My CA125 (tumor marker) number has been steadily dropping. This week, it went from 15 down to 10! That is the lowest it has ever been, and it should indicate in most normal women, that the cancer is non-existent or decreasing. However, I have never been normal.
My CT scan showed some areas that appeared to be tumor implants on my liver, so my doctor sent me for a PET scan. They got me in the very same day for that scan. I love Cancer Treatment Centers of America!! :) The PET scan confirmed that there is cancer on my liver. To me, this was pretty good news. If any cancer was present, I was sure it would be all over the place (like it usually does). The fact that it is currently confined to the surface of my liver is good news!
My doctor gave me three treatment options: Abraxane, Taxol weekly, or Taxotere. They are all part of the 'taxol' family of drugs. She thinks Abraxane (Paclitaxel) is the best option, as it is wrapped in an albumin nanoparticle that delivers the drug into cancer cells without the toxic solvent usage in Taxol. I'd be interested to hear from anyone who has had this drug in the past, and their experience with it. The main side effects are joint pain, hair loss, and low WBC and RBC counts.
I will let them know my decision next week, but I'm leaning towards Abraxane. I had Taxol a long time ago (with Carboplatin), and my cancer continued to grow during that time. I am hopeful that with the better 'delivery' method for Abraxane, the chemo might actually do some good. Also, my doctor promised me that we would scan again after a few treatments and see if it is helping. My CA125 is obviously not indicative of cancer activity at all, so scans are the only way to tell what is going on in my body. If Abraxane isn't working, we'll be able to switch to something else pretty quickly.
I feel pretty good. I am not as energetic as I used to be, but I am able to work full time, go on vacations (we just got back from Vegas - lots of fun!), and I have good quality of life right now. I know my time is running short. I plan to continue to enjoy each day. I am almost at my five year survival mark (July) which is not common for women with recurrent ovarian cancer. I am so very grateful for the time I have been given.
My CT scan also showed that I have a small hernia. I noticed an achy feeling there for a few weeks (I think I did it when I was trying to lift my luggage for Vegas - oops!). Right now it is not a concern, and it won't be fixed until I am off of chemo. I'll use it as an excuse to get out of house cleaning ;)
I hope everyone is doing well! Enjoy the beautiful spring!
Saturday, April 21, 2012
Saturday, December 3, 2011
Yearly update
Honestly, I did not mean to let a year go by before updating. I was busy living my life, and did not have much to say about cancer.
Everything has been going well this year! My appointments through May 2011, showed my CA125 as stable and nothing suspicious was noted during my doctors appointments.
Fast forward to late September. My CA125 jumped from 14 up to 20 which was still in the so-called 'normal' range. However, my CA125 has never been a great indicator for me. I knew then that something was wrong. The doctor also 'felt' something during my exam, and ordered a CT scan right away. The scan showed that the cancer was back - and was all throughout my abdomen. Some of the larger tumors were identified in/on the colon, spleen, liver, omental stub, and pelvic area.
The thing about having recurrent cancer - it's like riding a bike. We found ourselves getting right back into the flow and rhythm of it. My favorite husband (FH) and I took a moment to process everything, and then got down to the important discussions with my doctor. She said that I would be a very good candidate for HIPEC (surgery with heated interperitoneal chemotherapy). The surgery included another full de-bulking (removal of all visible cancer) and then heated chemotherapy pumped throughout my abdomen for 90-120 minutes. The combination of the heat and the chemotherapy (Mitomycin-C) is supposed to help kill and sensitize the cancer cells.
My FH and I had discussed HIPEC in the past, and knew that was something we were interested in trying. So, I had the surgery on Monday, October 17. It was a 12 hour surgery. They removed my sigmoid colon, spleen, gall bladder, appendix, omentum, and assorted tumors throughout my pelvic area, and on my liver. Oh - they also removed that plastic tube that remained from the 'deportation' discussed in my last post!
I was in Intensive Care Unit (ICU) for two days following the surgery. They removed the tracheal tube on Tuesday. I was so weak, and felt like I had been hit by a truck, but the drugs helped :) I had a catheter, a nasogastric (NG) tube, and multiple tubes entering and departing my body. I started feeling better on Wednesday once they got me up to walk. No food or drink (because of the NG tube), but I didn't care. I wasn't hungry.
Once they removed the NG tube and catheter on Friday - I felt even better. They started me on clear liquids Saturday, non-clear (pudding, cream soups) on Monday, and solid food on Tuesday night. I was healing well, and we were on the fast track to get out of there on Thursday or Friday!! (cue music indicative of impending doom..... :) )
My temperature started going up and they found out I had a blood infection, from my port (the implant in my chest that is used for chemotherapy infusion). They removed my port on Wednesday night, and put me on IV antibiotics. Thankfully, that cleared the infection right up.
I was discharged on Saturday - 12 days after surgery. I took the following three weeks off of work. I went back to work the week of Thanksgiving, which really helped me heal faster. I need to feel useful - and I sure wasn't useful during my stint at home.
Yesterday, I got my new port installed (short surgery), and started chemotherapy. I am on Alimta (Pemetrexed), which is supposed to be mild, with few side effects. The way I understand it, Alimta inhibits the action of 3 enzymes that are needed for cancer growth. The infusion didn't take long.
I have to take folic acid and get a vitamin B-12 shot. I also have to have lab work weekly (which I can do nearby home - and they'll fax the results) to ensure my blood counts remain good. They gave me anti-nausea medicine too which I'll take for a few days.
Emotionally, we are doing good. I feel that I am at the right place for treatment and that I am doing the right thing to get more quality time. I'll fight as long as it makes sense for me to fight.
So - that is what has been happening with me (at least as far as the 'cancer' portion of my life is concerned)! How are all of YOU doing?
PS I may not update frequently, but I will update soon if I have any side effects or issues with Alimta.
Everything has been going well this year! My appointments through May 2011, showed my CA125 as stable and nothing suspicious was noted during my doctors appointments.
Fast forward to late September. My CA125 jumped from 14 up to 20 which was still in the so-called 'normal' range. However, my CA125 has never been a great indicator for me. I knew then that something was wrong. The doctor also 'felt' something during my exam, and ordered a CT scan right away. The scan showed that the cancer was back - and was all throughout my abdomen. Some of the larger tumors were identified in/on the colon, spleen, liver, omental stub, and pelvic area.
