Breast cancer and an unspecified gynecological cancer

Sportymom

So here I am again this time with what appears to be now Stage III breast cancer (not stage 4 like we thought) but with a stage 4 gynecological cancer but they cannot find the source. The cancer in my pleural effusion appears to be of meuller (sp?) origin meaning from ovary, Fallopian tube, peritoneum, etc. I just cannot seem to catch a break right now. The news is horrible. My transvaginal ultrasound and ct-scan found nothing , I have no symptoms, but my CA-125 is at 169 and the immunohistochemical staining of the cells from my pleura are consistent with a gynecological cancer. I’m scared out of my mind as my MO says the prognosis is horrible with OC. We are now going to see a gynecological oncologist next week but i will be starting with Carboplatin/taxol this or next week as this is effective against both OC and breast cancer.

I have to tell you that the depression at having both of these is overwhelming. I’m hoping someone out there can help me. I will continue to fight. I simply would like someone to else to believe in the possibility of a somewhat long life

edj3

I have no experience with what you're facing but didn't want your post to go without a response. I'm so sorry for what you're facing and going through.

Sportymom

Thank edj3

AliceBastable

A good friend of mine had a similar gynecological cancer diagnoses - not found until it was all through the lining of her abdomen, Stage IV de novo. That was about 2011. She's still hangin' in there, and has seen her daughters grow up, a granddaughter born, and her younger daughter in college. Like many types of breast cancer, some gynecological cancers can be managed as a chronic condition. Best of luck to you, Sportymom.

Oh, and I highly recommend joining HysterSisters.com. They're similar to this place, but for the nether regions. The women there kept me sane when I had endometrial/uterine cancer, which was my first cancer. There's a sub-group on the site for cancer patients.

Sportymom

Thanks AliceBastable. I will take that hope to heart

Anonymous

My good friend was dx with Stage IV o.c. twice-about 5 years apart. The last was like 10 years ago, and she goes to MD Anderson for her check ups. She's doing great-I see her in yoga and she hikes the Grand Canyon regularly, teaches ceramics etc.

Just thought I'd share.

Sportymom

Thanks Claire. I need all the hope I can get.