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Ovarian Cancer (Expert Forum)
wont go away
Answered by
Annekathryn Goodman, M.D. - Gynecologic Cancers, Complex Gynecologic, Surgeries, Palliative Care, Acupuncture
Massachusetts General Hospital Cancer Center
Boston - MA
This forum is for questions and support regarding ovarian cancer issues, such as: Biopsy, Chemotherapy, Clinical Trials, Genetics, Hysterectomy,Immunotherapy, Ovarian Cancer Types, Radiation Therapy, Risk Factors, Screening, Staging, Surgery.
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wont go away
by bstonmike, Nov 07, 2008 12:21PM
Hi I have a question about my wifes cancer.
it has been 4 yrs since her original diagnosis, and this stuborn thing keeps coming back !!!! She was recently informed of more tumors in the abdomen. They are always there. but this time is different. They reach latteraly across her mid section numbering 5, the largest being 1.7 cm X .08 cm. Is she going to have deal with this for what feels like every yr? This is her 3rd go round and feel helpless. I am a steady oak tree for her to lean on, talk to even yell at. But I wish I could do more. My question is: Will this demon continue to rear its head? Is there a point where it will come back the last time & I'll lose her?
Mike
it has been 4 yrs since her original diagnosis, and this stuborn thing keeps coming back !!!! She was recently informed of more tumors in the abdomen. They are always there. but this time is different. They reach latteraly across her mid section numbering 5, the largest being 1.7 cm X .08 cm. Is she going to have deal with this for what feels like every yr? This is her 3rd go round and feel helpless. I am a steady oak tree for her to lean on, talk to even yell at. But I wish I could do more. My question is: Will this demon continue to rear its head? Is there a point where it will come back the last time & I'll lose her?
Mike
Doctor's Answer
by Annekathryn Goodman, M.D., Nov 07, 2008 01:00PM
, Nov 07, 2008 01:00PM
Dear Mike
You ask a heart breaking question.
If your wife has an epithelial ovarian cancer, then tragically, it does come back over and over again. As long as the cancer is sensitive to chemotherapy, it can be controlled. For many women with ovarian cancer, their cancers can be controlled for a while. "Awhile" can be 2 years, or 5 years, or 10 years. That time varies with each woman. We do not know how to predict how each woman's experience will be.
At some point, the cancer changes and becomes resistant to chemo. At that point, it is no longer possible to control the cancer. That is why women die from this awful cancer.
I am very sorry that you, your wife and all the other fine folks who suffer from this go through this. At the present time, we all fight it one cancer cell at a time.
best wishes
You ask a heart breaking question.
If your wife has an epithelial ovarian cancer, then tragically, it does come back over and over again. As long as the cancer is sensitive to chemotherapy, it can be controlled. For many women with ovarian cancer, their cancers can be controlled for a while. "Awhile" can be 2 years, or 5 years, or 10 years. That time varies with each woman. We do not know how to predict how each woman's experience will be.
At some point, the cancer changes and becomes resistant to chemo. At that point, it is no longer possible to control the cancer. That is why women die from this awful cancer.
I am very sorry that you, your wife and all the other fine folks who suffer from this go through this. At the present time, we all fight it one cancer cell at a time.
best wishes
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