Stage 4 OC — Deposits on liver

[georgialocksss]

Hi ladies!

Could do with a bit of advice, as am spiralling a bit. For context, my Mum (54) was diagnosed with HGS stage 3c/4a OC in Jan 2022. BRACA gene negative. Immediately started three rounds of chemo, then had optimal debunking surgery and full hysterectomy, and continued with three more rounds of chemo. Declared NED in August 2022 and started Evastin, but in January 2023 her bloods showed a slow but steady rise in her CA125, and after scans it was confirmed she’d had a small recurrence in peritoneum which was successfully treated with 6 rounds of Carbo/Caelyx.

In January we moved onto a PARP, but after a rise in CA125 levels her oncologist sent her for scans and has found that there are some despoits on/in her liver (need to do an MRI to figure out which), so we're starting chemo (cisplatin gemcitabine) next week now.

I know that liver metastases are really common with OC, but it's really knocked her obviously. Would really appreciate hearing from anyone who's had liver mets, and also any tips or advice for cisplatin gemcitabine v welcome!

G xxxxx

[Lizchips]

Hi, I was diagnosed with stage 3c2 clear cell OC, in 2014, prior to chemo the Dr did complete debulking surgery removed all female organs, bones, omentum, appendix, scraped my colon, and took 15 lymph nodes, I had 2 lymph nodes with cancer. I had what's called interperiteneal chemotherapy with IV chemo, 18 rounds in 14 weeks. I've been cancer free since then. I hope this gives you hope.. 💜 Liz

[KimLJ]

Hi there are you sure it’s liver mets - have they called it that. I have a deposit on my liver and it’s on the outside of the liver which is still ovarian cancer. I’ve had it since 2018. I hope this is the case. Take care x

[georgialocksss in reply to KimLJ]

This is really useful to know — thank you! We’re waiting to find out from the MRI but her liver function is normal so I’m really hoping it’s on the capsule!! Really glad to hear your liver has stayed stable 💛💛

[Irisisme]

Hello Georgia,

As KimLJ says, is it in or on the liver?

I had lesions on the capsule of my liver, which does not usually affect liver function. The surgeon did remove them in 2017 but they recurred and they reduced on chemo. Several years on I have now got lesions (yes, metastasis) in all lobes and segments of my liver. There is a big difference between metastasis on the liver capsule, and them penetrating the liver. A CT scan should have been enough to tell which but if your Mum has been told she needs an MRI to tell which then she, and you, may have to wait it out until a result is forthcoming. Treatment may depend on which and whether, after chemo, they are considered stable or progressive.

I’m back on weekly Paclitaxel now (I tried for a trial but liver function too poor) with Avastin every 3 weeks (which I pay for as not available on NHS now) and a recent CT scan has shown a small reduction, so I’ll carry on and hope for more good news.

I only have experience of Cisplatin, which is an older version of carboplatin, the side-effects are ‘doable’. I only had it because I had a bad reaction to Carboplatin. I’m 5th line, and my 3rd on Paclitaxel, after Caelyx with Cisplatin failed to stop the progression - more Paclitaxel was a last resort but sometimes last resorts do work 👍😁

The waiting is horrible and you could help your Mum (and yourself) by trying some distractions - new activities etc. Keep as active as possible mentally and physically, it does help. Also, remember that if your mum isn’t sure of what she’s been told she can seek a second opinion by right.

Good Luck to you both,

Iris 🤗