Had my blood test and a pet/ct scan on Friday March 8. Met with oncologist at cancer center on Wednesday March 13th.
My CA125 has increased. This was indeed a surprise. It was 469 in January and now it is 583. That is not good news.
The scan shows "activity" on the liver. The "light" that was seen in that area on the scan is rated at a 6. I have no idea what that means. I couldn't even think to ask what that means, since that was not the news we were hoping for. They don't think the activity is in the liver, just on the outside.
They don't see any tumors so that is good news.
I continue on this path of healthy eating, lots of supplements, and exercise.
God is still in control and He is Good indeed!
appreciating your prayers:-)
Sunday, March 17, 2013
Thursday, February 28, 2013
Trials and joys
We met with the oncologist in January and found out that the CA125 numbers are on the rise. Recall the norm is 0-30 and mine was 469 last month.
Since Christmas I am on a much more stringent diet of raw veggies, low-sugar fruits, beans, and limited grains. No refined sugar, no refined flours, no dairy, and minimally processed foods, although NO processed foods is ideal. (I still like my hummus and stove-top popped popcorn!). coffee is limited too, bummer 'cuz I like the HELP it gives me in the morning.
We have incorporated 5 days of 30-minutes of exercise since Christmas.
I am taking lots of vitamins, Barley greens, and other supplements with hopes of building my immune system which will in turn fight the cancer. Interestingly, I can fight off colds and flu but the cancer is a different monster. I am under chiropractic care in addition to the care of a Naturopath and an avid nutritionist who was able to get rid of a brain tumor growing on the side of her head. I am going through detox programs, learning that the intestinal tract's health is VITAL to healing the body and having a healthy body. I am doing colon hydrotherapy. Boy, my life feels consumed by taking care of ME! David is such a trooper going to doctor appointments with me. He deserves a special treat.
We have been reading an interesting book called Anti Cancer by Dr. David Servan-Schrieber. Excellent book for anyone looking for scientific research on the link between cancer and nutrition.
Vitamin D is one to help fight cancer. Turmeric (along with pepper) is proven to help with inflammation. Inflammation in the body can lead to diseases. We are also watching my intake of alkaline foods to ensure a good balance of Ph levels. Boy, there is so much to learn. I am convinced that I have no earthly idea of how to take care of this complicated machine called the human body! God of Heaven help me!! Truly.
Trying to find out what my Vitamin D level is was quite an ordeal. My oncologist told me to go to my Family Practioner. My FP told me to go to my oncologist. My onc gyn told me to go my FP. The blood lab said they MUST HAVE an order from my physician. Surprisingly, each doctor told me the exact same thing. Literally, they each said, "I don't want to be responsible for you". WHAT does that really mean?!
Apparently, IF the blood test shows that I have some terrible disease (what can be worse than what I already have?!) then they would have to be the one responsible to watch that condition, prescribe medicine, follow up with me, etc. I am sure it is more complicated than that, but nevertheless it is soooooo frustrating. I just want to know what my Vitamin D level is so that I can get it to a level where my body can try and fight the cancer. Finally the PA at the onc gyn office relented. She said, "...but I have to have a diagnosis for this blood order, what am I supposed to put down?" I told her, "I have cancer!" I wanted to shout, "Are you serious?? REALLY??!!!" It's quite bazaar if you ask me.
So here it is the end of February. I vacillate between energetic and tired, joyous and depressed, overwhelmed and able to manage quite well. I felt this way before being diagnosed! So what's the difference?
It has been 13 months since I was diagnosed. I have had 8 chemo treatments, 1 major surgery and had 2 lymphacelles drained. Now I'm ready to recover! I do have a CAT/PET scan on Friday, March 8th. I have the same ole right-sided pains bothering me again. Perhaps it's scar tissue? Another lymphacelle?
I am hoping to have the Power Port removed from my upper chest in April, since chemo is not an option for me anymore. Perhaps the neck, shoulder and back pain will go away once the port is removed. I wonder if the port's location on top of the muscle has affected my neck, shoulder and back muscles problems. The massages and chiro care are slowly helping but this neck pain is really a pain in the neck!
I continue to appreciate prayers for us. Tim is an angel and cares for me tirelessly. David puts up with my moodiness and is quite agreeable for a 3 and a half year old. Both are such blessings! Thank you Lord for your goodness, kindness and daily mercy!
Since Christmas I am on a much more stringent diet of raw veggies, low-sugar fruits, beans, and limited grains. No refined sugar, no refined flours, no dairy, and minimally processed foods, although NO processed foods is ideal. (I still like my hummus and stove-top popped popcorn!). coffee is limited too, bummer 'cuz I like the HELP it gives me in the morning.
We have incorporated 5 days of 30-minutes of exercise since Christmas.