The thing about having recurrent cancer - it's like riding a bike. We found ourselves getting right back into the flow and rhythm of it. My favorite husband (FH) and I took a moment to process everything, and then got down to the important discussions with my doctor. She said that I would be a very good candidate for HIPEC (surgery with heated interperitoneal chemotherapy). The surgery included another full de-bulking (removal of all visible cancer) and then heated chemotherapy pumped throughout my abdomen for 90-120 minutes. The combination of the heat and the chemotherapy (Mitomycin-C) is supposed to help kill and sensitize the cancer cells.
My FH and I had discussed HIPEC in the past, and knew that was something we were interested in trying. So, I had the surgery on Monday, October 17. It was a 12 hour surgery. They removed my sigmoid colon, spleen, gall bladder, appendix, omentum, and assorted tumors throughout my pelvic area, and on my liver. Oh - they also removed that plastic tube that remained from the 'deportation' discussed in my last post!
I was in Intensive Care Unit (ICU) for two days following the surgery. They removed the tracheal tube on Tuesday. I was so weak, and felt like I had been hit by a truck, but the drugs helped :) I had a catheter, a nasogastric (NG) tube, and multiple tubes entering and departing my body. I started feeling better on Wednesday once they got me up to walk. No food or drink (because of the NG tube), but I didn't care. I wasn't hungry.
Once they removed the NG tube and catheter on Friday - I felt even better. They started me on clear liquids Saturday, non-clear (pudding, cream soups) on Monday, and solid food on Tuesday night. I was healing well, and we were on the fast track to get out of there on Thursday or Friday!! (cue music indicative of impending doom..... :) )
My temperature started going up and they found out I had a blood infection, from my port (the implant in my chest that is used for chemotherapy infusion). They removed my port on Wednesday night, and put me on IV antibiotics. Thankfully, that cleared the infection right up.
I was discharged on Saturday - 12 days after surgery. I took the following three weeks off of work. I went back to work the week of Thanksgiving, which really helped me heal faster. I need to feel useful - and I sure wasn't useful during my stint at home.
Yesterday, I got my new port installed (short surgery), and started chemotherapy. I am on Alimta (Pemetrexed), which is supposed to be mild, with few side effects. The way I understand it, Alimta inhibits the action of 3 enzymes that are needed for cancer growth. The infusion didn't take long.
I have to take folic acid and get a vitamin B-12 shot. I also have to have lab work weekly (which I can do nearby home - and they'll fax the results) to ensure my blood counts remain good. They gave me anti-nausea medicine too which I'll take for a few days.
Emotionally, we are doing good. I feel that I am at the right place for treatment and that I am doing the right thing to get more quality time. I'll fight as long as it makes sense for me to fight.
So - that is what has been happening with me (at least as far as the 'cancer' portion of my life is concerned)! How are all of YOU doing?
PS I may not update frequently, but I will update soon if I have any side effects or issues with Alimta.
Saturday, November 13, 2010
De-ported (somewhat)
Well, I have been lax again in updating. Oops! :)
Two weeks ago I had a scan and appointment. Still nothing on the scan that is definitively cancer!! Yay! They did see a 'shadowy' area where my trachea splits - that my doc thought was because of a recent cold/allergies. She said there are a bunch of lymph nodes there that could be swollen. She said that she could not see what the radiologist was referring to, when she looked at the scan. Anyway - I am not worried, and she wasn't either. It is something we will watch, but not something that will cause me to lose any sleep.
We also talked about cutting back on the CT scans. I have been worried lately, about all the radiation I'm getting from them. My doctor said that she would be fine with cutting them back to twice a year. She said we can just use my CA125 and HE4 blood tests to monitor, as well as my own symptoms (or lack thereof). I'll still see her every three months, but only scanned every 6.
Yesterday I had my interperitoneal port removed. The port was located on my ribcage, and the tube was anchored to an area just above my liver. I didn't think that I would be as SORE as I am today. I actually took some Vicodin (prescribed) last night for the pain - and I try to avoid that drug. It gives me crazy dreams.
My poor favorite husband - they called him from the waiting room and said that the doctor wanted to talk to him. He was scared that I had died on the operating table, or even that they found more cancer... Luckily - they just needed to tell him that they could not get the tubing out of my abdomen (from the port). Adhesions and such had made the tube a permanent part of my body. They told him that they could remove it, but that it would require a full abdominal surgery. He made the absolute right choice by having them leave it in! (it was their recommendation too). The tubing has never been a problem for me anyway - I can't feel it. But I did feel the actual port on my ribs, and the anchor on my abdomen. I'm glad they are gone!
We are celebrating my little sisters 40th birthday today (her b-day is actually next week). I can't believe she is turning 40! She has turned into such a wonderful woman. I need to stop looking at her as my 'kid' sister now, I guess :) I'll load up on ibuprofin and have some wine - and my sore bandaged ribs/abdomen surely won't bother me tonight at her party! Happy birthday Lori - I love you!
I hope you are all doing well and enjoying life! Thank you for the continued thoughts and prayers. I know for certain that I would not be where I am today, without them.
Two weeks ago I had a scan and appointment. Still nothing on the scan that is definitively cancer!! Yay! They did see a 'shadowy' area where my trachea splits - that my doc thought was because of a recent cold/allergies. She said there are a bunch of lymph nodes there that could be swollen. She said that she could not see what the radiologist was referring to, when she looked at the scan. Anyway - I am not worried, and she wasn't either. It is something we will watch, but not something that will cause me to lose any sleep.
We also talked about cutting back on the CT scans. I have been worried lately, about all the radiation I'm getting from them. My doctor said that she would be fine with cutting them back to twice a year. She said we can just use my CA125 and HE4 blood tests to monitor, as well as my own symptoms (or lack thereof). I'll still see her every three months, but only scanned every 6.
Yesterday I had my interperitoneal port removed. The port was located on my ribcage, and the tube was anchored to an area just above my liver. I didn't think that I would be as SORE as I am today. I actually took some Vicodin (prescribed) last night for the pain - and I try to avoid that drug. It gives me crazy dreams.
