After 1st recurrence and 6th chemo, what's next?

[Kwiskwos]

My mother just finished her 4th chemo. We continued with Doxitaxel and carboplatin after favorable result of her ct scan post 3rd chemo. The doctor was surprised that there were no more lymphadenopathies seen. But then immediately brushed off our happiness by saying that it will SURELY come back. He said we will finished the 6cycles then do some monitoring. I asked him about PARP inhibitors and he said that it is still not available in pur country. 😔 i am devastated. What will happen to my mother after her 6th chemo? Aside from monitoring, are we just gonna wait for the scan to see something again? I want my mother to be treated. I want her to remain healthy for as long as possible but how can it be possible if we dont have the medicine here yet? I feel so sad and hopeless. Any advice?

[Katmal-UK]

Hi im sorry im not sure what country you are in but have you asked yr oncologist if there are any trials your mum could be considered for if thats something she would consider?

[Lyndy]

I think your Mum’s oncologist is being realistic but could be a little more encouraging...the stats do indicate that most late stage OC cases do recur ( but that also means that a lucky few do not). My cancer has recurred for the first time in 2020 but I was diagnosed stage 4 in 2015... nearly 5 years cancer free. Many women find that their cancer can be managed rather than cured. So while it may recur... it’s a question of when and how.

Regarding treatment after chemo... I had Avastin for 16 sessions after my chemo... it is difficult to know what it did if anything but perhaps your healthcare system could consider it for your Mum?

I wouldn’t panic about her not being treated.... I think it will depend on how well the current treatment works...if she is cancer free then a rest may be of benefit but if there’s residual disease then maybe pursue the Avastin? xx

[Luci22]

I'm sorry you're going through this. I'm also going through similar pain with my mom. She just recurred for the first time and I'm scared the this even happened. Was praying she would be one of the luckier ones. Her onc.is looking at chemo and maybe surgery. I don't think she qualifies for a parp she is brca neg. I wish they would now focus on those women, as they already have something for the brca gene. I'm so upset as well.

Hope she does well after her last chemo.