I am taking lots of vitamins, Barley greens, and other supplements with hopes of building my immune system which will in turn fight the cancer. Interestingly, I can fight off colds and flu but the cancer is a different monster. I am under chiropractic care in addition to the care of a Naturopath and an avid nutritionist who was able to get rid of a brain tumor growing on the side of her head. I am going through detox programs, learning that the intestinal tract's health is VITAL to healing the body and having a healthy body. I am doing colon hydrotherapy. Boy, my life feels consumed by taking care of ME! David is such a trooper going to doctor appointments with me. He deserves a special treat.
We have been reading an interesting book called Anti Cancer by Dr. David Servan-Schrieber. Excellent book for anyone looking for scientific research on the link between cancer and nutrition.
Vitamin D is one to help fight cancer. Turmeric (along with pepper) is proven to help with inflammation. Inflammation in the body can lead to diseases. We are also watching my intake of alkaline foods to ensure a good balance of Ph levels. Boy, there is so much to learn. I am convinced that I have no earthly idea of how to take care of this complicated machine called the human body! God of Heaven help me!! Truly.
Trying to find out what my Vitamin D level is was quite an ordeal. My oncologist told me to go to my Family Practioner. My FP told me to go to my oncologist. My onc gyn told me to go my FP. The blood lab said they MUST HAVE an order from my physician. Surprisingly, each doctor told me the exact same thing. Literally, they each said, "I don't want to be responsible for you". WHAT does that really mean?!
Apparently, IF the blood test shows that I have some terrible disease (what can be worse than what I already have?!) then they would have to be the one responsible to watch that condition, prescribe medicine, follow up with me, etc. I am sure it is more complicated than that, but nevertheless it is soooooo frustrating. I just want to know what my Vitamin D level is so that I can get it to a level where my body can try and fight the cancer. Finally the PA at the onc gyn office relented. She said, "...but I have to have a diagnosis for this blood order, what am I supposed to put down?" I told her, "I have cancer!" I wanted to shout, "Are you serious?? REALLY??!!!" It's quite bazaar if you ask me.
So here it is the end of February. I vacillate between energetic and tired, joyous and depressed, overwhelmed and able to manage quite well. I felt this way before being diagnosed! So what's the difference?
It has been 13 months since I was diagnosed. I have had 8 chemo treatments, 1 major surgery and had 2 lymphacelles drained. Now I'm ready to recover! I do have a CAT/PET scan on Friday, March 8th. I have the same ole right-sided pains bothering me again. Perhaps it's scar tissue? Another lymphacelle?
I am hoping to have the Power Port removed from my upper chest in April, since chemo is not an option for me anymore. Perhaps the neck, shoulder and back pain will go away once the port is removed. I wonder if the port's location on top of the muscle has affected my neck, shoulder and back muscles problems. The massages and chiro care are slowly helping but this neck pain is really a pain in the neck!
I continue to appreciate prayers for us. Tim is an angel and cares for me tirelessly. David puts up with my moodiness and is quite agreeable for a 3 and a half year old. Both are such blessings! Thank you Lord for your goodness, kindness and daily mercy!
Monday, December 24, 2012
Merry Christmas and of course, a Happy New Year
We are grateful to our God who left His heavenly home to come to earth through His creation, the virgin Mary (prophesied @ in Isaiah 7:14 written about 700 B.C.), with the purpose to redeem His creation unto Himself.
Our sin (actions, thoughts, and words against God's will) separates us from life with our Creator, a Holy God, here on earth and once we die. The death of Jesus The Christ allows us to be reconciled to God, our Creator --- IF we choose.
One amazing fact...The death of Jesus the Christ by crucifixion was prophesied approximately 700 years BEFORE anyone knew about crucifixion! (Isaiah 50:6, 53:4-6; Zechariah 12:10 @ 520 B.C.).
Did you know that the Bible is used as a "handbook" by archaeologists who have been able to confirm actual information and locations written about in the Bible over the period of at least 4 thousand years!? I was privileged to participate in an archaeological dig on the southwestern outskirts of the Sea of Galilee back in 2000. We were digging up clay remnants from King David's and Solomon's time periods (about 1040 BC - 931 B.C.). Simply amazing!
Historical documents outside of religious organizations also provide information that events, places, and people in the Bible were/are indeed real. In addition to the Bible, another fascinating read is "Josephus" -- a Jewish-by-birth historian who defected to the Roman side and was granted citizenship. Josephus recorded Jewish history with special emphasis on the 1st century AD. (about 94 A.D.) His writings give much information about 1st century Judaism and the background of early Christianity from a NON religious standard.
I encourage you to consider reading the Bible and decide for yourself. Is God really omniscient, omnipresent and omnipotent? Is He really who He says He is? Does He truly care about YOU and love YOU as He claims? Did He just create you and leave you to "figure life out all alone"? Are YOU just a result of a cosmic explosion with no purpose other than to satisfy yourself for however long you live on earth? Will you return to life after you die as a bug, or an animal or another person - what a dreadful thought!!
