sounds like she is in good hands.

I haven't had radiotherapy so can't comment on that, but it sounds positive to be offering her treatment while the jaundice sorts itself out.

Keep us updated with her recovery, and remember to take care yourselves. It's just as hard sometimes on the carers with all the worry,

[Be-Positive in reply to Millie-c]

Thank you, I'll certainly keep everyone posted. The doctors have been around this morning and said they are very happy with her progress and she looks so much better. Such a relief seeing her looking brighter. xx

[Millie-c in reply to Be-Positive]

Such good news she is looking brighter.

Take care,

Mandy, x

[thesilent1]

This has definitely been a tough week for you all. I'm so glad they have got things under control and there is a plan in place. Good idea to have a focus, is the holiday. I'm sure this will help to get your mum through. Love to you all. Ann x

[Suellen2015]

Ive also done carbo and caelyx..markers fluctuating..169..not steady..I had 4 just switched to taxol weekly,, I had 2 treatments ..cant tell yet if its working....next two visits will tell..worked well at first 6 sessions but

Cancer starts to resist chemo...thats why im considering avastin...concerned about side effects tho...I inquired about

radiation but was told not great for bowel..different drs different opinions..I know its confusing..gather your own facts from reputable sources...im considering clinical trial with immunitherapy if im a candidate for it....

Be careful with naturalpath supplements as they can interfer with chemo..check with pharmasist before taking them..its overwheming sometime knowing what choices to make...God bless.hang in there