Gynecologic Cancer
Resource Guide

One of the realities of some gynecologic cancers (especially ovarian cancer) is the concern of recurrence. While it is best not to live with continual anxiety about the possibility, it is wise to have a plan in case it happens. If cancer does recur, it can be helpful to have a “molecular profile” of the tumor done in order to see what mutations are present in the cancer (this is in addition to the BRCA genetic testing that may have been done to determine family inheritance). This is also a time to consider clinical trials, before the use of more chemo reduces the opportunity to join a study. (See more about Genetic Considerations). 

 

 

NOCC booklet - Ovarian Cancer Resource Guide for women with recurrent disease 

National Ovarian Cancer Coalition (NOCC)

888-OVARIAN (888-682-7426)

ovarian.org

​

“Learning that you have recurrent ovarian cancer brings on many new fears, concerns and questions. You may feel similar to how you felt when you were newly diagnosed, however, some women say they feel more uncertain following a recurrence…The National Ovarian Cancer Coalition hopes this booklet will help you to make informed decisions about your treatment for recurrence and be proactive in managing your health. “

 

https://ovarian.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/Resource-Guide-for-Women-with-Recurrent-Disease.pdf

​​

​

Mayo Clinic

How to Cope with a Cancer Recurrence

Here are some ideas that may help you cope with the emotions of a cancer recurrence.

• Remember that you know more now. 

• Treatments may have improved. There may be newer drugs or newer methods for treating your cancer or managing side effects since your first diagnosis.

• You've built relationships. You've worked closely with members of your health care team, and you know your way around the hospital or clinic.

• You've done this before. Based on your first experience with cancer, you know what's best for you during this time.

• You can turn to strategies that help. Meditation, yoga, physical activity, journaling and finding support from friends and family members can all be helpful coping tools during this time.

• You can get additional help if you need it. If you're struggling with a cancer recurrence, it might help to reach out to a therapist or counselor who works with people who have cancer.

Some people say that a cancer recurrence can be especially devastating because the strong support system they had after their first cancer diagnosis sometimes evaporates when the cancer recurs. Don't be afraid to reach out to friends and family again and communicate how they can support you.

 

Also, express your feelings to your health care provider. The conversation that results can give you a better understanding of your situation, and it can help you make treatment decisions.

 

When cancer returns: How to cope with cancer recurrence - Mayo Clinic

 

 

American Cancer Society

“If cancer comes back, it can be shocking for you and the people closest to you. The medical work-up is difficult and all of the emotions you had when you were first diagnosed can return – and might be even stronger this time. You might feel more cautious, guarded, and less hopeful than ever before. Many issues and questions come with cancer recurrence. Here are some of the more common ones.”

• Could I have prevented the recurrence?

• Why me?

• On treating cancer recurrence

• How do I know if I should keep getting treatment?

• On emotions when cancer recurs

Coping with Cancer Recurrence | Treating Cancer Recurrence | American Cancer Society

 

 

​Liver metastases 
“The liver is a common site for metastases for many cancer types.”

Cancer in the liver can cause different symptoms based on how much of the liver is involved. Some common symptoms include:

• Loss of appetite

• Feeling tired or weak

• Fever

• Itchy skin

• Yellowing of the whites of the eyes or skin (jaundice)

• Bloated belly

• Leg swelling

• Pain in the upper right part of the abdomen (belly) (less common)

“If there are a lot of metastases in the liver and it can’t work well, people can get a condition called hepatic encephalopathy. This can cause confusion, sleepiness, and even coma.”

Possible treatments for liver metastases include: surgery, ablation, radiation therapy, stereotactic radiosurgery, chemotherapy or embolization.

​

Liver Metastases | Cancer Spread to Liver | American Cancer Society

 

​Liver metastases specialists

Dr. Tony Brown

RIA Endovascular
8200 E Belleview Ave, Suite 600E, Greenwood Village, CO 80111. 

720-493-3406

https://www.riaco.com/doctor/abrown/

 

​

Dr. Charles Nutting

Minimally Invasive Procedures Specialists

https://eccomedical.com/doctors/charles-nutting/

https://www.carcinoid.org/doctor/charles-w-nutting-do-interventional-radiology/

​

​

Bruckner Oncology – Traditional and Alternative Cancer Treatment

2330 Eastchester Road, Bronx, NY 10469   

718.732.4050

​

“Traditional chemotherapy treatment uses chemical drugs in an effort to stop cancer cells from growing and hopefully eradicate the cancer. For many of our patients, chemotherapy represents an effective way to treat, and hopefully, eliminate cancer. At Bruckner Oncology, we provide a specific treatment plan and schedule to each patient comprised of agreed upon cancer fighting drugs to work toward fighting the cancer, as well as seeing the treatment through to support the entire process.

http://www.bruckneroncology.com/

 

​

Direct Labs.com

“DLS [Direct Laboratory Services, LLC] provides direct access laboratory testing for those who want to take charge of their own health and personally monitor their own wellness.

 

We assist in the prevention or early detection of disease by providing discounted, high quality online blood and laboratory testing services directly and confidentially to consumers.”

​

Discount Online Wellness Blood Testing & Test Results

​

​