Posts

Update after a long time

Image
How are you doing? Simple question, but as someone with cancer, its sometimes a difficult question to answer. Do you want a simple answer, or the whole answer? I've struggled with the answer recently. I normally say "Fine" or "Great" or something along those lines. But you know what? I'm not really fine or great. I've been meaning to write an update for a month or so, and I know there are lots of family and friends that have been looking for one. This is going to be a long read, so settle in, maybe grab a tissue... I'm not going to lie. It's been tough. My CA 125 number was climbing even before finishing the previous treatment cycle, so that's not a surprise. But it continues to climb, and thats what I hate. I hate having that number bigger and bigger every time they draw blood. Here are the 10 most recent CA 125 counts (remember normal range is 0-38.1): Sept 23 - 274 Sept 3 - 194 Aug 12 - 133 Jun 28 - 78,1 Jun 6 - 73.3 May 14 - 57....
Post a Comment
Read more

May 18, 2024 - Current plan and things going on recently

Image
First, I want you all to know that I love and appreciate everyone that thinks about me or reaches out. I feel fine. I don't feel like I have cancer. But its still here. It hasn't gone away like we had hoped. The thing with ovarian cancer is that when its stage 3+ and/or high grade serous (which mine was), it doesn't always go away. It might be something that goes into remission for a few months or a few years and then needs to be treated again. I had about 8 months between my first chemo rounds finishing and it coming back. I had hoped for more time in between. But it is what it is. I then went away last summer knowing it was back. I knew before I left for Taiwan and Japan, but I wanted to live my life. I felt fine, and the doctors and I all agreed it was fine. When I got back from my summer travels last year in September, we started again. We just finished that up in March, but its back again. I have been on the maintenance infusion every 3 weeks, but my CA 125 has also be...
Post a Comment
Read more

Finished chemo 2 weeks ago, maintenance started

Image
I know I haven't posted in a while, because honestly, I just didn't feel like it 😊 But things have been going well. I finally finished my last chemo on 3/15. It took a while to get in 4 infusion days, I think I was in every week for 8 weeks... They would do blood work, and if it was good, I got chemo. If it wasn't, then we would try again the following week...  I have started my maintenance drug (bevacizumab-awwb). This is something that I will go in every 3 weeks for an infusion. They will do blood work every time and test my CA number every time as well. My blood numbers are still a little bit low because of the chemo, but they will recover.  As the weather is getting nicer, I will start going for my walks again and sharing with those that want to see. I have to rebuild my stamina. I have some trips planned for this summer. I'll be in Maryland and New Jersey for just under a week. And then I will be in Taiwan and Singapore for just over a month. While in Taiwan, I...
Post a Comment
Read more

This is so true

Image
I often hear people tell me I'm strong. I don't feel like that's true. I'm surviving. It's either I give up or I fight. But I'm not strong. A friend shared this on FB this morning and it says it perfectly.
Post a Comment
Read more

PET Scan results, Doctor feedback, what's the plan...

Image
I know its been a few weeks, but I've had a nice couple of weeks with no appointments... I was able to staff Portland Pokemon Regionals the weekend of Jan 5-7. I saw so many of my friends, and they were all crossing fingers for good results from the PET scan scheduled a few days after Portland. I had my PET Scan on Jan 10th, and the results look very good - no more signs of cancer nodules. However, the Oncologist and Surgeon both want me to finish out the last 2 tentatively planned chemo cycles. Kind of like you always finish the antibiotics even if you are feeling better... So I had my cycle 5, infusion 1 yesterday, Jan 19. Jack came with me since he is home for a few weeks from Taiwan. They also drew blood to test my CA 125 number - got that result this morning, 15.6 which is lower than last time, still middle of the normal range... I have the following chemo sessions scheduled and then I should be done. Scheduled for 1/26, 2/9, and 2/16. We will start maintenance of Avastin afte...
Post a Comment
Read more

Chemo cycle 4, infusion 2 was a week ago...

I made it thru my last scheduled chemo. 🎉🎉🎉  I didn't have bad side effects this time, so that was good. I did take the nausea meds to prevent that, so either they weren't needed or they worked. Either way, it was a good week. I have my PET scan scheduled for next week, and a follow-up with the oncologist a week after that. I'll also schedule a follow-up with my gynecological oncologist (the surgeon) for after the scan. The scan will show if I need to do anymore chemo now, or just go on maintenance. 
Post a Comment
Read more

Chemo cycle 4, infusion 1 was Monday 12/18

Image
So I had my infusion day 1 of cycle 4 this past Monday, December 18th. Since Alex is on break from school, he came with me for chemo. I think it was a good day for him to go since they had holiday cookies out to share 😂  Chemo went fine Monday, and I felt fine on Tuesday. But Wednesday really knocked me out. The accumulation of chemo and side effects really hit me. I couldn't eat, I actually wound up throwing up, which I haven't done in years. Thursday wasn't much better other than I didn't throw up. I wasn't able to eat much other than some toast and applesauce. Something is affecting my face and giving me really puffy eyes. Not sure if it's the chemo or something else. Today, I'm definitely feeling better. Alex and I went out and ran a few errands before the weekend. And for some more good news, my CA 125 number is down to 18.7 which is the middle of normal range 🎉🎉🎉 We will have my infusion day 2 of this cycle next Tuesday, Dec...
Post a Comment
Read more