When They Don't Tell You Everything

After my last post, I was thinking my cancer was at bay.  This week was my scheduled Oncologist visit, Falsodex and Zometa treatments.  When I told the doctor what had been relayed to me from my GYN, he then asked what radiation treatments and chemotherapy was recommended.  I replied, none.  I could see from his head shakes and demeanor that something was wrong.

One thing my GYN didn't relay was the blood test taken at the Oncologist's office.  She didn't receive the results when we were discussing my MRI results.  Now at the Oncologist office he told me the normal range for ovaries is between 0-35.  My blood test results were a scary high number, too high to share.  My cancer is in my ovary.


Regan, IV Nurse

He began to tell me about chemotherapy.  It would be 8 treatments every three weeks and can't remember the name of medication.  I will lose my hair and become nauseous.  I have been going to my IV infusion treatments with Zometa monthly.  Now these visits will become weekly with blood tests, treatments and doctor appointments.  He also scheduled a PET scan so we would have a base line prior to treatment.  I will have those results next week.

Since I have trouble with my IV, Regan my IV nurse, talked about getting a IV port installed.  It is all so real and unwanted, a place I was hoping not to be.  I am so tired of being poked in my hands because of my deep veins.  I resign myself to having one installed.  I also found out that I will be on Zometa for the rest of my life instead of the 12 treatments mentioned at my first appointments.  Regan said it was like taking your vitamins for your bones.  They could only get approval for 12 months of treatments at a time with health insurance.  Oh boy!

At this point I am scared that I may be at the point of no return which is why they recommended no ovarian surgery.  That question will be asked at my next appointment.  I am thankful that I switched from an HMO to a PPO healthcare plan this year because it would take weeks before getting any testing or chemotherapy treatment approved.

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I have setup a GoFundMe page for donations to help with my medical bills.  Your generosity is humbling and appreciated.

Be genuine, share yourself and have a fabulous day!  Susan (aka SuzzzyGal)

Disclaimer:  I am not a medical professional and any information contained here is an opinion.  Seek advice from a professional. 

Deciphering The Results

It has been a while since my last post.  Emotionally, I had a lot going on, MRI's, doctor appointments, my birthday, holiday's and then the wait for these results.  Knowing that the results would be in 2-3 business days, I was anxious.  What would happen now.  Surgery, biopsies, hospital stays and more downtime had me contemplating ahead of what the doctor would report.

Mid-week after my MRI, my GYN doctor called, it was unsettling.  I have never had a doctor call usually the doctor's assistant would be relaying the results, or so I thought.  The good news is the doctor suggested there be no surgery for removal of my ovaries.  The MRI showed a few lymph nodes by my ovaries had been metastasized from my breast.  She had consulted with an ovarian oncologist and they concurred the results.

My father had prostate cancer, then spots showed on his liver and bout six months later had colon cancer.  They removed a portion of his colon and even though he went through chemo treatments as well, he didn't have the quality of life he wanted.  He died 10 days before his 65th birthday.  The cancer had become more aggressive after his first round of treatments.

In hindsight, I have heard others who have had cancer.  Doesn't matter what type, cancer when not caught in its early stages can travel to other areas.  I know that my breast cancer is in stage IV (in my bones) and now in other lymph nodes.  I am optimistic with no surgeries, my time here will last longer than if I had surgeries.  Right now it has not gone into major organs which is a great thing.

So now I enjoy going to my community pool for relaxation, exercising in the water for resistance training in a safe environment.  Have to change my mindset, destress.  I have my monthly visit with the oncologist tomorrow along with my Falsodex and Zometa treatments.  Hydrating today so my IV infusion is not difficult tomorrow.  So for about 3-4 days I will be recouping from my treatments.

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I have setup a GoFundMe page for donations to help with my medical bills.  Your generosity is humbling and appreciated.

Be genuine, share yourself and have a fabulous day!  Susan (aka SuzzzyGal)

Disclaimer:  I am not a medical professional and any information contained here is an opinion.  Seek advice from a professional.