OvCa: Don't know what to do

I'm sorry you're in such a tough situations. I'd do lots of research and make a list of pros and cons of each. Chemo is going lower your quality of life for awhile, maybe even permanently. The question is, is the benefit worth the risks. Only you can decide that. One thing I'd want to know is if the "group of his peers" is a tumor board or not. This really should go before a tumor board.

I agree with the tumor board. I had an "unusual" case too. My doctor had originally said no chemo because she didn't think it was cancer, then after the pathology report came back as cancer she was going to do some "light" chemo. She then took it to a tumor board (with docs from Mayo and UofM) it was decided my best course would be to do the full 6 rounds of taxol/carbo. I consider the tumor board to be a good alternative opinion and went with their recommendation.

Ovarian cancer is hard to predict, and my CA-125 was always around 42. Right after surgery it was 84, and after my first round of chemo it was 13. I didn't want to take the chance that it would come back, so I am willing to do whatever it takes. Since my CA-125 was close to normal when I had cancer, how would they ever find it if it came back? I got lucky and it was found during surgery. Had I not kept pushing my doctor with my pain issues it would still be there!

I think it has to be your choice, you need to do what is best for you. Good luck with your decision.

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Originally Posted by lrap1963 Hey everyone. I have a confusing situation with my diagnosis and was wondering if anyone has had a similiar experience and what they decided to do. March 12th I had a TAH with a 26cm tumor removal that ended up being cancerous. An endometriod adenocarcinoma of the ovary. It was staged as a stage1c due to it's enormous size and it adhered to other organs. However,all of it's other characteristics were that of a stage1a. No cancer was found in the organs it stuck to,none in the lymph nodes or odellum, none in the cytology wash either! The surgeon said I would still need chemo. Now the oncologist said I fall into a grey area, tumor behaved more like a stage1a than a c and he feels they staged it that way because it stuck to other organs. If I am really 1a chemo would not be all that beneficial and could interfere with some other health issues that I have. So he said if my ca 125 levels came down he would not recommend chemo at this time, he believes surgeon got it all. Ok Great right?!?! my levels came down from 75 to 35. I'm thinking yes i dodged a bullet, but now he says he is going to recommend chemo but it's up to me to decide. A group of his peers said treat it as stage1a while a handful said do it as a 1c. I'm feeling like this is a cover their butt sort of thing. If the surgeon seems to have gotten everything,there was no leakage from the tumor, and oncologist is not sure about the accuracy of my staging, I'm thinking I should wait just a bit and watch my ca 125's as opposed to inviting some dangerous chemo side effects. Anyone have a decision like this? What did you decide and did you have any regrets? Thanks ladies...Lori

Hi there, I had the very same cancer, endometriod adenocarcinoma - stage 1a. I had an hysterectomy in November 2011 - a radical one. When I went back for my check up two weeks later, my doctor told me the cancer had not spread anywhere, I was basically cancer free. He informed me that was it apart from 4 monthly check ups, I did not need any other treatment of any kind.

I read as much as possible on my type of cancer and realise that chemo is not necessary and is not always helpful with this particular type of cancer.

Although you read this and it makes sense at the time - there is always going to be doubts in your mind, everytime I get a pain, or sickness or the runs - I wonder, if it is anything to do with the cancer. I think that is life, the cards we have been dealt. I am grateful in a way that I get to worry about these things, it could have been much more, I feel very blessed, but realise that the "Cancerhead" is quite normal and something however upsetting that we have to learn to live with and try and gain some control over.

You take care, x

Oh Sweetie,

This is a difficult decision especially with doctors divided re the best course of action. If you live near a National Cancer Treatment Center perhaps you might want to inquire about having a consult with the doctors there. You can find info and location re these here http://www.cancer.gov/researchandfun.../cancercenters

I will keep you in prayer that with all info in hand you will make the decision right for you. Also sending many positive thoughts your way.

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The one thing I have to add...is chemo is designed to attack fast growing cells....so when you have a slow grower..which is a blessing...the chemo is not as effective, if effective at all...and they use the biggest guns they have....stronger meds....to try to get to theses slow growing cells. I hope that was clearer than mud ;-).

Praying for you as you research and make decisions.

Hi! Sorry it has taken me so long to respond to the thoughtful posts you all have given me. Your prayers and best wishes have served me well and thankyou so much from the bottom of my heart. My CA-125 levels dropped all the way down to 11!!! and my cat scan came out clean! The tumor board has reviewed my case and the majority said to treat it as a stage 1a. So at this time they are not recommending chemo anymore,wait and watch carefully. I will continue to pray for all of my hyster sisters thru their journeys. God bless you all!

Hi Sweetie,

What great news! Please enjoy your Summer.

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I am so pleased for you - i have been thinking about you, such great news - take care xx