liver metastases

[katewink]

I was diagnosed with Stage 3c ovarian cancer in Sept 2003, treated with 8 rounds of carbo, taxol and gemcitabine. The cancer recurred jan 2008, with the finding of a para-aortic lymph node.  This was successfully resected 2/08.  On a post-surgical, pre-treatment CT scan, liver mets were seen (2, <1cm).  I have now completed 6 cycles of carbo and gemcitabine.  One of the liver mets is gone, the other stable since a CT scan 3 months ago (6-9mm).

Over the last 2 months, my CA 125 as been normal, but has gone from 5 to 7 to 11. My oncologist is recommending a break from treatment because of bone marrow depression, especially platelets, and repeating a CT scan in 2 months.

I feel well, work and am active.  What would your recommendation be at this point?  Do you recommend particular drugs for liver mets?  Have you had experience with high frequency radio-ablation for liver mets?

Thanks in advance for your response.
KW

[crecco]

I am not a Dr in any way. But I also was dx at stage IV with mets to the liver. Though most of my cancer was removed from chemo and surgery, the liver tumors remained. I had them removed with radio frequency ablation. Unfortunately my liver is where it keeps returning at. So a year later I had another RFA. Once again I have a few small tumors but for now they are holding steady. I have been on chemo since dx in 05 and still am. That is why things are not progressing at the moment.
But I do know that a person is able to recieve several RFA's because they do no damage to healthy tissue. Also the tumors have to be shrunk as small as they can get them. If your Dr is suggesting that you hold off on the chemo then it is good that he wants to repeat the scan in 2 months. Is he going to follow your CA125 between now and then? I would think so because if it continues to rise it may mean that the tumors are gradually getting bigger. You are still having only a slight rise so I would not worry too much yet.
  As long as your Dr is planning to keep a close eye on things, then you should be ok.
But RFA is something you may want to ask him about. It is a fairly simple procedure, with just an over night stay in the hospital, with almost no pain what so ever.
As I said, I have had it done twice now with good results and no problems.
  Chris

[Kathy70]

I dont have any medical advise for you, but just wanted to say......wow, you were SOOO close to the 5 year mark!!!!  I'm very sorry you going through this again.... but obviously, your a fighter....keep it up!!!!