Rare ovarian cancer

I was diagnosed with ovarian cancer on June 2007.  I had a total hystorectomy  in Oct. 2007.  They say I have a rare cancer (Adult Granulosa Tumor Cell)  and they are not sure how to treat it.  April 2009 a cat scan showed that it is back.Three small tumors, one on my liver (not in my Liver) and two others in the pelvic area.  My doctor doesn't recommend surgery or radiation for this type of cancer.  She thinks chemo will keep it under control as long as I tolerate it.  I.m starting on Taxol and Carboplstin and maybe Avastin if my insurance approves it. I am treating with a doctor at McGee Women's hospital in Pittsburgh.  I am hoping I can stand the Carbo.  I've heard that people are allergic to it.  I'm 61 years old and just have a grandaughter who is 16 months and she is such a joy that I couldn't stand it if I wasn't around for a while to see her grow.    

Hi, Yes some people do become allergic but there are many other drugs they can try.I'm on my 3rd line treatment of Gemzar. I had 8 treatments of carbo/taxol then 5 treatments of Doxil then It stopped working. Never give up. I'm sure you will be here for along time to see your grandchild grow up. Please don't worry.

Hugs and Prayers, Terry

Thank you for replying.  I wonder if you ever heard of this kind of cancer?  I don't know whether to get a second opinion or not. I suppose I should.   I had hoped for a cure but I was told that it is only controllable.  Do you know if this true.  Can yours be cured?  Best of luck to you.

Hi, I did go for a second and third opinion. I was told the same thing as my Gyn/Onc had told me. A cure is off the table, they treat what we have as a chronic condition.Good Luck!

Hugs, Terry

Hi,  I just wondered what kind of ovarian cancer you have and how many years you had it.  I guess I'm pretty new to this.

Thanks again Ann

My 1st Occuarance was 1995, second 1996 now am scheduled for surgery 4/27 for reoccurance (9.5 cm mass in abdomen) + possible attachement on liver, I was not as deligent as I should have been with my follow up otherwise would have caught this B4 it was this large. i have neve had chemo, onlu surgery. My case will be disccuss at the next tumor board confence here in NJ. I had orginally thought i would have surgery and if inhibian levels went down just monitor, no chemo unless levels went up. I would love any ones thoughts on chemo since this is so growing is it woth it?

Hi,  I'm getting my2nd opinion on Tuesday.  I really don't want to do chemo again.  I hope & pray this doctor tells me I don't have to.  The first time was not fun.  I wondered what kind you have and is it slow growing.  Your note was unclear.  Thanks   Ann

I have granulosa cell tumor of the ovaries  (GCT)

Thanks Diane

 

On 4/10/2009 candlemaker wrote:

I was diagnosed with ovarian cancer on June 2007.  I had a total hystorectomy  in Oct. 2007.  They say I have a rare cancer (Adult Granulosa Tumor Cell)  and they are not sure how to treat it.  April 2009 a cat scan showed that it is back.Three small tumors, one on my liver (not in my Liver) and two others in the pelvic area.  My doctor doesn't recommend surgery or radiation for this type of cancer.  She thinks chemo will keep it under control as long as I tolerate it.  I.m starting on Taxol and Carboplstin and maybe Avastin if my insurance approves it. I am treating with a doctor at McGee Women's hospital in Pittsburgh.  I am hoping I can stand the Carbo.  I've heard that people are allergic to it.  I'm 61 years old and just have a grandaughter who is 16 months and she is such a joy that I couldn't stand it if I wasn't around for a while to see her grow.    

I also have AGCT.  One good thing about it is that it's rarity makes it easy to research on the web.  I'm surprised your Dr isn't recommending surgery as think that is the first approach when possible.  I had a large tumor removed when I was first diagnosed and three small ones later when they did staging surgery.  Radiation and chemo are often not that great an option, compared to their side effects, unless surgery is not possible.  I've been followed with CT scans and Inhibin A and B blood tests.  When they start showing something it will be time to go looking surgically for more tumors!  Many Drs including Gyn-Oncologist don't seem to be well informed about this condition. 

 

On 4/16/2009 noway wrote:

My 1st Occuarance was 1995, second 1996 now am scheduled for surgery 4/27 for reoccurance (9.5 cm mass in abdomen) + possible attachement on liver, I was not as deligent as I should have been with my follow up otherwise would have caught this B4 it was this large. i have neve had chemo, onlu surgery. My case will be disccuss at the next tumor board confence here in NJ. I had orginally thought i would have surgery and if inhibian levels went down just monitor, no chemo unless levels went up. I would love any ones thoughts on chemo since this is so growing is it woth it?

Did your inhibin levels go up before your reoccurrance?