On 3/15/2008 momof3boys wrote:
Hi. My mother was diagnosed with Peritoneal Cancer in July 2006, at 67. She had surgery( luckily it was contained in the abdomen) and then 6 rounds of chemo via a belly port and was declared "in remission" in December of 2006.It was very frustrating as it was nearly impossible for me to find any information regarding this cancer, my own doctor had never even heard of it.Initially I got most of my info from a website started by Francine Milano, another ppc patient. Just recently mom was tested and two hotspots were located, one in the abdomen and a smaller one in the chest area, so it's back. Much more quickly than any of us had anticipated. After a CT her physician told her it was small and they wouldn't need to begin chemo right away. I don't know why they would wait...maybe due to the strain on the body. I've spent so much time on the computer trying to learn about this cancer but I think I'm tired of medical jargon,it's too depressing, and just want to reach out to real people with real stories. She has told me that she learned from another patient that they rarely perform a second surgery with this cancer. Anyone out there with recurrence info on that?? I'm scared to death but trying to remain positive and brave for my mom...as that is the way that she has approached it. I appreciate the stories that are out there..I want to know as much as I can. My heart goes out to all.
Sorry after re-reading my response it didn't really answer any of your questions. I apologize. I just get very emotional and angry towards this cancer.
It is very rare. I don't know anyone else personally who has PPC. Most people have never even heard about it.
So my opinion is go get a second opinion. Where do you live? Don't wait for the tumors to get bigger. Is that what those doctors would tell their own mothers. Lets just sit and wait for the tumors to get bigger and make you more ill. Doesn't that seem silly??
Diet and Nutrition is vital with any kind of cancer. Try and see a nutritionist or go to the library and get out some books on diet and cancer. Start eating totally organic. Sugar is the worst as cancer feeds off sugar and acid. NO acidic foods. Vinigar and grapefruits are out. Just google diet and cancer.
Good Luck. I totally understand your situation. It is stressful and you want to do what you can but feel hopeless.
Christine