Just diagnosed with Peritineal Cancer

[Ibnikii]

I went to get stitches checked from a hernia surgery and was told my CA 125 levels came back high. I was told I was stage 4 peritoneal cancer. Possibly ovaries. I immediately admitted myself to Fox Chase. I had my first round of chemo this past Wednesday, one week to the day of my diagnosis. I have Chemo once every three weeks and the debunking (not sure I u derstand that), then a complete hysterectomy and three more Chemo treatments over 9 weeks. I just got done watching my sister die of lung cancer. I am grateful to not have that but I am scared of this also. Any recommendations are welcome. I started drinking 9.5 PH spring water, eat a lot of fruit and veggies and fish. I take 2000 mg of vitamin D, Daily vitamin C and garlic. I am determined to beat this but hit so many times where I can't breath.

[Hidden]

Sorry to hear this, i was told i had a UTI, found it it was OC, do what your oncologist saids and you'll be fine, don't be afraid and keep the faith.

[Ibnikii in reply to Hidden]

Thank you. I have faith in my doctors and are following exactly what they say.

[Andreamein]

I also have Peritoneal Cancer. I had the debunking surgery first and then started on chemo once I was healed enough from the surgery. It was open abdominal and I had a complete hysterectomy, my spleen removed, part of my pancreas and had bowel reconstruction surgery. Any tumors that were left behind were less than 1cm. I had eight chemo sessions and currently have a two month break from everything. I am hoping that my CA125 numbers won't have climbed when they check them in July. Good luck with everything. Try to stay positive.

[Nblisa]

Hi Ibnikii,

I was diagnosed 5 1/2 years ago with stage 4 primary peritoneal cancer. My CA125 was 4880. I had maybe 6 weeks of chemo before my debulking surgery. By surgery time my number was way down. More chemo followed. I went into remission for 2 years. After 2 years my remissions became shorter and shorter, while receiving different chemo combinations. I went into maintenance, but that also quit working. I just began a trial on an immunotherapy drug, along with low dose Carbo. I just began the trial yesterday, so I have no idea yet if this is going to work. It hasn't always been easy, but over the 5 years I haven't felt all that bad. I know any cancer is frightening, especially stage 4. But it doesn't mean it's an instant death sentence. I've been DNA tested for mutations, and have at least a couple that cause my body to not kill cancer cells. I think you are doing great to be eating healthy and taking care of yourself. I don't think anything in particular has kept me alive. My cancer, for whatever reason, tends to be slower growing. I did reduce my stress level a lot, and I've learned to live in the moment. My next appointment for immunotherapy should be interesting, because a nurse there said he had done a lot of reading about diet, so I'm interested to hear what he has to say. Especially since I think he has seen a lot of cancer patients.

Take care,

Lisa

[Durlydurl]

You are certainly on the right path with taking nutrition seriously as part of your battle plan. There are lots of anti-cancer foods and supplements out there. I am glad that you are embracing the "whole" wellness path because conventional medicine on its own is lacking. Don't leave out the ginger and curcumin/turmeric and get a good masticating juicer for lots of fruit and veggie intake! I wish you the best!

[Archeveritas]

I'm happy to hear that I am not alone with primary peritoneal cancer. I also had a hysterectomy and then abdominal surgery 4 months later. I don't have much left in my abdomen at this point. Had to have an illeostomy bag for 8 months until it could be reversed. Recovery was slow and difficult. 2 weeks in hospital. CA125 was over 16,000. Had 3 blood transfusions and ended up with blood clots in each lung. I was a mess! Started my chemo 6 weeks after surgery. Have been in remission for 1 year. I look at all my "adjustments" to life as small potatoes. I'm just happy to be here to watch my 2 daughters continue to grow up. My family is my lifeline. We are strong ladies! It's okay to sit on the "pitty pot" once in a while. We deserve that too! Take time for yourself and let those close to you know that you love them. I wish you all the best and please keep us posted.