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Stage 3C2 Cervical Cancer: Para-aortic Nodes & Recovery Strategies

Posted by emirhan @emirhan, Mar 16 9:39am

Hi everyone,
My mother (45 years old) was recently diagnosed with Stage 3C2 Cervical Cancer. We initially thought it was Stage 4, but thankfully, after reviewing her records, we confirmed it is 3C2 with para-aortic lymph node involvement, but no distant organ metastasis.
She is currently receiving weekly chemotherapy. She will have her 4th cycle tomorrow, with 3 more to go (6 total), followed by Extended-field Radiation Therapy.
So far, she has tolerated the treatment remarkably well with zero side effects. Her blood work is quite stable (Albumin: 4.3 g/dL, ALT/AST: 8-9 U/L). We are following a strict functional medicine approach (no sugar/flour) and aim to optimize her Vitamin D (aiming for 80+ ng/mL), Iron, and Magnesium levels.
I would appreciate your insights on these specific questions:
1. Since she is currently asymptomatic despite the treatment, is there still a risk of the cancer spreading to distant organs during chemotherapy or before radiation starts?
2. For Stage 3C2, how effective is the 'Extended-field' radiation in clearing the para-aortic nodes?
3. Are there any 'maintenance' therapies (like immunotherapy) recommended after the standard chemo-radiation protocol for this stage?
4. What are the key signs we should watch for during the transition from chemotherapy to radiation?
5. For those who used supplements (Vitamin D, Iron, Magnesium) during treatment, did you notice a difference in recovery speed?

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carol1024 | @carol1024 | Mar 20 12:57pm
In reply to @cookercooker "@carol1024 What therapy are you on? And how many have you had? When you say they..." + (show)
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@carol1024 What therapy are you on? And how many have you had? When you say they aren't working anymore, I assume they were at one point, indicating a positive response. I ask because I had a positive response to carboplatin/paclitaxel for a few months after the 6-cycle treatment. Then the tumors increased in size and a new one was detected. I have been on Enhertu treatment with 18 cycles under my belt, and there is no evident disease now.

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@cookercooker same...I had very positive response to carboplatin and paclitaxal. My CA125 was 1641 early March and 4 months later, June 30th when I finished treatments, it was 80.

I stopped the treatments after the 6 and I had surgery on Aug 20. I'm HER2 positive also. I was on herceptin. Jemperli is the immunotherapy. I have had 15 treatments as of last Thursday.

My CA125 numbers have increased with every draw since I restarted the chemo on Nov 4th. I had Dr appt today and we discussed the options. One of them being the inhertu and Lenvima was mentioned too.

They had me at stage 3C, possibly 4, before surgery. I had the 6 treatments first, then surgery. After the hysterectomy it was confirmed to be stage 4.

I'm just really praying hard that when they change treatment it is successful. Have you had any issues with lung problems because of the inhertu?

Not sure of your age but I'm 67 and I know age factors in on a lot of medical conditions. Sure is a good thing I quit smoking 4 years ago. Lol

Congrats on your positive results so far with treatment.

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cookercooker | @cookercooker | Mar 21 9:37am

I am crossing my fingers that your next treatment regime will show positive results. No serious issues with lung problems for me, but other side fx persist, especially GI issues. So, keeping hydrated is really important and soluble and insoluble fiber intake is important. I haven't mastered a balanced yet, even after a year of treatment. But there are meds. to help. Hair loss is common, too. Sorry.
I'm almost 70 years.
Hugs and sending good vibes

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Helen, Volunteer Mentor | @naturegirl5 | Mar 21 1:13pm

@emirhan Following your initial post that started your Discussion you've received here some helpful recommendations and sharing of experiences.

How are you feeling today? How is your mother feeling today?

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emirhan | @emirhan | Mar 23 8:00am
In reply to @naturegirl5 "@emirhan Following your initial post that started your Discussion you've received here some helpful recommendations and..." + (show)
Profile picture for Helen, Volunteer Mentor @naturegirl5

@emirhan Following your initial post that started your Discussion you've received here some helpful recommendations and sharing of experiences.

How are you feeling today? How is your mother feeling today?

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@naturegirl5 Thank you for asking. I think I’m fine. My mom’s hair started falling today. She’s been doing well, but she’s sad today.

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Helen, Volunteer Mentor | @naturegirl5 | Mar 23 10:08am
In reply to @emirhan "@naturegirl5 Thank you for asking. I think I’m fine. My mom’s hair started falling today. She’s..." + (show)
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@naturegirl5 Thank you for asking. I think I’m fine. My mom’s hair started falling today. She’s been doing well, but she’s sad today.

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@emirhan Thank you for getting back to me. Does your mom live with you? How often do you get to see her?

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emirhan | @emirhan | Mar 24 7:02am
In reply to @naturegirl5 "@emirhan Thank you for getting back to me. Does your mom live with you? How often..." + (show)
Profile picture for Helen, Volunteer Mentor @naturegirl5

@emirhan Thank you for getting back to me. Does your mom live with you? How often do you get to see her?

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@naturegirl5 @naturegirl5 Yes, I live with my family, and I’m in my gap year, so we are together 24/7.

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Mentor
Helen, Volunteer Mentor | @naturegirl5 | Mar 24 7:38am
In reply to @emirhan "@naturegirl5 @naturegirl5 Yes, I live with my family, and I’m in my gap year, so we..." + (show)
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@naturegirl5 @naturegirl5 Yes, I live with my family, and I’m in my gap year, so we are together 24/7.

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@emirhan Your physical and emotional presence is a lovely gift you are giving to your mother and your family right now. This all must be so very difficult for your famly. Do you have brothers and sisters? Do you accompany your mother to her treatments?

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emirhan | @emirhan | Mar 24 11:39am
In reply to @naturegirl5 "@emirhan Your physical and emotional presence is a lovely gift you are giving to your mother..." + (show)
Profile picture for Helen, Volunteer Mentor @naturegirl5

@emirhan Your physical and emotional presence is a lovely gift you are giving to your mother and your family right now. This all must be so very difficult for your famly. Do you have brothers and sisters? Do you accompany your mother to her treatments?

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@naturegirl5 @naturegirl5 thank you ❤️ I have a 10-year-old sister. My dad helps my mom with her treatments. Today she took her fifth chemo. Next is going to be her final, and then radiotherapy, I guess.

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Mentor
Helen, Volunteer Mentor | @naturegirl5 | Mar 24 6:51pm
In reply to @emirhan "@naturegirl5 @naturegirl5 thank you ❤️ I have a 10-year-old sister. My dad helps my mom with..." + (show)
Profile picture for emirhan @emirhan

@naturegirl5 @naturegirl5 thank you ❤️ I have a 10-year-old sister. My dad helps my mom with her treatments. Today she took her fifth chemo. Next is going to be her final, and then radiotherapy, I guess.

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@emirhan This all sounds like a wonderful family effort to support your mom. ❤️ It's so good that your dad is available to accompany your mother with her treatments.

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