There are many long term survivors. I recently met a woman who is 30+ years after going thru a battle with Stage IV OC.

Numbers are just numbers, it does NOT mean your father wont get thru this. HPV+ patients fare better than patients who have OC from smoking. So thats a positive thing in your dads favor.

We all fear a recurrence. But if it would happen you are already ahead of the game. You understand the medical terminology, you already have a team of good doctors, you have been down the road before so it is a little easier if you would have to deal with a recurrence. How a recurrence is treated depends on so many factors, the patient, where the tumor is located, Stage of the cancer, how the patient was already treated and where the original tumor was. Ive had OC 3 times and I am now 4 years cancer free after being Stage IV the 3rd round.

Try not to worry about "what if". Focus on the here and now with your father. I know its not easy to do but it really wont help to stress over "what if it comes back". Put your faith that you have found a top notch medical team to cure your father and once its over his cancer will be gone forever.

Hang in there, being a caregiver isnt easy. Take some time just for you once in a while to help clear your head. If possible line up some helpers to give yourself a break once in a while. Even if someone would drive your father to treatment once or twice a week it is a big help. Check with the American Cancer Society for volunteer drivers in your area to help you with this.

Best wishes with everything!


Christine
SCC 6/15/07 L chk & by L molar both Stag I, age44
2x cispltn-35 IMRT end 9/27/07
-65 lbs in 2 mo, no caregvr
Clear PET 1/08
4/4/08 recur L chk Stag I
surg 4/16/08 clr marg
215 HBO dives
3/09 teeth out, trismus
7/2/09 recur, Stg IV
8/24/09 trach, ND, mandiblctmy
3wks medicly inducd coma
2 mo xtended hospital stay, ICU & burn unit
PICC line IV antibx 8 mo
10/4/10, 2/14/11 reconst surg
OC 3x in 3 years
very happy to be alive smile