My poor favorite husband - they called him from the waiting room and said that the doctor wanted to talk to him. He was scared that I had died on the operating table, or even that they found more cancer... Luckily - they just needed to tell him that they could not get the tubing out of my abdomen (from the port). Adhesions and such had made the tube a permanent part of my body. They told him that they could remove it, but that it would require a full abdominal surgery. He made the absolute right choice by having them leave it in! (it was their recommendation too). The tubing has never been a problem for me anyway - I can't feel it. But I did feel the actual port on my ribs, and the anchor on my abdomen. I'm glad they are gone!
We are celebrating my little sisters 40th birthday today (her b-day is actually next week). I can't believe she is turning 40! She has turned into such a wonderful woman. I need to stop looking at her as my 'kid' sister now, I guess :) I'll load up on ibuprofin and have some wine - and my sore bandaged ribs/abdomen surely won't bother me tonight at her party! Happy birthday Lori - I love you!
I hope you are all doing well and enjoying life! Thank you for the continued thoughts and prayers. I know for certain that I would not be where I am today, without them.
Sunday, July 18, 2010
and another anniversary!
I realized late Saturday, that it has been three years since my hysterectomy, and subsequent Ovarian Cancer diagnosis. I honestly didn't think I'd make it this far when I was first diagnosed and two lines of chemotherapy (taxol/carboplatin and doxil) had no impact on my cancer. I imagined if I made it three years, I would be debilitated - as I see in other long term recurrent ovarian cancer survivors. But here I am - alive and thriving, and I wonder why. However, it is now an introspective 'why', and not a guilty one. The comments on my last post really helped me with the guilt. Especially Sams comment that my guilt will not do a thing for those other ovarian cancer patients-and she's right. It won't. What I can do for them and for myself, is to continue to live and enjoy my life, and every day that I have here on earth with my family and friends. That means no worrying about the future. The future will take care of itself.
I got to take my niece (my FH's oldest sisters' oldest daughter) skydiving! It was her request. She actually told me she wanted to do it when she was 16 (you have to be 18). She still remembered, and wanted to do it, and I was more than happy to join in on the fun. We couldn't sucker anyone else into going with us, but that was fine. I enjoyed this third skydive even more - it just keeps getting better! She really loved it too - so maybe a fourth dive is ahead!
Talk about not worrying about the future! ;) I couldn't wipe the smile off of my face the whole day! It was a great way to celebrate three years of survival.
Nothing else is new, except one sad note... I recently lost a facebook friend to ovarian cancer. You can see Sandhy's post about Diane on http://sandhysown.blogspot.com. I could not have honored Diane better than Sandhy did, so I'm not even going to try.
You probably won't hear from me until October when my next scan is due. But who knows? ;)
I got to take my niece (my FH's oldest sisters' oldest daughter) skydiving! It was her request. She actually told me she wanted to do it when she was 16 (you have to be 18). She still remembered, and wanted to do it, and I was more than happy to join in on the fun. We couldn't sucker anyone else into going with us, but that was fine. I enjoyed this third skydive even more - it just keeps getting better! She really loved it too - so maybe a fourth dive is ahead!
Talk about not worrying about the future! ;) I couldn't wipe the smile off of my face the whole day! It was a great way to celebrate three years of survival.
Nothing else is new, except one sad note... I recently lost a facebook friend to ovarian cancer. You can see Sandhy's post about Diane on http://sandhysown.blogspot.com. I could not have honored Diane better than Sandhy did, so I'm not even going to try.
You probably won't hear from me until October when my next scan is due. But who knows? ;)
Sunday, July 4, 2010
Celebrations
Recently, we celebrated my parents 45th wedding anniversary. My sister and I had a surprise 45th wedding anniversary party, that was a COMPLETE surprise to them! I still can't believe they had no clue :) My sister handled the bulk of the planning and work - and I handled the complaining :) I am not a party planner. My husband and I got married in Vegas, because the thought of planning a wedding completely terrified me. She did a fabulous job.
What was wonderful, was that everyone there seemed so happy to be there for my dad and mom. It really turned into a wonderful event. They have really been happily married for 45 years - it CAN be done! :) My favorite husband and I have been happily married for nearly 7 years, so we are on our way.
I had my CT scan and saw my doc Thursday and Friday. My news continues to be great! My CA125 remains at 14, and the scan shows no growth!! Holy cow. The calcified nodules are still there, but show no increase in size. The doctor said that the nodules occur when cancer "shrinks" and leaves behind calcium deposits. So there is no way to tell if cancer remains or not in those nodules - we just keep tracking them.
She is also incorporating a new biomarker blood test. Its the HE4 test, that is supposed to be more reliable than the CA125. Great - its another number for me to worry about!! :) I won't have that result for at least a week. I'm honestly not worried about that number yet, because of the scan and CA125 results.
The one bad thing is that I found out I was one of the very few women at my docs office that was getting "good" results that day. It makes me feel guilty and unworthy. Part of that comes from the fact that I have been extra tired, and I haven't accomplished anything lately. I work, and come home and sit on the couch :( I really need to remember to take my vitamins every day. I think the tiredness is from deficiencies, caused from past chemo treatments. What would those other women accomplish if they had my good news? I need to be re-motivated and re-energized.
Thank you all so much for your continued good energy and prayers! I have been off of treatment since January, and that is a miracle for someone with recurrent ovarian cancer!! Now, I need to get moving! :)
What was wonderful, was that everyone there seemed so happy to be there for my dad and mom. It really turned into a wonderful event. They have really been happily married for 45 years - it CAN be done! :) My favorite husband and I have been happily married for nearly 7 years, so we are on our way.
I had my CT scan and saw my doc Thursday and Friday. My news continues to be great! My CA125 remains at 14, and the scan shows no growth!! Holy cow. The calcified nodules are still there, but show no increase in size. The doctor said that the nodules occur when cancer "shrinks" and leaves behind calcium deposits. So there is no way to tell if cancer remains or not in those nodules - we just keep tracking them.
She is also incorporating a new biomarker blood test. Its the HE4 test, that is supposed to be more reliable than the CA125. Great - its another number for me to worry about!! :) I won't have that result for at least a week. I'm honestly not worried about that number yet, because of the scan and CA125 results.
