From Anna,
Hi all, Here is an update from my friend Karen who has Ovarian Cancer. From reading this it sounds like the cancer has spread to her liver. I've emailed her about it but haven't heard from her. Does it sound like to you all that's its spread to her liver?
We returned to West Clinic on Monday to have my CT scan, and then saw Dr. Santoso on Tuesday for the results. Once again there was fluid around my liver, no more than the last time, but no less, either. Dr. Santoso is not completely sure that the fluid is ascites-cancer related-or if it could be something else. He talked to the radiologist, and we are going to assume that it is cancer related, although there are no other growths or masses present. Also, each time I go in, blood work is taken for a CA 125, which is a tumor marker. 35 and below is normal. Mine has been as high as 47 in the beginning, but it has continued to drop each visit, and now is at 8, a very good place to be! Dr. Santoso wants to see my CA 125 plateau and remain relatively constant over the next few treatments. When the number remains fairly constant, it is a good indicator that the cancer is gone. Therefore, he recommended that we schedule 3 more treatments, and another CT scan.
I stayed yesterday and had the first of the 3 treatments. I am receiving the same drugs that I was given previously. I will return again in 3 weeks. Today I went back in for the Neulasta shot, which boosts my white blood cell counts. I am tired, and my stomach hurts a little, but otherwise I have been able to do some errands, and will enjoy being around the house today.
Your friend,
Anna