What to do? Second cancer found - chemo or not?

This is the first time I've posted, though I have reading the message boards avidly.

I am four weeks post op for a TAH/BSO for Grade I/Stage IB endometrial cancer. There was much relief, it was caught early. However, my doctor called today and said the pathology report came back and also shows a Stage IC ovarian cancer. It had not spread outside the ovary, but the abdominal washings showed some cancer cells, all lymph glands were clean.

Chemotherapy is recommended, and I have an appointment with the oncologist on Monday to discuss the options and treatments.

Has anyone else had this sort of thing happen? I am just blown away by the news. My friends and family are concerned, and I am getting conflicting advice. Several think that my chances are just as good, if not better without the chemo, especially because I am pretty healthy and the chemo might have an adverse affect. The doctor and others think I shouldn't take a chance and should go for chemo.

I wasn't expecting this at all, and was planning on starting a new job in another month. My doctor said I should forgo the job because I won't be well enough to work. I just don't know what to do. I want to make the right decision, but am very conflicted right now. Any advice?

And don't forget you can always get a second opinion as well. The doctor will have your pathology reports and surgical reports and will make his/her recommendation based on what he/'she feels gives you the best chance for non-recurrence/survival. As to not being able to work--some women can, some can't, and many fall into a middle area where they can, but they cut back. I was able to work during my chemo but I did miss for Dr. appointments, blood checks, and I would get chemo on Thursday and then have to miss the rest of that day and all day Friday and be pretty much laid up Saturday/Sunday. A lot may depend on what you were planning to do--I was clerical and could sit a lot. Some women just can't work during chemo, as it hits them differently and they really are down a lot. You won't know until you have chemo (if you do) how you'll react. But please--listen to the Dr. and get a second opinion if you aren't comfortable with the first. Ellen

Moonflower,

I'm so sorry you were surprised with that news today. I have to agree with Ellen. I would listen to the doctors rather than non-professionals.

Sending good wishes your way.

Hi there Moonflower!!
So glad you decided to post! The support here is wonderful and everyone is very concerned about and helpful to each other.

Well, I am so sorry you are dealing with ovarian cancer cells after hearing that you were all clear from the endo cancer. How lucky they did the hyster now, and discovered this in its early stages though.

Your post sounds a little like my situation. I had a stage II germ cell tumor contained in the ovary however the abdominal washing also showed some stray cells there and I did have 4 rounds of chemo consisting of 3 various chemo drugs.
I don't know what type of chemo they are suggesting as there are various types, but many of the ladies here were able to work through chemo with the exception of chemo day of course and perhaps the day after.
My chemo rounds were Monday to Friday every 3 weeks, in addition I had to go every week on Tuesday for another one. I was quite ill with my treatments, so I was not able to work at all during them , and I was lucky enough that my sick leave at work allowed me to take the entire 4 months off. 2 years later, I am still doing fine, thank the good Lord, and the only lingering effects I have from the chemo is some numbness in my toes, but this was due to the amount and strength of the chemo, and not everyone encounters this numbness.

Others will be along to share their experience with you as well.
Again, I am so glad they discovered this in a Stage I situation. Its unfortunate that you have to go through this but because it was caught so early I have to say, if it were...and basically it was me 2 years ago....I would seriously consider having the chemo and then you won't have the constant fear wondering if the cells are multiplying. When you see the oncologist he/she will be able to shed more light on what they did find, and they will be able to tell you from past experience with other women I am sure, what they recommend.

All the best to you and I hope you will keep us posted on your decision. We will all be here to help you get through this with plenty of hugs and encouragement!! I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers.
Big hugs to you!!
Maria

s Moonflower

Your experience with receiving unexpected news after surgery is not that uncommon. That certainly does not make it any easier to hear.
You said you were going to see an oncologist. Hopefully it is a gyn oncologist. They are the experts with ovarian cancer.
Do you know what type of ovarian cancer showed on the pathology reports? Was it epithelial?
I received chemotherapy consisting of taxol and carboplatin for stage IIIc epithelial. It definitely was not as bad as I had anticipated. Great new nausea drugs make it pretty darn tolerable. Not a walk in the park, but very doable. I received one treatment every three weeks for a total of six treatments. And yes, hair loss was a side effect from these drugs. But only temporary.
Sometimes women with stage I only require three treatments.
Perhaps you could delay the start of your new job until the new year. Or at least until you see how well you tolerate the treatments.
Family and friends mean well, but really, a gyn oncologist is the expert you need to consult.
You can do this!!! And know that we are always here with love, hugs, support, and encouragement. As well as advice.
Let us know how you are doing.

s karenann

Thanks for the support everyone. I am calmer today and able to put things in a better perspective. I was in shock and feeling like the rug had been pulled out from under me once again.

To answer your questions - the doctor who performed my surgery is a GYN/ONC. Because there isn't that type specialist where I live, I had to travel 200 miles to another city for the surgery. The doctor I am seeing Monday is a Hematology ONC and is the second opinion.

The ovarian cancer is endometrial also. I asked if it was considered a metastisis, but she said no, it was considered another primary cancer. So that was pretty shocking. You wonder what is going on with your body!

I will go to my appointment Monday with an open mind and listen to what he has to say. I am concerned about chemo because I am so sensitive to medications. In the hospital I got off the narcotics as soon as I could because they made me sick. Even the ibuprofin they put me on had to be cushioned with plenty of crackers.

I am wondering how much help I may need. I am single, recently moved to a new home in a new town, my family and friends are in other states. I am friendly with some of my neighbors, but haven't made any close friends yet. I am currently unemployed, because my plan was to get settled and then find a job. Then all this happened. So of course I am concerned about paying the bills. On top of all this, the GYN/ONC wants me to come back for a post-op visit (a six hour drive) even though the GYN here said she will be doing followup. Guess I'm just feeling a bit overwhelmed.

Well, thanks again for the support. I will let you know how the Monday visit goes.