The one bad thing is that I found out I was one of the very few women at my docs office that was getting "good" results that day. It makes me feel guilty and unworthy. Part of that comes from the fact that I have been extra tired, and I haven't accomplished anything lately. I work, and come home and sit on the couch :( I really need to remember to take my vitamins every day. I think the tiredness is from deficiencies, caused from past chemo treatments. What would those other women accomplish if they had my good news? I need to be re-motivated and re-energized.
Thank you all so much for your continued good energy and prayers! I have been off of treatment since January, and that is a miracle for someone with recurrent ovarian cancer!! Now, I need to get moving! :)
Saturday, April 10, 2010
Enjoying Spring!
I could apologize again about what a bad blogger I am, but would you really accept it? :)
At least I come bearing good news! I had my CT scan and doc appointment last week. The scan *read* that nothing showed up. However my doctor pulled the scan up on her computer, and saw that there are still calcified nodules in my abdomen. Those nodules, in comparison to scans from November, have shrunk! From now on though, I will always have her pull the scans up and read them herself. I don't have much faith in the radiologists' reading, which is not good. At least the doctor is aware of it now, and maybe can say something to get that fixed.
She said that we don't need to do anything now. I need to have another scan in three months. Until then (and hopefully, beyond then) I'm still on break!! My CA125 is down to 14 (the lowest its ever been).
My favorite husband and I were actually in shock. I was certain that I would need to start treatment again (and I think he thought so too). I wasn't as stressed about starting treatment again, knowing she would likely put me back on Avastin, which was really helpful (in conjunction, I believe, with the OVax vaccine trial I was in). Knowing how subversive and sneaky ovarian cancer is, I didn't expect to get an extended break like this! My body is reveling in it, and with spring here, I feel renewed.
For those of you battling ovarian cancer - I wish for the same break for you. I can't explain how much hope this gives me. At a minimum, it is more time, and it gives my body time to recuperate from all the abuse its taken the past three years.
I won't promise to update soon. :) I will try to update more often! Please continue to send good energy and prayers my way, and I'll do the same for you.
Now, go out and enjoy your lives!
At least I come bearing good news! I had my CT scan and doc appointment last week. The scan *read* that nothing showed up. However my doctor pulled the scan up on her computer, and saw that there are still calcified nodules in my abdomen. Those nodules, in comparison to scans from November, have shrunk! From now on though, I will always have her pull the scans up and read them herself. I don't have much faith in the radiologists' reading, which is not good. At least the doctor is aware of it now, and maybe can say something to get that fixed.
She said that we don't need to do anything now. I need to have another scan in three months. Until then (and hopefully, beyond then) I'm still on break!! My CA125 is down to 14 (the lowest its ever been).
My favorite husband and I were actually in shock. I was certain that I would need to start treatment again (and I think he thought so too). I wasn't as stressed about starting treatment again, knowing she would likely put me back on Avastin, which was really helpful (in conjunction, I believe, with the OVax vaccine trial I was in). Knowing how subversive and sneaky ovarian cancer is, I didn't expect to get an extended break like this! My body is reveling in it, and with spring here, I feel renewed.
For those of you battling ovarian cancer - I wish for the same break for you. I can't explain how much hope this gives me. At a minimum, it is more time, and it gives my body time to recuperate from all the abuse its taken the past three years.
I won't promise to update soon. :) I will try to update more often! Please continue to send good energy and prayers my way, and I'll do the same for you.
Now, go out and enjoy your lives!
Saturday, January 30, 2010
Tentative optimism!
First - let me apologize for not posting sooner. I have been busy with work, the holidays, and all of that wonderful daily minutia that we generally take for granted. I take it for granted too, but definitely less than I used to.
I have had a total of six treatments of Avastin, as a single agent treatment, for my recurrent ovarian cancer. I had a CT scan on Thursday, and a doctors appointment on Friday. Unfortunately for my doctor, and for me - she was sick and not in the office. I got to see her PA, who I really like though, so I still got my results.
The scan results were a little confusing to us. In some sections, it said "no change from last scan" but in others it said "no abnormal mass". The PA said this means that the cancerous nodules viewed on the last scan are either gone, or so small as to not be visible on the scan. Gone? Really?? I only have one calcified lymph node that is unchanged from the last scan. So, it sounds like wonderful news and I am now on "break" from treatment for two months! Wow! In two months I'll have another scan and appointment.
My favorite husband and I still want to talk to the doctor to clarify this report. It is the "no change from last scan" part that has my husband and I confused, and not quite ready to fully embrace that these nodules are really gone. Don't get me wrong - we are thrilled and very happy that I get a break so that my body can recuperate! We just want to clarify that the absence of information, means that there is no information available (no tumors or growths).
However, even if the scan showed no difference from last time, meaning nodules remain - that is still good news! No growth is always good news! But I hope you can understand our confusion :)
I plan to call my doctor next week (giving her a few days to catch up with her other patients) to make sure that the news is as good as it sounds. I will repost then to let you know too!
What a wonderful drug Avastin is! Its been the only thing in 2 1/2 years that has stopped my cancer from growing and even better - caused it to shrink or disappear! I also think that it is especially effective because of the vaccine I received. Both my husband and I think they are acting in conjunction with eachother - the vaccine preventing new growth, and the Avastin killing the active nodules.
So that is my update! I hope that you are all doing well and enjoying each day! I can promise that I will be enjoying all of mine! :)
I have had a total of six treatments of Avastin, as a single agent treatment, for my recurrent ovarian cancer. I had a CT scan on Thursday, and a doctors appointment on Friday. Unfortunately for my doctor, and for me - she was sick and not in the office. I got to see her PA, who I really like though, so I still got my results.
The scan results were a little confusing to us. In some sections, it said "no change from last scan" but in others it said "no abnormal mass". The PA said this means that the cancerous nodules viewed on the last scan are either gone, or so small as to not be visible on the scan. Gone? Really?? I only have one calcified lymph node that is unchanged from the last scan. So, it sounds like wonderful news and I am now on "break" from treatment for two months! Wow! In two months I'll have another scan and appointment.
