New here

[sbab94]

Hi, my mom has recently been diagnosed with stage 4a ovarian cancer (adnexal/primary peritoneal origin, likely metastases in paratracheal and hilar lymph nodes), undergoing her 2nd chemo session today (Paclitaxel + Carboplatin). Other than hair loss, she seems healthy, with her WBC count having increased from the last time she had her blood test (1st chemo). Three cycles prior to surgery have been prescribed. I would very much like input from those who have overcome this type of carcinoma, and what to prepare for. Thanks, all

Sid

[Irisisme]

Hi Sid,

Welcome to the site!

I wasn’t exactly the same as mine did actually start in the ovaries, but it looks like treatment will be similar, although I am stage 3c, not 4. Feel free to check my profile for how it went for me.

It sounds like her cancer is very sensitive to the chemo she’s receiving. That suggests the lesions she has will be reduced before her surgery, which is a good thing.

Nothing is certain but even the fact that her oncologist is suggesting surgery is a hopeful sign.

You really need to get her oncologist to explain more (maybe together work out a list of questions).

The mediators of this site will be able to direct you to places where you can find out more, although I’m sure that she has already been handed an information pack.

Good Luck to you both,

Iris 🤞

[sbab94 in reply to Irisisme]

Thank you so much Irisisme for your input and your wishes. I understand you have been through quite a journey as well. My mom just got done with her second chemo yesterday, and she's back on her feet with little fatigue .. She's very strong

[Lyndy]

Hello Sid Sounds like your Mum is getting the gold standard treatment for her cancer, her debulking surgery will help the final chemos mop up anything that remains. I was stage 4 and had this treatment. I was then cancer free for almost 5 years.

Ovarian cancer is a bit of a devil for coming back but with new treatments like Avastin and olaparib /Parps becoming standard... things are more hopeful and survival time is increasing. You and your Mum are very early days ... she will need your support through the cumulative effects of chemo and major surgery but fingers crossed for her continuing to do well xx

[sbab94 in reply to Lyndy]

Thank you so much Lyndy for your insight and for sharing your experience with this devil of a disease. It is hopeful to hear you were cancer-free for almost 5 years. Thank you for your support xx

[Rhonddalady]

Hi Sid, I am 70 and I was diagnosed with Primary Peritoneal cancer Feb 2020 . Had 4 cycles of chemo - the same treatment as your Mum's, then debulking operation and further 2 chemo cycles. All of my treatments have been successful, my CA125 is down to 9, my operation cleared all visible signs of the cancer. I am now in remission and taking lower dose of Oliparib 200mgs twice daily ( BRAC1 positive) I have been very lucky although I am aware that controlling this is my best option rather than cure' my treatment has given me hope for as normal a life as possible. Plus my hair is finally growing back 😊I hope it all goes as well for your Mum xx

[sbab94 in reply to Rhonddalady]

Hi Rhonddalady it is so wonderful to hear that you responded so well to the treatment. Kudos to you for pulling through with this! I hope the same for my mom.. thank you for your support xx

[Lind58]

Best of luck. Thinking of you and your mon during this awful time

[sbab94 in reply to Lind58]

Thank you so much Lind58

[delia2]

Hi. It’s amazing that your mum is handling the chemo so well. I found it quite miserable! Most people find themselves ned (no evidence of disease) after frontline chemo and surgery. The big hurdle is how long that remission lasts. About 20% are cured completely. New drugs like PARP inhibitors are making a huge difference. She should get tested for BRCA mutations and whether her tumor is HRD positive which predicts success with PARPs. I hope everything goes well for her!

[sbab94 in reply to delia2]

Thank you delia2 this information is definitely a ray of light hope you are doing well now..

[delia2 in reply to sbab94]

I am doing very well on Olaparib. Thank you!

[purfekt10]

I had primary peritoneal carcinoma which was diagnosed three years ago. I had four cycles of carboplatin and Paxil. Then had debulking surgery which was followed by four more cycles of carbo/paxil. My CA 125 has been between 3 and 6 ever since. I pray for complete healing for your mom.

[Pianoplayer731021]

Hi, I was diagnosed stage 4 also. I had 4 chemos, major surgery and then another 3 rounds of chemo. They put me on niraparib, dropped dose from 200 to 100 mgs. I have been Ned since last May. You will be monitored with blood tests and CT scans every so often. My cancer started in my tube and spread. They called it high serous carcinoma, epithelial ; which is common. It is also a deadly one if we don’t try to control it. It can spread fast. Prayers for you on your journey. Donna