2 Month Check Up 1/29/13

I went in today for my two month check up. All seems to be going well, my CA 125 test results were.....

DRUM ROLL PLEASE

5

Yes, a 5. For anyone who has been following, the normal range is between 1-30. I was at 413.3 before the surgery and at 33 five weeks after surgery. And now, a 5.

WOO HOO!!!

My doctor and I are very pleased with this result. I prayed it would be significantly lower and figured it would be since they said the cancer was limited to the tumor.

Since the surgery I have been experiencing some pain on the top part of the incision. They think it's a lipoma. For those who do not know what a lipoma is, it is a growth of fat cells in a thin, fibrous capsule usually found just below the skin. Lipomas are found most often on the torso, neck, upper thighs, upper arms, and armpits, but they can occur almost anywhere in the body and are a non cancerous growth. 

But since this is on the incision line, it could turn into a hernia. I am being scheduled for a CT scan to make sure. If it is, it can be easily removed in the office under a local anesthesia. I'm NOT real worried about it. 

Depending on the CT scan rsults, my next check up appointment is May 1st. So, unless I have to have the lipoma removed, my next blog entry won't be until then. 


Thanks for listening!
God Bless!

~Lori

Friday, November 16th 2012 - Check Up!!!!

I went to have my first routine check-up, of the next two years that I will be monitored, and I am happy to report I got an A+ today!!! When I walked into the office they didn't even recognize me at first. They said I am a completely different, and MUCH healthier, looking person and that I look great!

I had a pelvic done which was normal, and my incision is healing nicely. According to my doctor, my CA-125 (cancer blood test) is only 1 point above normal, but that was only five weeks after surgery. My doctor is anticipating that level to fall again when I am seen again at the end of January.

I got a note enabling me to return to my weekend job and I'm really happy about THAT because I am bored to tears at home now. And she said that I'm ready to start looking for a job in my field.... didn't tell her I already started on that. LOL

I have been walking on my treadmill every other day and increasing the time spent on it as well as speed. I feel I'm at a good point and my stamina is up enough to give me insomnia! I know when enough is enough and to take it easy though. I'm eating healthier and have increased my water intake. I still won't lift anything heavy for at least another month when I'm feeling more confident in my abilities.

So! That's about it for now. I probably won't post again until my next check up.

I hope everyone has a great holiday season. I know that I have a lot to be thankful for next week!

Thanks for listening! God Bless & love y'all!!!!

WOO HOO!!!!

Doctors office called today.... no further treatment is necessary other than close monitoring and CA125 tests every 2 months!!!

Can I get a big THANK GOD?

                              THANK GOD!

Thanks to all my family and friends who sent prayers and positive thoughts my way! All your efforts were well worth it!!!


Now excuse me while I go dance....

Thanks for listening. God Bless! Love you all!!!!!

Monday, November 5th, 2012.... CA 125 Test Results.

I went for a blood test approximately a week or so ago to test the cancer level in my blood stream. It's called a CA 125 test. Everyone has a normal range of about 0-30. Dr, Fiorica told me that he has seen this number go into the thousands on some cancer patients. I thought mine was 144, come to find out today it was over 400 before the surgery.

I got a call from his office's medical assistant today and the results of my test came back. I'm now at 33. THAT IS AWESOME!!!!

The review from John Hopkins is also back confirming the borderline results Dr. Fiorica found about the mass. There is no plan of action as of yet as to how he is going to proceed about the chemo in my file. He is in surgery today but his medical assistant is going to ask if he has one and whether she can call me with it or will I have to wait until my appointment on the 16th.

Good news make me happy :) I'm praying I won't need chemo.

Thanks for listening! God Bless! Love y'all!!! :)

Monday... October 29th, 2012 Update.... The Bloating is Going Away!

It's been a little bit since I posted last so here is another update :)

I'm doing really well. I'm getting stronger everyday. I started walking on my treadmill and getting out of the house for a little bit at a time. I drove my truck downtown today to run an errand it felt so damn good! I'm not having fevers anymore either. My weird taste buds are returning to normal.... just have to be mindful not to eat junk, LOL.

Still need to see my oncologist on the 16th for the decision of chemo and whether I can resume working. I'm hoping for the best!

So here is a pic of me down 65 lbs (that includes the nasty 35 lb mass). And no, I'm not wearing 'blush' , I have naturally awesome cheek bones!!! (and I toot my own horn too!)