My favorite husband and I still want to talk to the doctor to clarify this report. It is the "no change from last scan" part that has my husband and I confused, and not quite ready to fully embrace that these nodules are really gone. Don't get me wrong - we are thrilled and very happy that I get a break so that my body can recuperate! We just want to clarify that the absence of information, means that there is no information available (no tumors or growths).
However, even if the scan showed no difference from last time, meaning nodules remain - that is still good news! No growth is always good news! But I hope you can understand our confusion :)
I plan to call my doctor next week (giving her a few days to catch up with her other patients) to make sure that the news is as good as it sounds. I will repost then to let you know too!
What a wonderful drug Avastin is! Its been the only thing in 2 1/2 years that has stopped my cancer from growing and even better - caused it to shrink or disappear! I also think that it is especially effective because of the vaccine I received. Both my husband and I think they are acting in conjunction with eachother - the vaccine preventing new growth, and the Avastin killing the active nodules.
So that is my update! I hope that you are all doing well and enjoying each day! I can promise that I will be enjoying all of mine! :)
Wednesday, November 25, 2009
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!
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!
Tuesday, September 22, 2009
Avastin
Sorry to have been gone so long.
Last month, my CA125 jumped from 19 to 24. That spurred me to request a CT scan, and my doc was definitely on board with that. We waited a month, and I had the scan this past Friday, and a doctors appointment yesterday.
The scan showed both good news and bad news. The good news is - still no NEW cancer growth! Wow! That is pretty amazing, and I believe it must be the vaccine that is preventing any new cancer implants.
The bad news is - the stuff that is there (nodules throughout my abdomen) has grown. Mostly, they have only grown only about 1/2 cm each in the three months since my last scan. My CA125 is up to 26 now as well. Although upsetting, this news was not wholly unexpected (since my CA125 had been creeping up).
So, we discussed options. The doc mentioned several different strategies. We can wait a few more months before doing anything - we can try hormonal therapy (I have to ask her more about this in the future) - I can have another surgery, and then have heated chemotherapy applied directly in my abdomen - or we can try Avastin. She really thought that the Avastin was the best option for me with "the minimal amount of cancer" that I currently have.
Avastin is a biological therapy (not really a chemo) that targets a protein found in many cancer cell teypes, and halts cancer growth. I think that it keeps the body from providing blood supply to cancer. (I will be researching this more). Usually, it is given in conjunction with chemotherapy drugs, but the doctor said that they have been using it as a single agent drug (meaning that Avastin is all I will be getting). I am happy about that, since I really have no faith in chemotherapy (I've been through three types so far, and none have worked in the least).
So I started treatment yesterday - nothing like jumping in feet first! :) I feel fine, and it is not supposed to really have many side effects. Of course, the side effects that it may have are bad. They are rare - but bad. For example - the worst would be bowel perforation. I may have high blood pressure, and have to take medication for it as a result of this medication. Also, it can cause some kidney problems. I have the treatment every three weeks - we will go three rounds, and then another scan to see if it is effective.
The big hope is that the Avastin takes care of the one lymph node that is located outside of my abdominal cavity (just outside of it). Then I would have surgery again to remove everything - and the heated chemotherapy directly into the abdomen. The heated chemo can only be used if cancer is confined to the abdominal cavity (for obvious reasons).
I will update again soon, I promise. Especially now that I am in full treatment again...
Last month, my CA125 jumped from 19 to 24. That spurred me to request a CT scan, and my doc was definitely on board with that. We waited a month, and I had the scan this past Friday, and a doctors appointment yesterday.
The scan showed both good news and bad news. The good news is - still no NEW cancer growth! Wow! That is pretty amazing, and I believe it must be the vaccine that is preventing any new cancer implants.
The bad news is - the stuff that is there (nodules throughout my abdomen) has grown. Mostly, they have only grown only about 1/2 cm each in the three months since my last scan. My CA125 is up to 26 now as well. Although upsetting, this news was not wholly unexpected (since my CA125 had been creeping up).
So, we discussed options. The doc mentioned several different strategies. We can wait a few more months before doing anything - we can try hormonal therapy (I have to ask her more about this in the future) - I can have another surgery, and then have heated chemotherapy applied directly in my abdomen - or we can try Avastin. She really thought that the Avastin was the best option for me with "the minimal amount of cancer" that I currently have.
Avastin is a biological therapy (not really a chemo) that targets a protein found in many cancer cell teypes, and halts cancer growth. I think that it keeps the body from providing blood supply to cancer. (I will be researching this more). Usually, it is given in conjunction with chemotherapy drugs, but the doctor said that they have been using it as a single agent drug (meaning that Avastin is all I will be getting). I am happy about that, since I really have no faith in chemotherapy (I've been through three types so far, and none have worked in the least).
So I started treatment yesterday - nothing like jumping in feet first! :) I feel fine, and it is not supposed to really have many side effects. Of course, the side effects that it may have are bad. They are rare - but bad. For example - the worst would be bowel perforation. I may have high blood pressure, and have to take medication for it as a result of this medication. Also, it can cause some kidney problems. I have the treatment every three weeks - we will go three rounds, and then another scan to see if it is effective.
The big hope is that the Avastin takes care of the one lymph node that is located outside of my abdominal cavity (just outside of it). Then I would have surgery again to remove everything - and the heated chemotherapy directly into the abdomen. The heated chemo can only be used if cancer is confined to the abdominal cavity (for obvious reasons).
I will update again soon, I promise. Especially now that I am in full treatment again...
Thursday, July 23, 2009
Bad blogger!!
Yes, I am a bad blogger. ;) Summer has been busy, and I really haven't had much to say.
I did let my two year "hysterversary" and cancerversary go by, without much thought. I didn't even remember it until the next day! It wouldn't have been something to celebrate, but I wouldn't really want to mourn it either. At this point, it really is just another day (and every day on this earth is a good one!!).
My last appointment went well - except that my CA125 went up one point - from 18 to 19. A one point change is not a huge deal (and my doc doesn't think so either). I know she is right, but I am a bit obsessed with that stupid number. We'll see what happens next month.
I hope you all are doing well, and I'm sure I will update again after my mid-August appointment. I know - I'm a BAD BLOGGER!!! :)
I did let my two year "hysterversary" and cancerversary go by, without much thought. I didn't even remember it until the next day! It wouldn't have been something to celebrate, but I wouldn't really want to mourn it either. At this point, it really is just another day (and every day on this earth is a good one!!).
