Re: chemotherapy?
From: Robin (anonymous@obgyn.net)
Fri, 30 Nov 2001 17:28:36 -0600 (CST)
Hi Adrienne,
You certainly have a lot on your plate right now.
What about going for another opinion with an Oncologist to see what s/he
has to say about this? Maybe with another opinion, that will help you
make the decision needed.
I read your post and tried to put myself in your shoes, and honestly, I
have no idea what I would do either. In this case, I would get another
opinion to discuss the options.
Hope this helps. Best of luck to you!
Robin
At Fri, 30 Nov 2001, Adrienne wrote:
>
>I'm 37 and I undergo surgery to have a large dermoid ovarian cyst
>removed. The Gyn Onc surgeon removes the cyst, one ovary, and one
>fallopean
>tube. Initial pathology report shows a "borderline tumor" (very low
>malignancy potential). Sounds good. Now I find out that IN ADDITION to
>the borderline tumor, the tumor contained some actual malignant cancer
>cells. It appears that the cancer has NOT spread. All other parts
>biopsied were negative. I went
>to my hematology Oncologist today. He, upon looking at the pathology
>report, thought my "borderline tumor" and Stage 1A Ovarian Cancer were
>referring to the same thing. As such, he said no chemotherapy is
>necessary. I should be fine. But he called the pathologist and learned
>the tumor contained cancer beyond the "borderline" portion. So now I
>have a decision: He told me there is a 90% chance I have no cancer and
>that I'll be fine without chemo. But there's a 10% chance there could
>be some cancer, and if that's the case and I elect not to have chemo, I
>will have no more than a few years at most.
>My questions:
>Why would I NOT elect to go through chemotherapy other than the fact
>that I might not actually need it (something I'll never know)?
>How likely is it that the chemo (Carboplatin and Taxol given 3 times,
>each 3weeks apart) will, in fact, destroy any cancer that might be
>lurking in me?
>Is there any benefit to having my other ovary (fallop tube, uterus?)
>removed in the near future?
>Shoot. I'm so sorry this is so long, but I'm pretty scared and
>confused.
>Thanks for any help you can give me. --Adrienne
--
~Robin~
List Owner, Chronic Pain Support Group
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/ChronicPainSupportGroup
I'm not a Dr. or any type of Medical Professional. The information I share is based on what I have experienced personally or what I have learned.
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