Today at my doctors appointment, we started the anergic skin testing for the O-Vax vaccine for ovarian cancer. They injected me with small amounts of candida, tetanus, tuberculosis, and one other injection in my left forearm. It wasn't too uncomfortable. I am really getting used to needles. I have to go back on Wednesday to have the injection sites inspected, measured, and checked. Next week I have the DTH skin testing. After that, there is a lull (10-14 days) and then I start the vaccine, provided that all the skin testing goes as anticipated. Hopefully my immune system cooperates with the skin testing - and gives them the results that they are looking for!
Things are moving forward - and not a minute too soon. My CA125 (a tumor marker) is up from 101 to 304, in just a matter of two weeks (normal is <35). This high CA125 is so unusual for me. I feel some 'twingy' type pains every so often near my liver, and in my lower abdomen - I think it must be the cancer rallying for a comeback. There is no significant pain though. Nothing like the liver pains I felt last year during taxol/carboplatin (when I was sprouting a mighty fine specimen of a tumor). So I am not going to worry about the CA125 number. Again, like the nodules that show up on my CT scan, I need these to see if the vaccine is working. Right? Sure.
Christmas was wonderful! My Aunt and Uncle travelled the 450 miles to see us again this year. My sister just started a new job, and my favorite husband couldn't really take any more time off of work for us to travel - so this was really appreciated. I also had a great time with the in-laws and extended family.
I hope all of you had a wonderful holiday, and have a happy new year!
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8 comments:
I'm so excited to here that you are on your way. I'll be saying a few prayers that all of the skin tests turn out just fine so that you can test out that vaccine and blast the bad cells out of there!
Joellyn
roll on that vaccine. New Year, New Vaccine - New Nat! CA 125 should be called 'how to have a nervous breakdown 125' instead, but as you know, all sorts of silly things can push it up; it seems mine went up at one point because I changed the brand of cigarettes I was smoking! So you're right, don't worry about it. [easy to say eh?]
Keeping my fingers crossed that everything goes as it should babe!
xx
Hey Nat!
A New Year, a New You!! They go hand in hand...like Sandhy said, any number of things can cause your CA125 to elevate and like you said, we need something to give the vaccine to work with:) I'm so excited for what this vaccine will do for you and so many other women...
xoxo
I am keeping a close eye on you and your vaccination. I am so excited for you and thank you for being one to blaze a trail for the rest of us. I am keeping you in my thoughts daily - here comes all my good vibes!
hey Nat - I have nominated your blog for the Lemonade Award!
http://sandhysown.blogspot.com/
My blog won it and I'm passing it on to you as a way of saying "you have an excellent blog...so take some time and relax with a refreshing glass of lemonade!" Join the Secret Lemonade Drinker Society! ;o)
x
Happy New Year, Nat! Glad you had a great Christmas and glad things are moving along! Love you, tons.
JC
Hi Nat - Boy! I should say you are really getting used to needles. I read in one of your dad's messages that you're going to start the vaccine on Jan. 20th I believe. I am glad to hear things are moving forward, and I do so hope and pray the CA125 goes down after you start the vaccine. I'm sorry to hear you're getting the "twingy pains." :(
So glad you all had a wonderful Christmas. The holidays went by so fast, didn't they?
Hey! Nat & favorite husband........I absolutely love the new picture on your blog:)
Take care, God bless, and good luck once again with the vaccine.
Love,
Gerry
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