Primary Peritoneal Cancer new diagnosis

Hi Almcuk

I am sorry to hear of your mum's diagnosis. I am no expert on the situation as I was only diagnosed in May myself but I can tell you in my case it has spread. Each case may be different tho and this might be a really good question to jot down ready to as your mum's oncologist in the next appointment. I hope you and your mum are both keeping well. 

Thanks Mint_obsession for your reply. 
I’m sorry to hear your cancer has spread. I hope there are treatment options for you? 
My mum goes back in 4 months for more repeat scans to see how it is growing/moving. 
it’s not actually been staged yet so hopefully they’ll do that then? 
it’s such a shock as the last time she had cancer was 13 years ago. I guess we’d just all hoped it wouldn’t return...

Almcuk

I don't think you would be alone in that hope that once it's gone it's gone. Having to go through it once is bad enough I can't really imagine what it would be like to have it return. You however are on here looking for support and answers to try and support your mum in this difficult time and I think that's amazing.  I know my family can feel helpless through this so I would imagine a lot of familys feel that way.  I got told about staging after my first CT I think but I was staying in the hospital and had quite a few tests done in a very short space of time so that maybe isn't the norm. I also tend to find bits of information on the letters to my GP. Does she have an oncologist appointment coming up as well as scans? 

My treatment will now be a maintenance drug to slow down the regrowth. Unfortunately can't be cured but hopefully get a bit more time.

She has had a whole load of tests and scans, she basically went to the DR about a pain in mid October and I’ve been at hospital appointments with her since then. 
she had an appointment witn oncology, we were at hospital last week to colposcopy (not sure if I have that right) to discuss options so that was when we found out surgery wasn’t an option, chemo won’t have any response so she was given a hormonal drug to try see if it slows it. Although she has low grade cancer which hopefully means it’s slow going anyway, but she’s likely had it for some time. 

i just want to try support her best I can to make sure she has, well, I’m hoping a good couple of years, but we’ll see... 

it’s all so sad

Almcuk

It is sad you are right. Cancer is a disease we all wish didn't exist. You are doing great by your mum if you have been able to attend these appointments with her. There is very little else anyone can do for a person in the situation so please although there will be times obviously when you feel low about it all know that the support you are showing will be making a huge difference.  I hope you get some answers soon. Don't be afraid to speak up if your mum wants the answer to something even if it's the GP they may have the answer. I hope that your mum has many good years ahead. I would imagine your mum will be monitored on these new drugs she is taking so it may take a little time to establish what benefit they will provide her with but hopefully it is the benefit the dr's are hoping for. Just don't forget yourself in this. You may need support too  and that is perfectly normal. 

Thanks so much for your words, they really mean a lot. 
I hope you also have a good support network that you can lean on. 
I wish you well xx

Thanks. I really do. If you ever need a chat feel free to drop me a message. Take care and all the best to your mum.