72yrs lady with ovarian cancer, suspected had spread to stage 4.?

3 mths ago diagnosed with IBS (irrtatebal bowel syndrome) CT scan on 6th May revealed ovarian cancer, metasized to liver, omentum and acites in uterus. Doctors say she has 6mths without surgery and chemo. The fear is :if surgery is done, it might spread fast and chemo is a big NO due to her age. Tumour marker reveals CA125 abt 235. ( real high). Pls advise and is there any alternative treatment? She's my mum and I love her so much!

The survival rate for Stage 4 ovarian cancer is not good under the best of circumstances. You do not want to subject your mother to all kinds of painful, uncomfortable treatments at her age. As hard as it will be to lose her, you would not want to remember that you urged her to undertake experimental or alternative treatments that were unsuccessful and did not improve the quality of her life.

Instead, focus on making this a wonderful, close, peaceful time for the two of you. You are fortunate in that you have several months in which to prepare yourself for what will happen. Give her all your love and support during this time, and do everything you can to make her comfortable and peaceful.

It also might help you to talk to a Hospice nurse. They are wonderful at counseling the families of patients who are entering the last stage of their life.

Oh sweetheart, I am so sorry. I lost my mom to the same cancer.

CA125 reliability can vary. "normal" would be under 35, my mom's got up past 1400. She was also diagnosed at Stage IV, but survived over 5 years. She was in her early 60's when diagnosed, had 2 surgeries, and was on more than 10 different chemo regimens. She fought hard but it was tough on her. I don't know many people that would have gone through that. I know people who gave up after 2 regimens.

I just answered another question where somebody had read an article about how elderly patients are often not offered chemo under the assumption that it will be too hard on them. If your mother's overall condition is strong, chemo may still be an option. Definitely get another opinion. I don't want to downplay the effects of chemo, but some people are more afraid of it than they need to be.

Obviously, the choice is up to your Mom, and you will need to be strong and support her. This is part of our journey, and it will be a spiritual time for you both. Stay strong.