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