Just An Update on HG Serous Ovarian Cancer

@jenelleseaman I haven't had chemotherapy however I'm familiar with many of the options from what we all share here on Connect. Topotecan is a new one for me.

I did a search on Connect and found a few mentions. Here is a good explanation by one of our Alumni Mentors.

Here on Connect topotecan is mentioned for small cell lung cancer:

-- https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/small-cell-lung-cancer-1/

Yes, I suppose it's wait and see! Hoping someone else will jump in with their experiences.

@naturegirl5 I’ve seen that it’s used for SCLC on the information that is out there. It’s also used for HGS Ovarian Cancer when you are platinum resistant and you’ve had as much doxorubicin as you can take! Because I’ve had so many treatments the cancer has mutated to become resistant to paclitaxol, carboplatin and Caelyx is cardiotoxic.
Here we go again! I don’t really mind not knowing the specifics of what lies ahead. I know the general lay of the land, only because all the drugs have generally the same effect - nausea, anemia, neutropenia, fatigue, etc.
I’m still alive and still teaching. I’m grateful for every day that I get, and wouldn’t change anything of the last 16 years.

Hi All! Just checking in. I have had a blood test and a PET scan in the last week, with the oncologist visit yesterday.
Not sure if the enlarged lymph nodes are sarcoidosis or HGS ovarian cancer. I have had multiple biopsies in the past that have all ended up being sarcoidosis, but they can’t biopsy every node. However, there is increased evidence of disease in the peritoneal cavity around my bowel, called the serosa. The oncologist says this is definitely the cancer returned.
He is concerned that it will lead to multiple bowel obstructions so has advised more chemotherapy. This will be my ninth time having chemotherapy! Topotecan is the drug of choice this time. Three week cycles, with treatment days 1, 2, and 3 … then 18 days rest.
I will start on 4th March, and hopefully finish on 19th June. The last time I had chemo I had to have 9 cycles, so I may have to continue beyond that date.
I have had a break from chemotherapy for almost a year, which has been great. Particularly not having any treatment over Christmas was wonderful. Not looking forward to what is ahead, but I’m willing to say yes to whatever God has in store. When the oncologist reminded me that I was first diagnosed in August 2010, and that I am a troublemaker, I knew that I was in trouble!

Round 2 starts on Wednesday this week. I have infusions for 3 consecutive days, so the port access is left in for the 2 nights. This will be cycle #53 altogether.
The symptoms last time were nausea, fatigue, diarrhoea, feeling sad/tearful, and finally hair loss. The drug is topotecan - new for me. I’ve had as much as I can tolerate of the others.
I still have sarcoidosis, and have had a swollen optic nerve in my right eye which has meant loss of vision in that eye.
Can’t wait to hear what my oncologist thinks of this latest problem!
Will keep you posted!

Saw my oncologist today. Bloods were good considering. Only Hb was low. Neotrophils and platelets were still in normal range. The bombshell for today was he wants me to visit a neurologist because of my MRI scan. He wouldn’t tell me why.
When I asked my GP for a referral to make an appointment, my GP told me they suspect it might be MS! What else can I get thrown at me? I guess it’s just another opportunity to say “yes” and trust God for the outcome. I’m still smiling! I’m seeing the ophthalmologist on Tuesday next week. Let’s see what he has to say.
I have more infusions for the next two days, but I don’t see any doctors beforehand. I’m ready to deliver the referral to the neurologist tomorrow while I’m at the hospital. I was told the next available appointment is in June. My GP has written “urgent” everywhere, so hopefully I will get an appointment before then …

@jenelleseaman I thought I'd check back in? where are you in your chemo schedule? Have you been able to get that earlier appointment with the neurologist?

@naturegirl5 I have school holidays for the next couple of weeks. My household is going away to the south coast of New South Wales, about a four hour drive from Sydney. I can only go for a week because I’m coming back for cycle 3 on 15-17th April. I have an appointment with a neurologist on the 16th April. He is at the same hospital so after I’ve seen him, I am going to the infusion ward for dose 2 of this cycle. I’m told that this neurologist likes the complicated cases, so it’s a good fit!
I’m also told by the ophthalmologist that the GP was premature in mentioning MS. I haven’t been anxious about that though. I know that things can appear to be what they are not, but also that insidious things can be hidden for a long time without you knowing. What is the point of worrying about it! Everything will be revealed at the right time.
Wait and see … Thanks for asking.