How much time will I have left?

dogeyed · New User Joined: 21 Oct 2006 Posts: 1

I have read statistics that women who have ovarian cancer, 75 percent live at least one year, most live two-and-a-half, and then going on up to five years and beyond. I have things I want to finish doing before I die. I also have a few basic things I want to do before I am operated on. The test to confirm the diagnosis is next week. How much time will I have before they'll want to operate? How long will it take me to be able to drive and do things after the operation? If I am at Stage 4, how long will I have before it reoccurs or I die or I am in a disabled state? I know these are really unknown, not cut-and-dry times, but anyone out there that wanted to do things and could, how much time have I got? Thanks.

chills1994

hi dogeyed, first off, let me say that I am sorry to hear that you have cancer.

I am a newbie here also, just thought I would duck in and ask about my sister's current predicament. See topics listed below.

For her, it has been 2.5 yrs. It sounds like the docs are sending her home to die. The tumor has gotten large enough that it is blocking off her colon.

Today, her son is getting married. So at least she gets to see and experience that.

She had been working between 5 and 8 hrs a day as a customer service call center person, up to about 2 weeks ago. Of course, at certain times she has gone weeks w/o work. It all depended on the chemo treatment. Luckily, her job gets her insurance through the Electrician's Union. I think if it wasn't for union insurance, the docs would have let her go a year ago.

Looking back on things now, I really have to wonder if chemo is some sort of cruel joke or fraud. The chemo has gotten her skinny and sick enough that the doctors don't want to operate on her for fear of losing her on the table.

I was looking through some home movies I shot of her starting back when she was first diagnosed. Actually, once I heard what she was diagnosed with I went out and bought a DVD Handycam. She really looked the healthiest when she was on presnidone (a steroid). I think it helped her gain weight or at least keep on weight. So if that is an option for you at some point, take the steroid and pack on some weight.

She is 45. And has 3 kids: 25, 16, and 14.

We supposedly put men on the moon in '69, and we still don't have a cure for cancer? WTF?

Chills

Robinflamingo · Regular Joined: 10 Sep 2006 Posts: 31 Location: Michigan

My experience has been totally different. I had four chemos before surgery, which lowered my CA125 numbers from over 500 down to 23. My tumor has shrunk and was basically contained. I had surgery four days ago, and I got home yesterday. My doctor got everything visible, which happens about 40% of the time, according to him. I'm not exactly mobile, but I'm home! Until my surgery, I didn't miss a day of work, and I teach high school, complete with yearbook and newspaper.

I have two or three more chemos, and then I begin living with NED - No Evidence of Disease.

Ovarian cancer is a crapshoot because of its lack of symptoms. But I'm a survivor.
_________________
Forget regret - or life is yours to miss. -Rent

jodes · New User Joined: 17 Nov 2006 Posts: 2

Hello all
First of all, I have to say this website has been a great help.

I hope that someone can help answer some questions for me, I will try to give you all the Reader's Digest version. Here is my situation:
About 8 mos ago, during my PAP my doctor noticed that my left ovary was enlarged. He ordered a TVU, that came back "abnormal" and they then sent me for another one (6 wks later). Those results came back, still a little questionable, so my GYN (Nurse Prac) ordered a CA 125. My CA 125 came back with a slightly elevated level of 43.

My question is, should I be concerned and ask for another opinion or get a referral for a GYN/ONC?

Thank you

Robinflamingo · Regular Joined: 10 Sep 2006 Posts: 31 Location: Michigan

My CA125 was over 500 when I was diagnosed, but I also had the bloated stomach, the fluid, and the general malaise. So the fluid collapsed my lung, which sent me to the hospital.

After three chemos, my CA125 was down to 79, and four brought it down to 23. Then I had surgery.

If I were in your position, I would ask for a referral to an OB that specializes in Oncology or Surgery, and expect to be sent for a colonoscopy as well as a CT scan.

If there is ovarian cancer, it sounds like it's young, and now's the time to grab it and get rid of it!!

By the way, I've recovered from my surgery quite well, and after only one month to the day, I'm returning to work!!
_________________
Forget regret - or life is yours to miss. -Rent

jodes · New User Joined: 17 Nov 2006 Posts: 2

Robinflamingo
THANK YOU SO MUCH!!! I have called my Primary Care Manager and requested a referral (we are military, so sometimes getting are referral is like pulling teeth), I am now waiting on the approval for the referral.

Thanks again,
Jodi

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