My last appointment went well - except that my CA125 went up one point - from 18 to 19. A one point change is not a huge deal (and my doc doesn't think so either). I know she is right, but I am a bit obsessed with that stupid number. We'll see what happens next month.
I hope you all are doing well, and I'm sure I will update again after my mid-August appointment. I know - I'm a BAD BLOGGER!!! :)
Wednesday, June 17, 2009
18
I had a pretty good appointment today.
Some good news - my tumor marker number continues to go down (!!!) My CA125 is now at 18. That is the lowest it has ever been since I started. After my first surgery, it dropped to 19, but it never went below that until now.
Most importantly, there is NO NEW ovarian cancer growth (!!!!!!!!!!) :) That is the best news! I was always good at growing new cancer while on chemo. It is good to know that my body isn't currently cultivating new tumors.
My doctor did say that the cancerous nodules that were there on the last scan are all a little larger (by millimeters). However, she thinks that is from inflammation caused by the vaccine working and attacking the cancer. That theory does make sense to me, because my arm is still inflamed too (from the vaccine shots). So, we are just going to wait and watch - which have never been strong points of mine.
Of course I wanted to hear that everything was smaller, or non-existant. ;) I guess I am just learning that everything isn't always as 'cut and dried' as I would like it to be. I want a certain answer, or outcome - but that is just not the way it works.
I have another appt next month - but no further scans planned for now. That is nice, because I hate the stress that having scans causes me!
Until next time!
Monday, June 15, 2009
Its been a while...
since my last post! Sorry to take so long to update. We have been busy though, and cancer has been (mostly) the last thing on my mind.
My last doctor appointment showed my CA125 as plateaued at 20. I wish it had gone down, but I'm very happy it didn't go up! ;) I have a CT scan tomorrow, and then find out the results of that, and another CA125 on Wednesday. I can't say I'm not worried. However, I have had no significant pains, and I feel just fine. Hopefully, that is a portent of good news to come (fingers crossed...)
Another thing that helped take my mind off of cancer, was our fabulous, wonderful, refreshing, invigorating, and fabulous (I know, I'm repeating myself!) vacation to Alaska! WOW. What a beautiful place!
Here is a picture of me and my favorite husband in Glacier Bay. The image does not capture the color and beauty of the place very well.
We saw humpback whales, orcas, moose, grizzly bears and their cubs, caribou, and Dall sheep (white sheep that live in Denali). We stayed in a cabin by a rushing creek, that lulled us to sleep at night.
We saw Denali (also known as Mount McKinley) which often is shrouded in clouds. In the pic below, it it the tall whitish mountain towering over the others. Again, the picture doesn't really capture its magnificence. The dark mountains in the foreground are like the Rocky mountains. Denali - the tallest mountain in North America - significantly towers over everything else.
It was light out essentially all night. It only got as dark as a typical sunset. The only thing I missed was seeing stars - you just couldn't see them there with all the light.
I highly recommend taking a cruise through the Alaska Inside Passage - and then going on to Denali National Park. It is the most beautiful vacation I've ever taken.
I should update again soon!
My last doctor appointment showed my CA125 as plateaued at 20. I wish it had gone down, but I'm very happy it didn't go up! ;) I have a CT scan tomorrow, and then find out the results of that, and another CA125 on Wednesday. I can't say I'm not worried. However, I have had no significant pains, and I feel just fine. Hopefully, that is a portent of good news to come (fingers crossed...)
Another thing that helped take my mind off of cancer, was our fabulous, wonderful, refreshing, invigorating, and fabulous (I know, I'm repeating myself!) vacation to Alaska! WOW. What a beautiful place!
Here is a picture of me and my favorite husband in Glacier Bay. The image does not capture the color and beauty of the place very well.
We saw humpback whales, orcas, moose, grizzly bears and their cubs, caribou, and Dall sheep (white sheep that live in Denali). We stayed in a cabin by a rushing creek, that lulled us to sleep at night.
We saw Denali (also known as Mount McKinley) which often is shrouded in clouds. In the pic below, it it the tall whitish mountain towering over the others. Again, the picture doesn't really capture its magnificence. The dark mountains in the foreground are like the Rocky mountains. Denali - the tallest mountain in North America - significantly towers over everything else.
It was light out essentially all night. It only got as dark as a typical sunset. The only thing I missed was seeing stars - you just couldn't see them there with all the light.
I highly recommend taking a cruise through the Alaska Inside Passage - and then going on to Denali National Park. It is the most beautiful vacation I've ever taken.
I should update again soon!
Wednesday, May 6, 2009
A beautiful day!
Our team - It consisted of people from work, current wacky friends and their friends, and high school friends! It was perfect weather in Chicago.
At the finish line!We had a great time, and our team brought in over $4,000. Wow!
A bunch of us went out after the walk for pizza and beer. The waiter saw all of the cancer shirts we were wearing, and asked us if "Anyone caught cancer" on the walk... Hmmm. I don't think he thoroughly considered what he was saying. He got a lot of dirty looks. It just goes to show that people really don't think before they speak. I did not take it personally, but it really offended some of my friends who have other cancer survivors in their lives.
It certainly made the day even more memorable, and gave us something to laugh about in the future! ;)
Everything else is just fine. I still feel great, and rarely remember that I have cancer. Work is keeping me busy, and I am still finalizing our vacation to Alaska (cruise) plans.
My next appointment is May 20, so I will probably post again around that time (you have been fore-warned!).
Wednesday, April 22, 2009
Earth day and Doctor visit
Hello!
I had a doctors visit today, including blood work. My CA125 continues to drop - now it is 20! Based on that number and the fact that it is continuing to decrease, I pushed back a CT scan originally scheduled for May - to June. I'm starting to be concerned about all of the radiation I've been getting. It would really suck to be cured of ovarian cancer - only to get some other type of cancer from the treatment and scans!
So, I am considering myself cancer free again until next month - when I have blood work and a doctor visit again.
Things are going well! The weather here in the midwest has been getting better and better. I've been walking and bike riding, and I have been wholly present at work again. I feel great, and am really enjoying my reprieve.
