recurrance?

if you do have a recurrance, and there is another surgery, what does it involve? another debulking?
I know I'm jumping the gun, but this ca125 jump has me worried.

Hi Patti

My mom had the "debulking" surgery when she was first diagnosed with OvCa in Jan 04. Then after 6 rounds of carbo/taxol, she had a "second look" surgery (and had some adhesions removed). Then they did four rounds of "belly wash" chemo (intra-peritoneal chemo).

Her CA-125 is rising now, and there's not been any mention of another surgery - just started her back on a new type of chemo (Hycamtin) taken every week for 3 wks, one week off, then 3 more weeks.

Maybe some of the other gals will post and let you know if there's more surgery involved. But in my mom's case, there was not more surgery w/the recurrance.

Sending many s to you!
Shoozie

I was diagnosed with a recurrence of ovca 11/04 and I have not had a 2nd surgery either. My tumors were in areas not readily accessible in surgery (liver and by aorta).

Stephanie

s Patti

I am sorry that you have this wait until you visit your doctor. Try and relax.
The option for a second debulking with ovarian cancer depends on a few factors:
How long since your first surgery?
Is the recurrence showing itself to be in a resectable mass? Or bulky like disease.
Too often with ovarian cancer a recurrence will mean diffuse scattering of implants. And surgery is not an option for this type.
Your age and general health are also factors.
Perhaps Rosalie will stop in. She did have a recurrence that was operable.
Don't forget, the doctor will be looking for a trend of your ca 125 and most hopefully a CT scan.

oxoxox karenann

Hi Patti,

I had a second surgery after recurrence. There was cancer around the bowel so had to have it resectioned and also cells removed from vaginal cuff. Recovery time took longer after the second surgery, maybe because I was in a weaker state anyway after having 6 rounds of carbo/taxol. But I'm glad to report that I'm doing fine now. My CA125 has risen from11.3 to 17.3 and presently 21.8 but everything shows clear on the CT scan. I'm not going into panic mode yet by any means. Hang in there. Those numbers can go up for many other reasons besides cancer.

Well wishes,

Thanks everyone for your response. I'm gonna try to not think about it until thursday. The nurse said the Dr. signed off on the results, and didn't seem concerned.
I'm probably worried for nothing. I wasn't this anxious the first time, when I was pretty sure I had ovca.