thanksgiving

I was not expecting the news I got today. Not at all. I hadn't prepared myself for it, and was not ready for it. I've had nearly 2 1/2 years of not such great news in regards to scans. I was prepared for more not such great news (well - as prepared as one can be for that!)

I've had three treatments of Avastin (four now - counting the treatment I got yesterday). The scan results showed TUMOR SHRINKAGE! There was no new growth, and the tumors that are there showed shrinkage, some nearly 1/2 in size from the last scan! My CA125 has dropped to 16 as well, which is the lowest it has ever been. I'm always happy to hear "no new growth", but with tumors shrinking too? That is too often unheard of in ovarian cancer patients!

As you can tell, I am a little at a loss to process this information. Don't get me wrong - I am absolutely thrilled with the news! Once again, I am so thankful that I was led to my current Doctor and treatment team. I do feel cared for there, and cannot sing high enough praises for the people at Cancer Treatment Centers of America.

I can just relax now in regards to my current treatment. I know it is helping. It may not be an absolute cure, but it gives me time.

The only side effects have been headaches (dull, pounding headaches - not too strong), and an increase in blood pressure. My blood pressure is not high enough to cause concern, but if it gets higher, I will have to take blood pressure medication. That is simply a side effect of the Avastin, and not something permanent. I also have more headaches (probably due to the blood pressure). But overall I feel great, and have no debilitating side effects.

I guess I'm still a little stunned by the news :) I'm sorry for the hastily thrown together post, that I hope makes a little sense!

Happy Thanksgiving to those in the States!