Metastatic ovarian to 2 lymph nodes

[Rlenesue]

Hi Ladies--

I haven't written in a while but it's been hectic. I am on cancer #6 now starting in 2007. My last scan in January showed my ovarian cancer is now metastatic to 2 lymph nodes now. This cancer is different for obvious reasons. I had been on niraparib for 3 years and it was working until it wasn't. So now I'm on a chemo cocktail of Avastin, Carbo, and gemzar for 1 day and a week later I'm on gemzar alone with the neulasta the following day with the obi. I had 3 cycles and 1 lymph node is clear now and the other diminished by 50%. Additionally, there is no sign of bone metastisus or spread to anywhere else. For only 3 cycles I thought that was great. But now she wants me to do 3 more cycles. I just completed my 4th. I am trying to work as well, but as you all know, it's hit and miss. My family wants me to move back home but I don't want to. I quite enjoy where I am now, living alone with my dog. My question is, and I know everyone's cancer is different, but anyone have an idea of recurrence time or how much time I have left?

[candyapplegrey]

Hi, Not an expert. Can they not remove the lymph node?

I think you're brave and doing well so far. Do you want to stop the chemo? I had a break in mine that doc didn't seem to think made a difference. Also I was told with OC the European protocol was 4 sessions but that was for original cancer. I only had 4 but cancer came back really fast. Was told niraparib would not work for me but not why.

Ditto with you and work. I work for myself so no work, no money. No sick pay. No holiday. Can you take a break from work? Do you want to?

Anyway, maybe a heart-to-heart with the oncologist. If yours has a heart ...

Good luck and hugs from me.

Candy xx

[Lovedogs41]

Hi there

No one can tell you how much time you have left and to be honest I would try not to get into that mind frame (hard at times I know) try to stay positive.Focus on the fact that you will get through this,I believe the mind and body are intrinsically linked so the body follows what’s going on in the mind.Perhaps try some mindfulness or meditation.

Best of luck x

[Rlenesue in reply to Lovedogs41]

Thank you for that. I have been very positive, so much so that i don't want to go back home. But this is my 6th cancer and I'm running a bit on empty. Just wondering if there is a maintenance drug to take after chemo.

[Gartenfee]

Dear Rienesue. I had the same chemo regime a year ago and Avastin until February this year. It kept the situation stable. In February my tumormarker was 500 and my lymphnodes we're growing. My oncologist was not worried, but I was. I went for consultation regarding radiotherapy. I now have only 7 left ( and It is not an easy time) and will know in two month whether it has worked or not. I will report. No one can tell you, how much time you will have. But living since 2007 with it and having had six chemo's , demonstrates your braveness and I am sure, you will feel, when it ist time for you to move . Its nice your family ist caring, but it is your life

[SopSinger]

No-one can predict recurrence time, nor how much you have left. No-one. Not us survivors, not the person in the street, not doctors in general, not even your doctor. Even if your own doctor tried, s/he wouldn't know for certain - there are too many unknowns and every individual reacts in different ways to treatment and even to stopping treatment. Focus instead on what you CAN do, and ask your oncologist what s/he would recommend if you were his/her sister or mum.

[greeneverything]

I’m working and living alone too. Somehow it gives me strength doing it alone. Structured day is also helpful, a break from thinking about treatment all the time and a bit of normality helps. Was beginning to wonder if anyone works through treatment. Stay positive.

[thejoannabell]

Are the lymph nodes in the pelvis, or are they distant from the original site? I know that makes a difference. I had a recurrence in a pelvic lymph node which was successfully treated with a combo of Avastin and Gemzar, since I am considered platinum-resistant. The lymph node was too deep in the pelvis for surgery to be feasible.

I wish anyone had the answer to the question about how much time we may have. The uncertainty is so hard to bear. I've found that it comes and goes, and I will have days or weeks when I don't think about it, but usually around time for a scan or bloods the dread will rear its head again. I posted a similar question after my recurrence, and the best advice I received was this: Get your affairs in order, then enjoy each day that you have. Try to stay in the moment, and appreciate even the smallest things. I go through days when this seems impossible, but I keep it as a goal and it helps me get my mind back to a more peaceful place.

If you are happy where you are, it is at least worth a shot to try to stay there. You'll know when you just can't do it anymore. I hope all goes well and you are able to live the way you want to live for a very long time.