April 2010
Hi Everyone;
It has been a couple of months since my last update and people have e-mailed and wanted to know how I was doing. Thank you all for caring about me.
The cancer returned in January 2010. My CA 125 level jumped from 10 to 178. After several tests, it was clear, the cancer had returned. We had a meeting with my team that includes the Oncologist, GYN surgeon, nurses; the conclusion was to start me again on chemo therapy. This chemo is a bit different than the previous chemo. The side effects are swelling and burning and blisters on the hands and feet and mouth sores (blisters), much like canker sores. I have experienced the mouth sores so far and swelling. I have to have bags of peas placed on my hands and feet every day for an hour on a couple hours off to control the blisters. Because of the mouth sores, I lost 6 pounds in less than a month. The doctors placed me on’ ensure’ a protein drink to help with energy and make sure I have enough protein to heal the mouth sores.
One of my questions to the team was; when do we know the chemo working? Generally after the 4th treatment, tests will be performed and CA 125 level should go down. If not, other chemo treatments will be administered after the team meets and discusses the alternatives. I also asked, how long will I be on chemo? The answer is; for the rest of my life. Even if I go into remission again, I will need chemo for maintenance to keep the cancer under control. As you might remember from earlier updates, there is no cure for this cancer. Generally, when cancer returns, the cancer is more aggressive and becomes harder to treat. Cancer is sneaky and learns to adapt in many ways to the treatments. Right now, all is going as expected.
On the family side; Jonathan, Jessie and grand baby Adrianna were able to be here in Chicago with us for Easter. It was the first time in years that we were all together for Easter. Don took pictures of all 8 grandchildren, then a picture of all the kids, then with everyone. How awesome was that! Maureen had all of us at her house Easter morning for breakfast and an Easter egg hunt for all the little ones. I had a great time. Don cooked Easter dinner which was delicious. It was great to have all the kids together. Jonathan will be deploying to Afghanistan at the end of the month. Please remember him in your prayers for safe return.
I hope all is going well with each of you and I will send another update next month.
Love,
Margie

Happy New Year

January 2010
Happy New Year!
Hi Everyone:
I hope you enjoyed the holidays with family and friends. I am only sending this update to the McDermott and Walsh families. I tried calling everyone on the McDermott side and left messages when they could not be reached. I don’t want to wait any longer with the information. It is imperative that the McDermott’s are well informed on the genetic gene process.
The New Year has brought more news. I was tested for BRCA 1 and 2. This is the gene testing to see if I carry the gene mutation for Breast/Ovarian/ stomach/ and a few of other possible cancers. When Don and I went to the Genetic counseling, we were well informed of the risk is for a positive result, as my family is loaded with different cancers. We were right, I came back positive for the mutation BRCA 2 the one that carries multiple mutations.
The BRCA 2 carries the highest risk for multiple cancers and this gene test is something each McDermott should consider having for their children’s sake.
The hard part for me was telling my children, Meghann, Maureen, Michelle and Sean, and Jonathan; however, Jonathan is adopted and not in our gene pool. What it means for me: the cancer I have is what the gene mutation said I would get. Therefore, not much the doctors can do except what we are doing, fighting it. I can stay in remission but more than likely not as long as I hoped and dreamed for but we know it is in God’s hands.
What it means for my children, decisions and choices; to get genetic testing or not. And many other decisions need to be made as well.
What it means to my siblings, greater chances they have the mutation as well.
All this explains why majority of the McDermott family does not live past the age of 60.
Please pray for everyone involved that they make the best decision for themselves and their families. This is an unbelievably difficult time for all of us. Thank you for your continued Love and support as we go into the New Year with more decisions and with the help of God he will lead us to the best paths to choose from.
I will be writing again next month to keep you updated.
Love, Margie