topic Re: Cancer Diagnosis in SmorgasBoard

Cancer Diagnosis

Anonymous — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 08:24:52 GMT

Hi everyone,

I am still here, but I have not read the forums in over a month.

So, here is what is going on (I will keep it short and sweet):

Had my annual well woman exam last month. GYN noticed large cyst/pelvic mass near right ovary. Ultrasound, blood markers, and CT scan ordered. All inconslusive. Referred to GYN ONC at MD Anderson (I live near Houston). Best place to be for a possible cancer diagnosis, IMHO

Had surgery at MD Anderson on 10/27 - diagnosis ovarian cancer. Recovering well at home. Started chemotherapy on 11/11. I will have 6 cycles of carbo/taxol three weeks apart. FIrst treament went well.

I am staying positive, as it is the only way I can be in this situation. For the women out there, I had NO symptoms: bloating, gas, constipation, diarrhea, increased frequency of urination, pelvic discomfort, fatigue. NOTHING I am otherwise very healthy: healthy weight, healthy diet, no chronic illness.

So, keep me in your thoughts and prayers.

I don't usually post in the middle of the night, but the thunderstorm woke up Scout (my golden retriever) and he jumped up on my bed and curled up next to me...oh, and woke me up.

Re: Cancer Diagnosis

BungalowMo — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 12:19:30 GMT

Scout..... sending you MUCH positive energy and prayers!!

"You are my flesh, and flesh will obey"...Todd R. 1980/Healing

Re: Cancer Diagnosis

haulingthescoreup — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 14:51:23 GMT

Scout, I'm so sorry to read this! Ovarian CA is very sneaky, that's for sure.

Take good care of yourself, and I'm glad you're at MD Anderson. One of the best places to be, that's for sure.

Re: Cancer Diagnosis

Jazzzy — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 16:57:38 GMT

Hi Scout,

Hang in there. I'm glad you went for your check-up. I'm a nurse, and I see too many things go undiagnosed because we're all too busy to take care of ourselves...and because (even with good insurance) a visit to the doctor can still be expensive.

And, you're right. There aren't always symptoms.

Be strong...

Re: Cancer Diagnosis

Imhotrodcrazy — Sat, 21 Nov 2009 01:16:33 GMT

Scout,

I will say a special prayer for you each night until you are totally healed. Have faith.

Re: Cancer Diagnosis

MsKiwi — Sat, 21 Nov 2009 05:50:05 GMT

I will send up prayers, I will send up glows.......whatever it takes to send some healing powers. My best thoughts are with you.

Re: Cancer Diagnosis

Anonymous — Sat, 21 Nov 2009 12:42:15 GMT

{{Hugs}} to you, Scout! Prayers and positive thoughts are coming your way.

Re: Cancer Diagnosis

Anonymous — Sat, 21 Nov 2009 13:50:34 GMT

Thanks everyone for your kind words...

I am a positive person in general, and I refuse to go the personal pity party route. I have remained positive so far, and I know that my mindset will impact the outcome of this diagnosis.

I have been through all of the range of emotions: why me?, this is not fair, anger, etc. I have accepted the diagnosis, but that does not mean that I will give in to the cancer. I intend to fight with every fiber of my being to overcome this and live a very long life. This is just a wake up call on that journey.

Thanks again. I will check in every so often...

Re: Cancer Diagnosis

wmarat — Sat, 21 Nov 2009 21:32:58 GMT

Stay positive, ovarian Ca is treatable with pretty good survival rate.

Re: Cancer Diagnosis

Anonymous — Tue, 08 Dec 2009 22:16:44 GMT

Update:

Thanks, wmarat. I am staying positive.

Well, I have been through 2 rounds of chemo, so far. Not as bad as I had thought it would be. I must stop reading about chemo on the internet. My bad. Six hours from IV stick to finish. Taxol/Carbo combination. Feel great day of chemo and day after, third day is a different story - major joint pain that does not go away with meds. I have not had any nausea, just joint pain and fatigue. But, it only lasts for 3 or 4 days, and then I feel stronger. Only four more rounds of chemo to go...

