Saw my oncologist today

[nikki9]

I have stage 4, 2c OC. Saw my onc today I am on 18 weekly taxol I was hoping he might say that there was a likelihood of a remission, but instead he said I would be on chemo more or less all the time. Does anyone with similar to me have had a remission, I feel very depressed I know there is no cure but was hoping for a remission. Thanks ladies for all your help and support xx

[Sophia82]

What I want to say is this, I truly believe that the mind is so important when dealing with these hard times. The fact that you're on here asking questions means that you're a fighter and are still wanting to get answers. Keep swimming and keep fighting because even though they've not mentioned remission, it doesn't mean it's not on the cards. There have been plenty of cases where people live with cancer and just always manage to stay one step ahead of it. Xxxxxx

[wendydee]

Hi Nikki

Sorry to hear that you haven't been given the news you hoped for. It sounds as if your oncologist has a good plan. I know chemo is never easy but if it can keep things at bay it may give you some breaks to feel better. I hope you can plan some treats for the times when you feel OK. I am sure that there are other friends on here who are going along similar lines.

Love n hugs (((xxx)))

Wendy xx

[Fernanda]

My oncology always says to have hope because cancer treatment is developing fast.

I always read the medical news about our disease in two sites: oncologystat.com and medlinx.com. It's good to see the treatment advances and the new drugs developed around the world. And it's very comfortable to read that some phase I or II clinical trials luck women with no more standart treatments reach a complete response. So, keep your hope. Maybe what's difficult today will be reached in few years.

Hugs,

Fernanda

[Lily-Anne]

Is the chemo working, or would not having the chemo make any difference? I'd have a real heart to heart with the oncologist, mine was uncomfortable with my questions to begin with but it made things so much clearer in the long run. She didn't volunteer information but I had a huge list of questions and they have to be honest with their answers.

Good luck

LA xx

[nikki9 in reply to Lily-Anne]

yes the chemo is working my ca125 is down from 8000 to 1500 and the scan has shown that the chemo is working so i suppose it shouldnt moan its just that sometimes we need some hope. sorry to be a misery love to all xx

[Hidden in reply to nikki9]

That's a pretty dramatic drop! You're about half way through treatment aren't you? I'm hoping the chemo will keep working as it has done. Then - who knows?

We're all cheering you on Nikki.

Monique x

[Hidden]

I was told by my oncologist that the word remission is no longer used except in some cases of childhood cancer. My disease is being managed palliatively which means that the drugs can help to ease the symptoms and may stabilise the cells so that, in effect, there is a remission in that there's no growth. It's like knocking the illness for six. My own cells are resistant to platinum so don't usually respond to carboplatin. I did have a partial response which I'm told is a good response and, although there's been growth since, I'm not yet at a stage where I need more drugs. Like you, I was very down and depressed when I first learned how the disease is seen and managed but I've since come to an understanding with myself. I see it as a chronic illness much the same as asthma or rheumatoid arthritis. I know it's not the same at all, but for those with severe forms of both, the distress of living with it is probably the same. The only difference is the chemo is absolute pants isn't it? And the uncertainty of it all is pants too. I know other women who have had what they call a remission where their status is NED (no evidence of disease) and they've been in that state for quite some time. I recently met a friend of my aunt who had a large ovarian cancerous mass in the 80s. She had debulking surgery and radiation therapy at the time. The treatment was gruelling but she's still here and still alive. However, she did tell me that she is the longest living patient with ovarian cancer her oncologist has ever heard of. I honestly don't see myself in that category but I was heartened by her story. I wish you well... x

[Becalm]

Nikki - I can understand your depression. My situation is very similar to Tina B. It is being managed really quite skilfully by my oncologist but I am on a long series of chemo. rather than achieving remission and like you was told that this had become my situation- though i still hope and always will that the miracle will happen.

In my wisest moments i tell myself that what I should focus on is the qualityof my life as it is and ensuring that it is as good as it can be. And holding firmly to the adage that I have cancer but cancer does not have me.

I should add that had anyone told me when I was diagnosed in 2005 that i would stillbe here in not bad shape today i would have hugged them to death!!

I know in writing this that words are easy but I am truly thinking of you and hoping that things will prove to be better for you in the long run. - Bunty.

[Jane]

If you look at team inspire, an American website, there are lots of stories of women with stage 4 cancer who have had long periods without recurrences. Keeping fit and healthy whilst on treatment seems to make a lot of difference. Good luck with it and remember these oncologists don't have a crystal ball. Jane

[Hidden]

This must be really upsetting Nikki, I can see. That CA 125 drop is mahoosive though - and from what I've seen on this forum it seems that the bugger can be beaten back at all stages, with the right treatment, and potentially kept at bay for very long periods of time too. You are clearly responsive to the drugs, which is good. Meanwhile, research into OC seems relentless and new formal and alternative treatment ideas are popping up constantly. I think resolving to hang on in there is *hugely* important - it's when people give up that this beast ultimately wins, the body only follows along behind.

Nobody is a statistic, babe - every single one of us could be the one that gets away, *no matter what type or stage or age* - the oncs cannot see which of us will or won't go into remission, and always hedge their bets as a result. So not surprised yours won't commit. It's not a reason to cave, but a reason to get resolute again and fight this thing with all your might.

Huge hug, you must feel rotten but you can come about again

Love

Sue xxx

[VickyEm]

Hi Nikki

Sorry to hear you are so down at present. I also had a hard time accepting that my chemo had not got rid of the cancer and put me into remission. However it is just a word and my quality of life, living WITH cancer, is no different than when I was in remission. What I have appreciated though is that my disease was stabilized enabling me to have a long period of time without treatment (which in practical terms is as good as a remission).

So there is still a little bit of hope and that is that once you have had the 18 treatments you will be able to have a little break and have some good days.

Vx