Stage 3c Ovarian Cancer initial chemo didn’t work

Hi all

I’m posting on behalf of my mum (65 year old Female). Diagnosed in June of Stage 3c Ovarian Cancer, surgery was not recommended instead she started on chemo Paclitaxel and Carboplatin. After completing 3 cycles, the scan showed the cancer is resistant and tumours are slightly bigger than before. Previously she was moving bowel but now it’s stopped. She’s on a TPN nutritional feed and barely eats orally.

The Oncologist has basically said that’s it , nothing else they can give her aside from chemo treatment Cisplatin & Gemcitabine but they’re not confident she’s fit enough. The other option is palliative care and she’ll have 2-3months left.

Has anyone had similar experience? And is that really it, the end?

[Lyndy]

Hello Asia23

I am so sorry to hear about your Mum. It would be unfair on you to suggest that she isn’t in a serious position. Being too ill to have treatment is something we all fear.

I think you could ask for a second opinion about her situation.. but do your research first.

If it were me I might ask:

Could her bowel obstruction be operated on allowing her to eat and grow stronger?

Are there other chemo combos or treatments such as Avastin she could try?

It would be good to talk through the questions to ask with the Ovacome helpline. But she’s entitled to a second opinion at a specialist centre so it would be worth pursuing that, even if it’s just to satisfy you that you have tried everything.

Finally, do talk to her about what she wants. It might be that she doesn’t want to have more treatment. If so, you will have to accept her decision.

Very best of luck…sending love to you both xx

[Hidden in reply to Lyndy]

Thanks a bunch Lyn, she wants to live - so her choice is anything but palliative. I’ll put forwards the question you’ve suggested when we meet her oncology team today - thanks again for these. I’ll also look for other specialist centres and see what we find. Thanks again

[Hope2024]

Hi there..

I’m so sorry to hear about your Mum…. I was wondering if she’s had a recent scan..

[Hidden in reply to Hope2024]

Hi Hope, Yes she had a recent scan that showed the initial chemo isn’t working.

[NewtonEmma1900]

Is there a chance if a different chemotherapy drug. Is it worth asking the question?I did have surgery and completed carbo/taxol but it did not work for me. Following a PET scan I was put onto carbo/caelyx which did work. Sending hugs 🙏

[Hidden in reply to NewtonEmma1900]

Thanks Emma, I’ll ask today - they did make it sound so final like they were no other combo apart from aggressive option, but I’ll ask. Thanks again.

[Beatbigc]

I’m so sorry I’m stage 3c diagnosed in June they were able to operate I’m 53

I’m allergic to paclitaxel so we are going to try PLD called Caelyx as well as carboplatin

Can you ask if they can try Caelyx ?

[Hidden in reply to Beatbigc]

Aww I’m confident the new treatment would work for you ♥️ Yes we are suggesting Caelyx this afternoon and see what they say.

[SGC2021]

I’m so sorry to hear this. I don’t know for sure but consider juicing. Chris Wark beat his cancer with this and more. She’d be getting nutrients. Look up Chris Beat Cancer. 🙏🏻

[Hidden in reply to SGC2021]

Thanks for suggesting this -I’m on his website as I type!

[AuntyOrange]

Hello Asia23. I have great respect for the medical teams who treat us but one thing I have learned over the past 9 years is that they don't know everything. They sometimes get it wrong. Definitely worth getting a second or even third opinion. The most important thing right now is to get your mum strong enough (physically, mentally & spiritually) so she can continue to make her own decisions about her life & how she wants to move forward. Sending love to you both 💜

[lesleysage]

Hello Asia23, I agree with everyone’s sadness for you and your Mum, and suggestion of a second opinion while your Mum is feeling life definitely matters to her….many of us know that feeling very well. You may find the Ovacome Support Team can guide you as to what may be best for your Mum’s particular cancer and nearest ‘top-notch’ team to approach. Their freephone number is 0800 008 7054.

Warm wishes to you both. X

[thehusband]

Hi. Sorry to hear about your Mum. The oncologist initially treating my wife also said that nothing more can be done and she would only have a few months left to live. After a lot of badgering the Onc eventually agreed to refer her to the Marsden for a 2nd opinion, there they gave her the chemo treatment we had asked our Onc for - who was adamant it wouldn't work. Well it did and it wasn't until 15 months later, during which time we happily travelled farand wide, that fate brought us back to our original Onc & history repeated itself inasmuch as the Onc wouldn't treat her or refer her & she passed away a few months later.So if I were you I would definitely go for a second opinion & I wish you the best of luck.

[StilCrazy]

If the cancer is very widespread it would be pointless doing surgery. They were hoping to shrink it with chemo but failed. If your mom is very weak a good doctor is reluctant to weaken her further with chemo that may also not work. The doctor is in a very difficult position. If you go for a 2nd opinion the 2nd doctor may assume that you are prepared to take the risk and go ahead. If that decision shortens your mother's lifespan you have to be surrendered to that. You must never be left feeling you did something wrong. There is no wrong or right here, but you must understand the stark choices you and the doctors are facing.

[Hidden]

Thank you all so so much for your swift responses, suggestions and feedback! Everything you’ve all said I’ve taken it onboard including getting the 2nd opinion from that Marsden hospital. Honestly, you’ve all been great and have really helped me and my family in asking the right questions.

Thank you all again ❤️‍🩹❤️‍🩹