Today is earth day. I am a rabid environmentalist, who really practices what she preaches. Some simple ways to make changes every day are:
Try to avoid plastic! Plastic in bottles, bags, packaging, lining cans, etc. It amazes me how much plastic there is, and how it is almost impossible to avoid it. I hate drinking out of plastic bottles - I can 'taste' the plastic sometimes. So I buy a glass bottle of ice tea (like at any drugstore - snapple, arizona, etc.) rinse it out, and use that as my water bottle. It is dishwasher safe, and totally recyclable when the screw on cap finally gives out! :) I just use filtered water from my tap to fill it up. If you have bad water - consider leasing one of those water coolers for your home and fill up bottles with that instead of buying plastic water bottles.
Use reusable bags for groceries. This is one of the easiest and best changes I have made. What used to fill up ten plastic bags in the store, easily fits into two or three cloth bags. They are also easier to carry - and don't cut off your circulation like the plastic bags do when they wrap around your hands.
Recycle - and if a place you go to drink or eat doesn't recycle - call or e-mail them and ask them to place a bin in their facility. It is amazing too how places will listen if you call or e-mail them about something simple like that. Recycle everything you can.
Pay attention to the packaging of what you buy. So much of our waste comes from packaging. Again, e-mailing or calling a manufacturer about packaging is a simple and effective way to let them know you are paying attention.
If you go to a park, or on a hike and you see garbage - pick it up! If you camp, leave the site cleaner than when you arrived.
I could go on and on (and on and on and on).
Don't we want to leave this world in better condition than when we found it? :)
I had a doctors visit today, including blood work. My CA125 continues to drop - now it is 20! Based on that number and the fact that it is continuing to decrease, I pushed back a CT scan originally scheduled for May - to June. I'm starting to be concerned about all of the radiation I've been getting. It would really suck to be cured of ovarian cancer - only to get some other type of cancer from the treatment and scans!
So, I am considering myself cancer free again until next month - when I have blood work and a doctor visit again.
Things are going well! The weather here in the midwest has been getting better and better. I've been walking and bike riding, and I have been wholly present at work again. I feel great, and am really enjoying my reprieve.
Today is earth day. I am a rabid environmentalist, who really practices what she preaches. Some simple ways to make changes every day are:
Try to avoid plastic! Plastic in bottles, bags, packaging, lining cans, etc. It amazes me how much plastic there is, and how it is almost impossible to avoid it. I hate drinking out of plastic bottles - I can 'taste' the plastic sometimes. So I buy a glass bottle of ice tea (like at any drugstore - snapple, arizona, etc.) rinse it out, and use that as my water bottle. It is dishwasher safe, and totally recyclable when the screw on cap finally gives out! :) I just use filtered water from my tap to fill it up. If you have bad water - consider leasing one of those water coolers for your home and fill up bottles with that instead of buying plastic water bottles.
Use reusable bags for groceries. This is one of the easiest and best changes I have made. What used to fill up ten plastic bags in the store, easily fits into two or three cloth bags. They are also easier to carry - and don't cut off your circulation like the plastic bags do when they wrap around your hands.
Recycle - and if a place you go to drink or eat doesn't recycle - call or e-mail them and ask them to place a bin in their facility. It is amazing too how places will listen if you call or e-mail them about something simple like that. Recycle everything you can.
Pay attention to the packaging of what you buy. So much of our waste comes from packaging. Again, e-mailing or calling a manufacturer about packaging is a simple and effective way to let them know you are paying attention.
If you go to a park, or on a hike and you see garbage - pick it up! If you camp, leave the site cleaner than when you arrived.
I could go on and on (and on and on and on).
Don't we want to leave this world in better condition than when we found it? :)
Monday, April 6, 2009
NOCC Walk
Once again, I am walking with the National Ovarian Cancer Coalition (NOCC) for ovarian cancer awareness. I have some great friends that are also walking with me. We had a great time last year, and there are even more of us this year! Just keep your fingers crossed that the weather will hold...
If you feel so inclined, please donate! I understand that donating is difficult in these tough times, but even a few dollars can go a long way.
http://www.active.com/donate/noccil2009/NNeuman3
Otherwise I am feeling fine! My energy is good, and I really feel normal again (for the most part!). You will note that I don't blog very much when I am feeling good and normal. ;)
If you feel so inclined, please donate! I understand that donating is difficult in these tough times, but even a few dollars can go a long way.
http://www.active.com/donate/noccil2009/NNeuman3
Otherwise I am feeling fine! My energy is good, and I really feel normal again (for the most part!). You will note that I don't blog very much when I am feeling good and normal. ;)
Wednesday, March 25, 2009
Pretty good news
My results were much more good than bad. My doctor says that a nodule on my omentum (which was there before) is a little bigger. It is 1.5 centimeters now (not sure what it was before). She is not sure if it is bigger due to cancer growth, or bigger due to inflammation from the immune response from the vaccine. We, of course, hope that it is inflammation from the vaccine. The spot on my liver has stayed the same, but she is not certain if that is tumor or scar tissue.
This really is good news, because there was no explosive cancer growth as there was when I was on both the Taxol/carboplatin and the Doxil chemotherapies, and no new areas of growth identified (whew!).
Of course, we had hoped that *nothing* would show up on the scan - but we are very satisfied at this point! So is the doctor.
It also helped that my CA125 is continuing to drop. It is not really a reliable number for me - but if it increased, we would be concerned. It is now 23 (Michael Jordans number - said my favorite husband). ;)
The best part though, is NO CHEMO. My doc is going to give me another CT scan in late May, and we will see what is going on then. I am thrilled that I get a two month break from cancer! I am going to enjoy every minute of it.
Thanks so much for caring about me and my favorite husband. We truly appreciate all the kind words, prayers, good energy, etc. The battle is not over, but I'm beginning to feel like I am now on a winning team!
This really is good news, because there was no explosive cancer growth as there was when I was on both the Taxol/carboplatin and the Doxil chemotherapies, and no new areas of growth identified (whew!).
Of course, we had hoped that *nothing* would show up on the scan - but we are very satisfied at this point! So is the doctor.