I pray that 2013 will lead you on an adventure of finding the truth about who Our Creator, God is, was and will be for eternity.
Our sin (actions, thoughts, and words against God's will) separates us from life with our Creator, a Holy God, here on earth and once we die. The death of Jesus The Christ allows us to be reconciled to God, our Creator --- IF we choose.
One amazing fact...The death of Jesus the Christ by crucifixion was prophesied approximately 700 years BEFORE anyone knew about crucifixion! (Isaiah 50:6, 53:4-6; Zechariah 12:10 @ 520 B.C.).
Did you know that the Bible is used as a "handbook" by archaeologists who have been able to confirm actual information and locations written about in the Bible over the period of at least 4 thousand years!? I was privileged to participate in an archaeological dig on the southwestern outskirts of the Sea of Galilee back in 2000. We were digging up clay remnants from King David's and Solomon's time periods (about 1040 BC - 931 B.C.). Simply amazing!
Historical documents outside of religious organizations also provide information that events, places, and people in the Bible were/are indeed real. In addition to the Bible, another fascinating read is "Josephus" -- a Jewish-by-birth historian who defected to the Roman side and was granted citizenship. Josephus recorded Jewish history with special emphasis on the 1st century AD. (about 94 A.D.) His writings give much information about 1st century Judaism and the background of early Christianity from a NON religious standard.
I encourage you to consider reading the Bible and decide for yourself. Is God really omniscient, omnipresent and omnipotent? Is He really who He says He is? Does He truly care about YOU and love YOU as He claims? Did He just create you and leave you to "figure life out all alone"? Are YOU just a result of a cosmic explosion with no purpose other than to satisfy yourself for however long you live on earth? Will you return to life after you die as a bug, or an animal or another person - what a dreadful thought!!
I pray that 2013 will lead you on an adventure of finding the truth about who Our Creator, God is, was and will be for eternity.
Tuesday, December 18, 2012
Thursday, December 13, 2012
Two weeks and counting
We have just passed the 2 week mark of having the catheter. Yesterday's appointment showed that the catheter was somehow plugged because the alcohol that was to go through the catheter into the cyst was running down my back. I mentioned the feeling of liquid running down my back and the doctor said he didn't see anything and it must be on the inside of my skin. THAT's WEIRD, I thought. He continued to try to inject the alcohol into the catheter and it continued to NOT go in. Then he removed the bandage and of course, he then saw the liquid running down my back. THANK YOU I am not hallucinating doctor:-)
The catheter for some reason was not working (all of the sudden) so it had to be replaced. A little shot of lidocaine, a little pinch, a little pull, a cramp-like feeling, a little stitch and I was ready for the alcohol injection again.
This has truly been an ordeal. I feel that the radiologist office is really "practicing" with me. I can't wait for this cyst to do what is intended - to collapse so that the lymphatic fluid will not collect in any abdomen "pockets" anymore. No more drainages!!
Hope you are on your way to having a Merry Christmas! Indeed we celebrate the birth of Jesus for Christmas--God in the flesh, who left His heavenly seat to be with His creation and die so that we can be redeemed back to God. It's difficult to understand, but I pray that anyone reading this blog will know the truth and the facts:
God is who He says He is
God can do what He says He can
I am who God says I am (loved by the Almighty God, Creator of all things seen and unseen)
I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me
God's word is alive and living in me! (once I surrender to God my will, and accept His only begotten Son as my Master and Savior)
Amen.
The catheter for some reason was not working (all of the sudden) so it had to be replaced. A little shot of lidocaine, a little pinch, a little pull, a cramp-like feeling, a little stitch and I was ready for the alcohol injection again.
This has truly been an ordeal. I feel that the radiologist office is really "practicing" with me. I can't wait for this cyst to do what is intended - to collapse so that the lymphatic fluid will not collect in any abdomen "pockets" anymore. No more drainages!!
Hope you are on your way to having a Merry Christmas! Indeed we celebrate the birth of Jesus for Christmas--God in the flesh, who left His heavenly seat to be with His creation and die so that we can be redeemed back to God. It's difficult to understand, but I pray that anyone reading this blog will know the truth and the facts:
God is who He says He is
God can do what He says He can
I am who God says I am (loved by the Almighty God, Creator of all things seen and unseen)
I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me
God's word is alive and living in me! (once I surrender to God my will, and accept His only begotten Son as my Master and Savior)
Amen.
