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. 

When The Doctor Comes In After A Test

Today I was scheduled for a sonogram my GYN doctor recommended to rule out any other problems with my uterous from my last visit.  My pap smear and polyp pathology came back benign or negative.  A relief for sure.  As I was waiting all ages of women were there to have a sonogram.  I felt like I was in a club for women's issues, there to eliminate any doubts perhaps each of us was feeling.

The technician called me in, asked me to void my bladder and undress for the sonogram.  She was a nice lady and proceeded to start the sonogram.  First up vaginal pictures.  At this time I asked her if I was to see the doctor after and she replied she usually sends them home unless there was something the doctor needed to see then and there.  Ok, no problem, that was fine.  I could wait to hear the results later.

The technician spent about 10 minutes looking and printing out pictures for the doctor.  She had a little trouble looking at one of my ovaries and needed to perform a sonogram through the stomach.  Once she finished she explained she was having trouble seeing the ovary and wanted the doctor to review the pictures while I was still here.  So I sat on the table that felt like forever before the technician and doctor came back in. 

My uterine lining was a little thick and the doctor recommended a D&C.  But apparently one of my ovaries had a cyst or fibroid on it.  Performing the sonogram through the stomach while the doctor was there and then confirming through vaginally with pictures.  My doctor started recommending a ovarian oncologist.  This alarmed me, but the doctor assured me that she could perform the ovary removal.  The recommendation came because if it was cancer the right doctor could do everything possible then and there. 

I understood what she was saying but it seems to me doctors, doctors, doctors and more doctors.  We discussed bloodwork and a ovary MRI to determine whether an oncologist specialist was necessary.  I now have something else to worry about and next week will be meeting with my oncologist for Zometa and Falsodex treatments.  Oh boy!

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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.