CA125 just nearly doubled (37 —> 63). No pain, some bloating and some GI issues. I’m scared but mostly mad. Seeing oncologist next Friday. Any thoughts on staying positive or preparing for next round(s) of treatment?
Squeen - I understand how you feel. I went 41 months after my last chemo treatment, Stage 3C. Less than 2 months ago I had debulking surgery and tomorrow I have my 2nd chemo treatment. My doctor said he is treating this as a new occurrence and we are following the same treatment plan as the first time. 6 chemo treatments after surgery. I must say it is easier for me the second time as I know what to expect. Praying your CA125 is a false alarm.
I have had 3 reaccurances in 5 years.
They say it is clear as September.
Stay positive and know there are new treatments out there.
Your doctor will find the right one for you.🤗
You went 39 MONTHS after last chemo??? WOW!!!! Good for you!! Now, just accept the fact that it will return, ovarian does NOT go away, it just hides, but sounds like you should have long in-between treatment times.
My gyn-onc told me that the cancer WILL return, and each time I stop chemo it takes about 1/2 the time to return: 1st chemo about 6 months, 9 months until return; 2nd chemo about 6 months, 5 months to return. My chemo last year I could have been on forever, but had to stop for dental surgery, that's when we found out the cancer had already returned. This year early June my CA-125 was 7633, but after 3 cycles of Taxol dropped to 50. I guess now it's just a matter of how long this continues to work, or the cancer becomes resistant.
Thoughts: If you believe in God, and/or have believer friends, get them praying for you. I have an army of prayer warriors across the county, when I post updates on FB, they comment with encouragements. At church they check on me and tell me I'm in their prayers. This has had the greatest positive input for me. And my hubby is very supportive.
Before starting the Taxol in June, my gyn-onc told me any therapy at this point had a NINE PERCENT chance of working, my God has picked up the other 91%.
Just live life, stay positive, don't give the cancer anything (like your anger), research foods to eat/not eat, research supplements you may have to take with the treatment (I had 4 diff supplements this time, 1 of them gave me very painful gastritis which my doc said wasn't possible, yet gastritis is gone after I stopped all supplements, still haven't figured out the culprit), keep in mind you doc doesn't know everything, read the articles here-you'll learn more.
sorry this went so long, but I hope it helps.
It's completely normal to feel scared and angry when facing potential recurrence. Remember that a rising CA-125 alone doesn't automatically mean recurrence - your doctor will likely want to do additional imaging tests to get a complete picture of what's happening. While waiting for your appointment, try keeping a symptom Show Full Answer