Saturday, December 1, 2012
Another medical procedure
Deb's GYN oncologist recommended we see a radiologist about the cyst. We met with a radiologist Monday and he suggested that she have a catheter inserted into the lymphocele (aka cyst, aka fluid sac) and allow it to drain completely. Once it is drained, they will insert beta iodine or alcohol into the sac with hopes to "scar it down" which means to collapse it and dry it up so that it cannot collect fluid any more. This process may take 1-2 weeks or longer and requires visits to the radiologist every couple days to have the alcohol injected.
Thankfully Deb's friend Linda has been visiting for the week and has been able to help out with David while we meet medical appointments. On Wednesday Deb went to St Mark's to have the lymphocele drained and the catheter installed. All went well but they had to insert the catheter through the main muscle in her lower back so she was in a lot of pain the first 24 hours. The pain has eased up but it's difficult to sit, stand up and walk since the muscle where the catheter is is connected to the muscle that runs in the front of the hip and groin area. She has had to take pain meds the first 48 hours which causes constipation ...which in turn causes pain in the abdomen...a vicious circle. So now she is not taking pain meds so that the bowels can return to "normal". The pain of the catheter in the muscle is quite bothersome and limits her activity.
The catheter will stay inserted until the lymphocele is completely scarred down. She had one beta iodine (?) injection Friday and will return again on Wednesday for another injection. We are praying that the catheter can be removed Wednesday so we are asking for you to please pray with us. Thank you, thank you, thank you!
Thankfully Deb's friend Linda has been visiting for the week and has been able to help out with David while we meet medical appointments. On Wednesday Deb went to St Mark's to have the lymphocele drained and the catheter installed. All went well but they had to insert the catheter through the main muscle in her lower back so she was in a lot of pain the first 24 hours. The pain has eased up but it's difficult to sit, stand up and walk since the muscle where the catheter is is connected to the muscle that runs in the front of the hip and groin area. She has had to take pain meds the first 48 hours which causes constipation ...which in turn causes pain in the abdomen...a vicious circle. So now she is not taking pain meds so that the bowels can return to "normal". The pain of the catheter in the muscle is quite bothersome and limits her activity.
The catheter will stay inserted until the lymphocele is completely scarred down. She had one beta iodine (?) injection Friday and will return again on Wednesday for another injection. We are praying that the catheter can be removed Wednesday so we are asking for you to please pray with us. Thank you, thank you, thank you!
Friday, November 23, 2012
Giving Thanks to God
Hope your Thanksgiving was filled with great God-moments, fond memories, and good food!
We celebrated throughout the week with awesome friends and a week long visit with Tim's mom!
We met with the Deb's chemo oncologist Tuesday and received news that the CA125 is back up since our last visit. It was 147 and now it is 278. However, the doctor says she is not concerned about the number increase and therefore we will address what was discovered in the CT scan last Friday. The scan did NOT show any cancer (thank you Lord) however there is another fluid sac or "cyst" growing in the pelvic area.
The symptoms Deb is experiencing are very similar to the last fluid sac she had -- pressure, pinching, cramp-like sensations, and tender right side -- so we will be going in on Wednesday (Nov 28) to have the fluid drained. It's an out patient procedure so Deb will have to be under local anesthesia while the radiologist uses the ct to guide the instruments to the right spot. We pray that the radiologist will be able to access the area to drain it. Last time Deb had this done there were 2 fluid sacs -- one was accessed and the other was too close to the sciatic nerve to have anything done. The draining of the one fluid sac provided relief from the pains.
Apparently it is common for these "fluid sacs" to build after lymph nodes have been removed. The lymph system is still trying to figure out a path where there once were nodes.
We continue to appreciate prayers. We are thankful that God has a purpose for all this (although we have no clue what that is!) and we lean on His everlasting love. Every minute of each day.
We celebrated throughout the week with awesome friends and a week long visit with Tim's mom!
We met with the Deb's chemo oncologist Tuesday and received news that the CA125 is back up since our last visit. It was 147 and now it is 278. However, the doctor says she is not concerned about the number increase and therefore we will address what was discovered in the CT scan last Friday. The scan did NOT show any cancer (thank you Lord) however there is another fluid sac or "cyst" growing in the pelvic area.
The symptoms Deb is experiencing are very similar to the last fluid sac she had -- pressure, pinching, cramp-like sensations, and tender right side -- so we will be going in on Wednesday (Nov 28) to have the fluid drained. It's an out patient procedure so Deb will have to be under local anesthesia while the radiologist uses the ct to guide the instruments to the right spot. We pray that the radiologist will be able to access the area to drain it. Last time Deb had this done there were 2 fluid sacs -- one was accessed and the other was too close to the sciatic nerve to have anything done. The draining of the one fluid sac provided relief from the pains.
Apparently it is common for these "fluid sacs" to build after lymph nodes have been removed. The lymph system is still trying to figure out a path where there once were nodes.
We continue to appreciate prayers. We are thankful that God has a purpose for all this (although we have no clue what that is!) and we lean on His everlasting love. Every minute of each day.
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