Primary Peritoneal Cancer

Hi,

My age is 73 - but I do not feel 'old'. The Diagnosis in April of 2007 that I suffer from PPC was a shock like it is to anyone to learn the he or she has suddenly cancer - from one day to the next.

My CD 125 was ca. 1050 before surgery (debulking and removal of overies etc) - after that it went down to 170. Chemo (taxol and carboplatin) after 4 infusions it went down to 8 after 6 infusions it was 7. I was called in remission but told to be cautiously happy. 4 months later in time for ChrostmasCA 125 was up to 70. We knew the cancer was back. We went for more opinions. This is important. I learned that I could have 'years of quality time' if the right chemos will be chosen in the future. One specialist put me first on anti hormone therapy and this worked for 2 months. I felt great. Then in May 2008 we started with Doxil - 1 x every 4 weeks. This is going good. After 2 infusions my CA 125 fell from 1100 to ca. 600. A month later it was up about 100 points. Now I had Doxil # 4, feel fine and don't want to know my CA 125 anymore. One specialist in Europe also adviced that it is important to be patient with Doxil - it doesn't tell after 3 or 4 infusions, if the patient responds. I listen to every advice.

Saw a total of 4 specialists in different centers and locations and e-mailed with yet another one. I feel comfortable with my oncologist - he shares the views of 3 of the other 4. And that's good enough for me.

Since I feel good I decided to travel for a whole month between Doxil # 5 and # 6. My MD agrees!

What do I have to loose - everybody says that's this ppc is a loosing batte - this mighe just be like that - but I had and have a lot of good quality time. The bad weeks and months after surgery and chemo are now a grey zone.

I'm very, very lucky to have a devoted husband who helped me through from day 1. The kids as well.

Please write to me and tell me how you are doing! I wish you all the good things which could and will happen if you don't give up, if you will be positive! Don't forget your lungs. Try to do deep breathing sets as often as you can. When you go to bed listen here and there to a good relaxation tape. I also take Alpha-Lipoic Acid tabs which a well known oncologist recommended. These Vitaminlike tabs will strengthen your immunce system. In addition I take Vitamin D (for the bones) and more minerals. This won't hurt.

One more thing: with this cancer - I didn't loose weight, I gained ca. 20 lbs. My appetite is great - and am sure that I could live with less food - and my old clothes.

-hg-

On 8/27/2008 ppc california wrote:

Hi,

My age is 73 - but I do not feel 'old'. The Diagnosis in April of 2007 that I suffer from PPC was a shock like it is to anyone to learn the he or she has suddenly cancer - from one day to the next.

My CD 125 was ca. 1050 before surgery (debulking and removal of overies etc) - after that it went down to 170. Chemo (taxol and carboplatin) after 4 infusions it went down to 8 after 6 infusions it was 7. I was called in remission but told to be cautiously happy. 4 months later in time for ChrostmasCA 125 was up to 70. We knew the cancer was back. We went for more opinions. This is important. I learned that I could have 'years of quality time' if the right chemos will be chosen in the future. One specialist put me first on anti hormone therapy and this worked for 2 months. I felt great. Then in May 2008 we started with Doxil - 1 x every 4 weeks. This is going good. After 2 infusions my CA 125 fell from 1100 to ca. 600. A month later it was up about 100 points. Now I had Doxil # 4, feel fine and don't want to know my CA 125 anymore. One specialist in Europe also adviced that it is important to be patient with Doxil - it doesn't tell after 3 or 4 infusions, if the patient responds. I listen to every advice.

Saw a total of 4 specialists in different centers and locations and e-mailed with yet another one. I feel comfortable with my oncologist - he shares the views of 3 of the other 4. And that's good enough for me.

Since I feel good I decided to travel for a whole month between Doxil # 5 and # 6. My MD agrees!

What do I have to loose - everybody says that's this ppc is a loosing batte - this mighe just be like that - but I had and have a lot of good quality time. The bad weeks and months after surgery and chemo are now a grey zone.

I'm very, very lucky to have a devoted husband who helped me through from day 1. The kids as well.

Please write to me and tell me how you are doing! I wish you all the good things which could and will happen if you don't give up, if you will be positive! Don't forget your lungs. Try to do deep breathing sets as often as you can. When you go to bed listen here and there to a good relaxation tape. I also take Alpha-Lipoic Acid tabs which a well known oncologist recommended. These Vitaminlike tabs will strengthen your immunce system. In addition I take Vitamin D (for the bones) and more minerals. This won't hurt.

One more thing: with this cancer - I didn't loose weight, I gained ca. 20 lbs. My appetite is great - and am sure that I could live with less food - and my old clothes.

-hg-

oops messed up that last time.

Hi!  Just read your message.  Great that you are feeling good and have such a wonderful mental outlook.  I wanted to tell you that there are several posts regarding PPC on the "other cancers" portion of this site.  I check it our frequently as do several others.  Most of us at this point are daughters of women with the disease...and a few patients.  You might like to check out those postings.  I know just having others that understand what your going through has been very comforting.  My mother is going to be 70.  She was diagnosed in June 2006  a stage 3 as all was contained in the abdomen.  She had debulking surgery and 6 treatments via belly port. Then remission for about a year and now she is having topetecan about every 10 days.  She has always been very positive and really just focused on her quality of life and doing what she needs to do to be around as long as possible.  She has had a few issues with the new treatment as it has really hit her white blood cells, which she is now on daily shots for. Anxiously waiting for the next round of tests to see how things are going. 

Best of luch and take care

michelleI