Hello all

[Seavccg]

My sister is healing from her look/see surgery. We have an appointment next week to go over the different chemo regimes. Is it the doctors who choose which drug you go on or does the patient have to decide? I am concerned that she has disengaged and assume that is due to the shock of the diagnosis. Still no confirmed stage but high 3 has or a good 4 have been mentioned. I've seen my GP and beacuase this is my 2nd first line relative with OC she's referring me for prophylactic ovary removal and I'm having a CA125 done in a couple of weeks. Our whole world is spinning.

[TinaB1]

Hello there ..

I'm sorry to hear about what you're going through. Your sister is probably very shocked and upset. Being told you have Ovarian is hard to deal with and can send a person to the limit of their emotions. I know I found I had emotions I had no idea I possessed they were that strong.

The standard first line treatment is carboplatin and Taxol although some women have carboplatin alone. Some women can be found to be Stage 3 or 4 but have no treatment because they're borderline as a grade. It's best to see what's recommended but doctors use the NICE guidelines on Ovarian in general. Some women on here have had Avastin added for first line but I'm told this drug is prescribed on the discretionary say so of the oncologist and not a standard treatment. It's not suitable for everyone.

Once she knows what she's dealing with and has a plan of action, she may feel a little more in control and grounded from her current rollercoaster ride.

I'm sure she's helped a lot by her lovely sis.

Sending lots of love. Xx

[January-2016-UK]

Usually the first chemo given is carboplatin and Taxol. It might be that the oncologist wants to discuss possible trials which may include additional drugs. During the surgery, was a biopsy taken to determine the type and grade (different from stage)? Stage is how far the cancer has progressed but grade is how the cells look under a microscope.

When I was first diagnosed my sister also had tests and she was discovered to have a dermoid cyst which is not cancerous. Normally, just the cyst would have been removed but because of my cancer they decided to remove the ovaries. You must be feeling overwhelmed too and as you say your sister is probably in shock. We all react differently. Good luck with the review meeting.

All the best to you both.

[Seavccg in reply to January-2016-UK]

My sister said she thinks a tumour at the top if her abdomen has reduced in size so it may be the surgeon took a sample from that. We should find out more on Monday.

[Cropcrop]

Hi lovely, What a difficult time you are undergoing at the moment, you are understandably worried for your sister and now also for yourself.

I believe the oncologist will discuss the treatment protocol with your sister, normally it is a combination of paclitaxol and carboplatin. There have been trials carried out on the best way to administer these two drugs so the oncologist may discuss this with your sister too. I can understand if your sister has disengaged as there's so much to take on board, just the fact she's been told she has cancer is a major one to come to terms with. I am assuming the 'look and see' surgery was exploratory rather than removal? Either way she had surgery which is scary at anytime but especially as her surgery results confirm her diagnosis. It does take a little time to compartmentalise all the information and it all seems to come all at once so is really difficult to take on board. Your sister may benefit from a little counselling?

You are a fabulous sister and I'm sure your support is really gratefully received. Keep strong for her but also, importantly, be strong for you, I really hope your tests show there is nothing for you to worry about but the ovary removal is good insurance for you and your GP sounds really proactive. Good luck with your CA125 test and fingers crossed for a normal reading.

Good luck with the oncologist consult and do keep us informed.

Sending big supportive hugs and lots of love to you both ❤xx Jane

[Kshoney]

Praying for you and your family.

[TinaB1]

Xxx

[Spencer2016]

I understand completely how you are describing your sister. That was me. Thankfully my treatment plan (as described by the ladies already) was mapped out for me aside from one optional piece which I won't get into here. That alone sent me spiraling. Info will be coming at her, and to her it will feel like a fire hose- but only a few bits will sink in. So she is lucky to have you by her side. Please try to encourage her not to google anything. And same for you! Its not accurate or helpful.

I wish your sister all the best and good wishes that you get some good news yourself. The ladies here will be amazing support for you both as you navigate the physical and emotional journey back to health.

Warmly,

Anne 🌸🌼🌺🌸

[Hidden]

This is a very hard time for you both and it is scary, it is actually hard to realise what is happening all around you and your sister. As the ladies have said, Carbio taxol is usually the first line of treatment for Ovarian Cancer but depending on the Oncologist it could vary. A cancer diagnosis is devasting but do look around and see what supports you can lean on, either Macmillan in Uk or Arc House in Ireland, both good sources of information and counselling also available. Your sister should be assigned a gynae liason nurse who works with gynae and oncologist. I wish you well in your test, the 125 is not a tool on its own and if you are worried do ask your gp for referral for ct scan, Hopefully this will allay your worries and you can focus on your sister.

[Hidden]

Hi there. I was diagnosed 3C in November 2011. I'd always been a very healthy person and this was a complete shock to me. To be honest, I was in a daze for months. My husband came with me to all my appts (still does), so he helped me by remembering things for me. Good luck to you both. Pauline.