chance of survival with ovarian stage 3c

I had chemo for the first time 8 months ago and my cancer is already back? Are there statistics out there that give the expected life span when the cancer comes back so quick? I had 7 months of remission.

thanks for any information

 

EBA

 

On 2/4/2009 Creature wrote:

I had chemo for the first time 8 months ago and my cancer is already back? Are there statistics out there that give the expected life span when the cancer comes back so quick? I had 7 months of remission.

thanks for any information

EBA

Gee - I wish I knew that too! Originally they said my stats with chemo & surgery is an average of 3 years - but had one lady still here after 10 years. I don't believe it's something anyone can nail down.

Maybe some of the other ladies on this board can tell us what their doctors' 'guesstimate' was! 

 

 

On 2/4/2009 Creature wrote:

I had chemo for the first time 8 months ago and my cancer is already back? Are there statistics out there that give the expected life span when the cancer comes back so quick? I had 7 months of remission.

thanks for any information

 

EBA

The problem is that for most of us the cancer never goes completely away and is always there.  You have to find a chemo that works to keep it down to a level that is safe but also gives you some quality of life.  My oncologist did not give me a "time frame for life span" but told me she could control the cancer for years and that there are lots of chemos out there to try.  Reading this blog gives me hope as I see many others struggling and have gone past the "5 yr." period they initially told me.

The key is to keep healthy, enjoy life inbetween the chemo, and pray for the best.

DG

There are women, however few and far between, who are actually cured from advanced ovarian cancer ( never having it return and going on to eventually die from old age ), however, a cure is more difficult ( though still possible ) after a recurrence. But even if a cure does not happen after a recurrence, there are women who are long term survivors. Please go on WebMD, and read about Patrick Demspey's ( Dr. McDreamy ) mom. She had stage 4 ovarian cancer, 2 reccurences a few years after diagnosis, and has been cancer free for the past 10 years. Also, check out brave-souls.com and read about Kay Bevan. I have e-mailed her a few times. She had stage IIIC ovarian cancer and after multiple chemos could not put her in remission, she began alternative treatments. It is now 16 years later and she is still cancer-free. In closing, let me pass on the best advice I ever got about this disease - live like you are going to live, and you will.

Hi, I agree with the ladies on this board. I was dx stage 3c also.I asked my Gyn/Ono what percent I have. He said not to worry he has women going over 10 years with the same stage. I believe that alot has to do with our diet. I've changed mine and feel great! I also have been using some alternative approches.Just trust in God.Live in the moment and don't worry about  the little things.

Sending youTeal Hugs and Prayers,

Terry 

I was diagnosed with stage 3c ovarian cancer in October 2001.  When I first met with my oncologist to discuss the chemo I would be taking, he informed me that I should get my affairs in order as most women die within 2 years of being diagnosed.  I am still here 7 years later.  I have had three recurrences, most recently in October 2008.  I am taking Doxil and continue to work a full time job.  I do not feel sick.  This is a chronic illness and I expect to take chemo off and on for the rest of my life and am not going anywhere soon.  I keep a positive outlook, enjoy my life and try not to let things stress me out.  There are many long term ovarian cancer survivors out there.  I subscribe to a free monthly newsletter called Conversations!  It's for women with ovarian cancer. If you want a subscription send an email to ovcanews@aol.com  The newsletter was started by Cindy Melacon who has since passed away from ovarian cancer but it continues on in publication thanks to her husband Don and daughter, Angel.  When I found out about the newsletter I called Cindy and she gave me so much reassurance and hope. It's informative and once you see the Survivors Anniversary Page each month you will smile.  Good Luck!

hi! got the same answer from my onc in july 2006! & there r newer medicines by the day! so lets keep up the fight! harriet

 

On 2/4/2009 Creature wrote:

I had chemo for the first time 8 months ago and my cancer is already
back? Are there statistics out there that give the expected life span
when the cancer comes back so quick? I had 7 months of remission.

thanks for any information

 

EBA

I
was diagnosed with OC III in October of 2006.  My doctor said 5
years for survival.  I'm not ready to accept that.  Although
I have never been in remission and have been on several different
chemos since Nov. 2006,  I thank god  I am still here. 
Since September of 2008 I have been on two different chemos as the
first one, Gemzar did not help.  I am now on Topotecan and will
not know how that is working for a few more weeks.  Except for
being very tired pretty much of the time, and occasional stomach pain,
I feel okay.  I have a positive attitude and at age 71, I am still
working a full time job which is a plus in my life.  Remember,
every case is different.  Don't give up, live each day to the
fullest and have faith.  Bless you.  

Rose Marie 

 

I think the  survival chances are much improved if the lymph nodes are not involved.  I don't think any long term survivors have disease in the lymph nodes even if they are stage 4.   If there are, please let us know.  I am stage 3c and have been in treatment for 2 years with no remission.  Now getting Gemzar after trying all others except Topotecan, the last resort.

Hello Gals-

I was diagnosed with OC/Peritoneal C IIIC in March of 2008. After Chemo with Taxol & Carboplatin and Taxatere alone, and a Full Hysto I found involved lymph nodes in my neck and some in my abdomen and groin are still there and slightly larger. I have never discussed/pinned down my Dr. to say number of years of survival expected. I started today on a clinical trial of Irinotecan to try to knock them down. Scary to hear the low number of years of expected survival that some of you have shared =(.

I am 65 this coming weekend and have a whole lot more of living to do!!          Ann