How long does it take tumors on the intestine to go away?

Question

Mom has had two chemos so far. Doctor says Ovarian Cancer CA-125 levels were at 1000 (or so) before chemo, now down 70. The tumors are causing an intestinal blockage (he says blockage is small and tumors are small). Next chemo is for Monday...how many will it take? Any alternatives? Can't be on TPN when she gets out because of cost and no insurance (she can't eat or drink either).

Answer 1

You can ask your doctor this question. We asked the same thing and were told that it depends on the type and grade of tumor and how the individual responds to chemotherapy. When we asked for examples our oncologist said that lymphomas generally respond well to chemotherapy and literally melt away. When my son asks where they went to he was told that the body expells them by urinating. My son had a sarcoma, so we were told that because this is an aggressive and difficult type of tumor that response would be slow. It was . . we waited two or three cycles before seeing a 20% reduction in the tumors. It was the fourth or fifth cycle that saw the most response with the primary tumor shrinking 50%. His good response rate allowed him to undergo two surgeries to remove the rest of the tumors.

Sorry about your Mom. Concerns about her home health care should be discussed with the hospital social worker. They may have some ideas for you.
The American Cancer Society and CancerCare are also two organizations that can help you sort out homecare issues.

Good luck.

Answer 2

This is too complex for anyone but the doctor to answer. Talk to him/her and stick to it until you get a clear understanding. Also speak to the insurance specialist or the social worker where your Mom is getting her treatments about financial assistance for her outpatient care. I hope she does well.

Answer 3

I wish I could tell you I thought I knew the answer
but most health care professional will give you any
answer that you ask for