Friday, October 19th 2012... The Roller Coaster Ride

It's been a little while since I've posted and not all my friends are on Facebook.

I have been riding a roller coaster during this recovery. Everything was looking really well until my bowel movements stopped again. I was having back to back fevers, some around 102 (danger range for me is 101), and my urine output was concentrated and rather dark even with all the water I was drinking.  

I started to get really nervous about this change and called my doctor.... I was seen the same day. She changed up some meds, and told me to up my water intake and they are going to test my urine to see if anything viral is going on. Had a pelvic exam done and there's no sign of infection. More laxatives because I'm having a rough time moving my bowels as well. The pain meds were changed to non barbiturates and not containing Tylenol. She told me to get regular strength Tylenol and use it as directed. I was also instructed to up my stool softener to twice daily. If the back to back fever continue into next week, she's going to prescribe an antibiotic.

It seems my taste are changing along with everything else. On Tuesday I tried eating leftovers from a really GOOD pasta, spinach, and shrimp dish.... managed to get down 3 shrimp and couldn't eat anymore of it. I love Yoo Hoo and I couldn't choke that down if I was forced too. If I'm not craving it, it starts to taste bad (like a tinny metallic taste) and I just can't do it. 

I had pizza on Monday, french fries from the oven on Tuesday, and Taco Bell on Wednesday. That was it. Thursday morning I wanted bread and figured I'd butter it to make it a bit moister. Well, by the time I got to the 2nd piece the butter started tasting tinny and I gave it to the dog. I was craving strawberry Pop Tarts and sliced turkey. Jeff got me both so I had 2 Pop Tarts for lunch and a turkey sammich for dinner :)

It's really weird. My doctor said this is going to go on for awhile. It's okay I guess... I lost another 7 lbs. LOL

Yesterday, around 7ish, the laxatives kicked in and I got my appetite back somewhere around midnight, but I had another fever. I got it down and wanted anything potato. I wasn't going to ask Jeff to start cooking at 1am so I had a turkey sammich. This morning the potato craving was still there and Jeff made us some home fries, scrambled eggs (which is weird because I always eat my eggs sunny side up yet craved scrambled) and some bacon. I finished the potatoes and eggs but couldn't finish the bacon. It wasn't from a lack of taste, but rather I ate a lot of potatoes! LOL

My body is going through all sorts of changes. It's fight to maintain homeostasis is causing all sorts of weird shit. Like the cravings and my itchy palms. My doctor said this is all normal and I'll balance out eventually.

I talked to my doctor about returning to work. I was going to work tomorrow for 7 hours. Since I had this "change" in status, she feels returning to work any time soon would be a mistake. She said I should wait for at least another month. I'm a bit disappointed but my health is more important.

As my friend Joanne says... "Baby Steps". So that's what I'm going to do. Not think about when I can do what but rather monitor the present day and track what's going on. I'm going to take "Baby Steps" each day in order to recover :)


Thanks for listening! Love yous all and God Bless!!!

Friday, October 12th 2012

I am happy to announce.....

I AM CANCER FREE!!!!!!

I went to see my OB oncologist today and had my staples removed. I have streri-strips all along the incision line and they will fall off themselves. It was also determined through the biopsy that the cancer was contained to the mass. I am completely over joyed!!!

WOO HOO!!!!!!

My case is going before a panel of other oncologists for discussion this coming Tuesday. My doctor is on the fence about giving me a preventative chemo dose because the mass was so very large. I'm rather glad that he is seeking objective opinions from his peers about this.

I will be monitored closely for the next 2 years to track my progress. My next appointment is in 2 months, unless it is decided I should have a dose of chemo.

Jeff hasn't stopped smiling :)

I'm dancing in my head. My back is really sore and I have been using a heating pad to relieve the pain. I spoke to the doctor about it and it seems that since my back isn't compensating for the added weight anymore it is trying to adjust to the sudden change. It will go away in time.

I also inquired about me returning to my part time job. My boss is very happy when I told her I will be back to work next weekend. It's the sit down weekend position I have had when I was in school. I can't pursue a job in the field I was trained in for another 2 months... I am not physically able to do it yet.

So that's where I'm at right now. Cancer free and still on the mend.

I am one of the happiest women in the world right now. With the grace of God and all the love and support from family and friends, I made it through.

Thank yous all.

Love yous and God Bless!!!