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. 

Anniversary ... Cancer's Constant Timeline

My anniversary of being diagnosed with breast cancer was yesterday.  Also my birthday, funny how that works out.  This month has been a challenge for me with all my doctor appointments, impending test results.  Since my last post I had experienced a lot of emotions.

As always, I miss my mom, her words, her comfort.  After learning from my GYN doctor that I may have ovarian cancer too, little things set me to tears.  Damn those commercials from TV, sometimes I have to change the channel for 30 seconds.  Oh boy!  I had an MRI scheduled for the 20th at a local hospital.  I received a message of instructions the night before.  No jewelry worn, no metals on clothing and no food or drink 4 hours before test.  The appointment was at 3pm.  When I arrived and taken back to the MRI area I was advised that they would need a blood sample and an IV inserted for the contrast.  None of this had been relayed when making appointment or on the message the night before. 

I have a hard time giving blood or getting IV's started.  My veins are deep and I really didn't hydrate well based on the message the day before.  The technician said they had 22 gauge needles, nothing smaller.  They found one vein possible for insertion, but had trouble once inserted to get blood in the needle, my veins jump.  My hands were the next possible area and I protested about the size of their needles.  Couldn't believe the didn't carry any smaller sizes for a hospital outpatient center.   I am tired of being poked.  It definitely happens monthly with my Zometa treatments.  The technician said I could reschedule the appointment, so I did.

The following Monday I rescheduled my MRI to another hospital in the area for that Friday (27th) in the morning.  I was not going to fast for 4 hours mid day, it would be hard not to keep hydrated.  Funny thing is I hydrated very well this past Thursday and was prepared based on the scenario from the other hospital.  Once there the technician thought we may need the IV sonogram insertion because of my veins, they at least had 23 gauge needles there.  No mention of a blood test before the MRI (from the previous hospital), they brought me into the MRI room.  First series of pictures were without contrast, then the contrast would be inserted via IV for second set of pictures. 

Man that MRI machine is loud.  I had selected classic rock for music and the first song was Hotel California by the Eagles.  After a few songs they moved me out of the MRI to insert the IV.  I was confident that I had hydrated myself and the technician did it in one try with a butterfly needle for the contrast.  All in all it took about an hour to complete.  Now to wait for the results in 1-2 business days.

In between these MRI appointments I had my monthly IV infusion of Zometa, then I met with a breast surgeon, overdid it with errands.  By the end of that week I was in a lot of back pain and needed to rest vertically for awhile.  It has been a challenge of ups and down, stress from time to time but I made it through. 

One year as a breast cancer survivor ... keep me in your prayers ... fingers crossed for good news this week.

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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.