I am going back to work next week (Dec 14th), after seven weeks off. Do I remember how to do my job??? I am excited and a bit nervous. I really don't want to field questions from all of my coworkers. My family, friends, and those close to me know of the OVCA, but I really don't want to have to explain it to everyone I work with. After seven weeks off, I know there will be questions. And, the wig, of course, will raise a few eyebrows. I am a federal employee, and my coworkers have donated leave to me though the leave donation program. One less thing to worry about.

Just wanted to check in. Happy Holidays to everyone.

Scout

Re: Cancer Diagnosis

llecs — Tue, 08 Dec 2009 22:23:48 GMT

Stay strong, Scout. Merry Christmas!

Re: Cancer Diagnosis

Barry — Wed, 09 Dec 2009 00:26:00 GMT

Thanks for checking in, Scout. Have a great holiday!

Re: Cancer Diagnosis

MattH — Wed, 09 Dec 2009 03:06:01 GMT

My wife and I will keep you in our prayers.

Re: Cancer Diagnosis

LIGHTNIN — Wed, 09 Dec 2009 04:26:50 GMT

We hope you feel better soon, Because we miss you!!! Sending air hugs your way, cause hugs makes everything better.

Re: Cancer Diagnosis UPDATED

Anonymous — Sun, 17 Jan 2010 15:25:43 GMT

UPDATE

Hi everyone,

The new year has been great so far...

On 01/08/10 I had a series of medical tests done (midway through chemotherapy). Blood work, X rays, CT scan. No evidence of disease or NED. So, as I have learned from other cancer patients, I am now officially "dancing with NED". My gynecologic oncologist is very pleased and optimistic. CA 125 is 11.

Still have three more rounds of chemotherapy to go. My side effects are getting worse. I mainly have fatigue, joint pain, and neuropathy (fingers and toes). I am staying positive,as there is no other way to be in this situation.

So, please keep your thoughts and prayers coming my way.

Scout

Re: Cancer Diagnosis UPDATED

llecs — Sun, 17 Jan 2010 16:26:24 GMT

Your strength is admirable, Scout.

Re: Cancer Diagnosis UPDATED

MattH — Mon, 18 Jan 2010 04:23:07 GMT

@Anonymous wrote:
UPDATE

Hi everyone,

The new year has been great so far...

On 01/08/10 I had a series of medical tests done (midway through chemotherapy). Blood work, X rays, CT scan. No evidence of disease or NED. So, as I have learned from other cancer patients, I am now officially "dancing with NED". My gynecologic oncologist is very pleased and optimistic. CA 125 is 11.

Still have three more rounds of chemotherapy to go. My side effects are getting worse. I mainly have fatigue, joint pain, and neuropathy (fingers and toes). I am staying positive,as there is no other way to be in this situation.

So, please keep your thoughts and prayers coming my way.

Scout

We'll keep prayers and warm fuzzies going your way!

Re: Cancer Diagnosis UPDATED

haulingthescoreup — Tue, 19 Jan 2010 05:59:34 GMT

No Existing Disease --awesome! That is so wonderful to hear.

I hope everything keeps going well. Fingers crossed and prayers lifted for ya.

Re: Cancer Diagnosis UPDATED

stagefoursurvivor — Wed, 20 Jan 2010 21:06:52 GMT

I wish you very well. You're also being treated at one of the premier cancer centers in the world. I consulted with them before starting treatment for stage 4 lung cancer.

Happily, that was back in '99, it's over 10 years for me, hence my userID

Re: Cancer Diagnosis UPDATED

Anonymous — Thu, 21 Jan 2010 07:24:54 GMT

llecs, matth, HTSU, and stagefoursurvivor,

Thanks for your posts. Stagefoursurvivor -you are indeed a survivor and give me great hope.

I am quite impressed with my gynecologic oncologist (GYN ONC) as well as the rest of my team at MD Anderson. And, I do have a whole team. The whold process is participatory - meaning I am included in the decision making process. I like the fact that GYN ONCs are surgeons as well as oncologists. So, my GYN ONC manages everything - he performed the surgery and he is in charge of the chemotherapy. Great continuity of care.

Anyway, had chemo #4 yesterday..... YEAHH Only two to go.

Scout