It also helped that my CA125 is continuing to drop. It is not really a reliable number for me - but if it increased, we would be concerned. It is now 23 (Michael Jordans number - said my favorite husband). ;)
The best part though, is NO CHEMO. My doc is going to give me another CT scan in late May, and we will see what is going on then. I am thrilled that I get a two month break from cancer! I am going to enjoy every minute of it.
Thanks so much for caring about me and my favorite husband. We truly appreciate all the kind words, prayers, good energy, etc. The battle is not over, but I'm beginning to feel like I am now on a winning team!
Tuesday, March 24, 2009
Thursday, March 5, 2009
On the right track!
My last weekly vaccine was administered today, with no problems. I also had a doctors exam and she said that everything 'felt' just fine. Most importantly my CA125 is now.........
27
:)
That is down from 45 (Feb), from 79 (Jan), from 175 (Jan), and 360 (Dec). At this point we don't know if it is from the vaccine, or if it was the surgery and Taxotere. It was some excellent news. I was really stressed and worried about it last night (I know, I know... worry doesn't help!) When she told me the number, I had her repeat it several times. 27 27 27
I still have appointments with the research team, including Delayed Type Hypersensitivity (DTH) testing to be done at the end of the month, and a booster vaccine shot in six months. I also will see the doc and have a CT scan at the end of the month. That is good, because the CT scan is probably more reliable than my wacky CA125. When everything shows that I'm clear, I will drop down to visiting her every three months. The doctor will still be keeping a close watch.
For now, I consider myself cancer free. The days leading up to the CT scan and doc visit the next day will probably be tense, but I have a few weeks of no cancer!
Just in time for spring :)
:) :) :)
27
:)
That is down from 45 (Feb), from 79 (Jan), from 175 (Jan), and 360 (Dec). At this point we don't know if it is from the vaccine, or if it was the surgery and Taxotere. It was some excellent news. I was really stressed and worried about it last night (I know, I know... worry doesn't help!) When she told me the number, I had her repeat it several times. 27 27 27
I still have appointments with the research team, including Delayed Type Hypersensitivity (DTH) testing to be done at the end of the month, and a booster vaccine shot in six months. I also will see the doc and have a CT scan at the end of the month. That is good, because the CT scan is probably more reliable than my wacky CA125. When everything shows that I'm clear, I will drop down to visiting her every three months. The doctor will still be keeping a close watch.
For now, I consider myself cancer free. The days leading up to the CT scan and doc visit the next day will probably be tense, but I have a few weeks of no cancer!
Just in time for spring :)
:) :) :)
Monday, March 2, 2009
Rising anxiety
My last weekly vaccine will be given on Thursday. Can you believe it is over already?? It seems as though this all just started. There will still be some follow up stuff, and a booster shot in six months. It will be strange though, not making the weekly trek for my shots.
I notice that I am increasingly anxious about the appointment on Thursday. Maybe it is because I will find out my CA125 number, and which direction it is now heading. Maybe it is because the vaccine portion is essentially over - and now we will see if it is effective. I guess I am just worried about what is next.
I notice my hands clenched into fists more often, tension in my neck and shoulders, and insomnia which always accompanies anxiety for me. I force myself to relax only to find my fists clenched again.
I am trying to distract myself by planning an Alaskan cruise for us in May or June. Still, the unknown medical future colors that too. Should I plan a relaxing trip or an adventurous one? I just don't know what my medical situation will be. I guess I will do a combination of both, and get all the cancellation insurance that I can! :)
Otherwise things are just fine. The increased daylight certainly helps my mood, and it is warming up out there. Work is going well, and I am still head over heels in love! Things could certainly be a whole lot worse :)
I'll update after my appointment on Thursday - have a great week!
I notice that I am increasingly anxious about the appointment on Thursday. Maybe it is because I will find out my CA125 number, and which direction it is now heading. Maybe it is because the vaccine portion is essentially over - and now we will see if it is effective. I guess I am just worried about what is next.
I notice my hands clenched into fists more often, tension in my neck and shoulders, and insomnia which always accompanies anxiety for me. I force myself to relax only to find my fists clenched again.
I am trying to distract myself by planning an Alaskan cruise for us in May or June. Still, the unknown medical future colors that too. Should I plan a relaxing trip or an adventurous one? I just don't know what my medical situation will be. I guess I will do a combination of both, and get all the cancellation insurance that I can! :)
Otherwise things are just fine. The increased daylight certainly helps my mood, and it is warming up out there. Work is going well, and I am still head over heels in love! Things could certainly be a whole lot worse :)
I'll update after my appointment on Thursday - have a great week!
Sunday, February 8, 2009
Just checking in
Sorry I haven't been around, I just haven't had much to say.
So far, all is well with the vaccine. My upper arm where the shots were given is so sore and swollen - I'll have to take a picture and post it. A swollen arm sure beats the alternative though ;) I do have to figure out a way to protect it. There is a heck of a lot of arm slapping, shoulder grabbing and squeezing that happens in daily life. Does anyone have any ideas for me on how to protect it?
I forgot to report that my CA125 was dropping again, even before the vaccine started. It seemed like it went up into the 300's, then dropped into the 100's, then 79 (right before the vaccine). Now it is 45. I hope it keeps going down this time.
I feel fine, and continue to notice my energy levels rising. Now I just need to motivate myself to get off my butt! That is sure hard to do in the winter time. But spring is right around the corner, and our weather this weekend has been in the 50's (Fahrenheit). Also the sun is shining longer which feels good too!
I hope everyone is well. I'll try to be back soon :)
So far, all is well with the vaccine. My upper arm where the shots were given is so sore and swollen - I'll have to take a picture and post it. A swollen arm sure beats the alternative though ;) I do have to figure out a way to protect it. There is a heck of a lot of arm slapping, shoulder grabbing and squeezing that happens in daily life. Does anyone have any ideas for me on how to protect it?
I forgot to report that my CA125 was dropping again, even before the vaccine started. It seemed like it went up into the 300's, then dropped into the 100's, then 79 (right before the vaccine). Now it is 45. I hope it keeps going down this time.
I feel fine, and continue to notice my energy levels rising. Now I just need to motivate myself to get off my butt! That is sure hard to do in the winter time. But spring is right around the corner, and our weather this weekend has been in the 50's (Fahrenheit). Also the sun is shining longer which feels good too!
I hope everyone is well. I'll try to be back soon :)
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