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
Thursday, April 8, 2010
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
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
Sunday, December 20, 2009
MERRY CHRISTMAS!
First, I am doing well. I had to have a surgical procedure on my back this week. All in all everything is going well. I have a CT scan and another round of major testing over the next couple of weeks, as I know the results, I will update in one e-mail and on the blog in January.
As we approach this holiest time of year, and reflect on the meaning of Jesus birth.
For me, it is the sometimes overlooked meaning to his life is he was a teacher. He was a teacher of life, a teacher of good, a teacher of love, to oneself and others, a teacher of many things.
Remember your teacher, Mother, Father, husband, wife, educator, friend, mentor, brother, sister, Aunt, Uncle, cousin, boss, co-workers, sons and daughters; whoever taught you your greatest gifts.
I would have to thank everyone above; especially this past year. The lessons learned of those who truly listen or did some of you pull words from my updates and chose to look at the negative instead of the positive message it was meant to bring or did you sit back and read my message and see the strength you provided me to endure and to reach out. In some respect we all saw both sides. It did for me, even as I wrote the words.
This past year brought out the best and worst in my Faith. One of the most profound differences in my life were the positive changes in relationships with Don’s sisters; my sisters-in-law that have become my ‘sisters’ (Monkey – no need to elaborate). My good buddies; the ‘Circle of Trust’ of women that I can relate to the sister hood with the Army contract we all shared. My best friend, Ethel, we became even closer, as if that were possible. And they are others that played a significant role of making my caps to wear, or making soaps, or taking Don and I to a movie to get away from reality. Others sent e-mails of support from far away or close by of support. Or perhaps a lunch meeting with a very good friend from whom I met in Graduate school and can’t help but think we are kindred spirits of sorts. Or perhaps, a phone call, cards, weekly envelopes, flowers, or PJ grams were sent, oh how I love those as well. Please know however you reached out to me, I shall never forget. Your love is truly remembered in my heart.
Other relationships changed to, some did not know what to do, not a visit, not even a call, not a note, not a…I know it was there way of dealing with what life was throwing at them and that is Okay.
My Faith challenged me to be upbeat on days I could not get up to be upbeat. And on those days, my love, my husband, Don, and my children, Meghann, Maureen, Michelle, Sean and Jonathan and my sons –in law and of course my grandchildren, were there to help me through it all. They were my Faith, when I needed it most, providing me with love, patience, compassion and support. Most of all, they were my teachers.
You don’t have to look far for Jesus gifts, it is right here in front of all of us.
With Love,
Margie
First, I am doing well. I had to have a surgical procedure on my back this week. All in all everything is going well. I have a CT scan and another round of major testing over the next couple of weeks, as I know the results, I will update in one e-mail and on the blog in January.
As we approach this holiest time of year, and reflect on the meaning of Jesus birth.
For me, it is the sometimes overlooked meaning to his life is he was a teacher. He was a teacher of life, a teacher of good, a teacher of love, to oneself and others, a teacher of many things.
Remember your teacher, Mother, Father, husband, wife, educator, friend, mentor, brother, sister, Aunt, Uncle, cousin, boss, co-workers, sons and daughters; whoever taught you your greatest gifts.
I would have to thank everyone above; especially this past year. The lessons learned of those who truly listen or did some of you pull words from my updates and chose to look at the negative instead of the positive message it was meant to bring or did you sit back and read my message and see the strength you provided me to endure and to reach out. In some respect we all saw both sides. It did for me, even as I wrote the words.
This past year brought out the best and worst in my Faith. One of the most profound differences in my life were the positive changes in relationships with Don’s sisters; my sisters-in-law that have become my ‘sisters’ (Monkey – no need to elaborate). My good buddies; the ‘Circle of Trust’ of women that I can relate to the sister hood with the Army contract we all shared. My best friend, Ethel, we became even closer, as if that were possible. And they are others that played a significant role of making my caps to wear, or making soaps, or taking Don and I to a movie to get away from reality. Others sent e-mails of support from far away or close by of support. Or perhaps a lunch meeting with a very good friend from whom I met in Graduate school and can’t help but think we are kindred spirits of sorts. Or perhaps, a phone call, cards, weekly envelopes, flowers, or PJ grams were sent, oh how I love those as well. Please know however you reached out to me, I shall never forget. Your love is truly remembered in my heart.
Other relationships changed to, some did not know what to do, not a visit, not even a call, not a note, not a…I know it was there way of dealing with what life was throwing at them and that is Okay.
My Faith challenged me to be upbeat on days I could not get up to be upbeat. And on those days, my love, my husband, Don, and my children, Meghann, Maureen, Michelle, Sean and Jonathan and my sons –in law and of course my grandchildren, were there to help me through it all. They were my Faith, when I needed it most, providing me with love, patience, compassion and support. Most of all, they were my teachers.
You don’t have to look far for Jesus gifts, it is right here in front of all of us.
With Love,
Margie
Wednesday, November 25, 2009
HAPPY THANKSGIVING!
To all my family and friends, Happy Thanksgiving!
This is a time to give thanks and reflect on the blessings bestowed upon us all.
I am truly blessed to have wonderful people in my life. This past year has changed my life; I like to think for the better. Although, cancer is hard to hear and know that it is terminal, cancer can be overwhelming at times, it also has brought out more love and support than I could have imagined.
Today, Wed the 25th of November, the day before Thanksgiving, I contemplate all that I am thankful for in my life. I am very thankful to the doctors and nurses and the treatment that is available for me. This treatment has provided me with remission. Awesome!
Remission can be for a long time and I pray every day for all those fighting the battle of cancer.
I am extremely thankful to my husband, Don, my children, Meghann, Maureen, Michelle, Sean and Jonathan; they are my inspiration, love, support, and all are cherished beyond words.
Today, at treatment, I learned my CA level increased by 1, it is at 10. This is the first increase in 3 months. Nothing to be alarmed about, something to watch. All other indicators are good and normal. Thankful...
I am Thankful for each of you in my life, and the outpouring of love, support, kindness, and friendship each of you have provided to me and our family this year. I love you all!
Wishing everyone a peaceful and thoughtful gathering with friends and family this Thanksgiving.
With love,
Margie
This is a time to give thanks and reflect on the blessings bestowed upon us all.
I am truly blessed to have wonderful people in my life. This past year has changed my life; I like to think for the better. Although, cancer is hard to hear and know that it is terminal, cancer can be overwhelming at times, it also has brought out more love and support than I could have imagined.
Today, Wed the 25th of November, the day before Thanksgiving, I contemplate all that I am thankful for in my life. I am very thankful to the doctors and nurses and the treatment that is available for me. This treatment has provided me with remission. Awesome!
Remission can be for a long time and I pray every day for all those fighting the battle of cancer.
I am extremely thankful to my husband, Don, my children, Meghann, Maureen, Michelle, Sean and Jonathan; they are my inspiration, love, support, and all are cherished beyond words.
Today, at treatment, I learned my CA level increased by 1, it is at 10. This is the first increase in 3 months. Nothing to be alarmed about, something to watch. All other indicators are good and normal. Thankful...
I am Thankful for each of you in my life, and the outpouring of love, support, kindness, and friendship each of you have provided to me and our family this year. I love you all!
Wishing everyone a peaceful and thoughtful gathering with friends and family this Thanksgiving.
With love,
Margie
Friday, October 16, 2009
REMISSION!
16 October 2009
Hi Everyone;
Six weeks since I last wrote and more test and lab work. Yesterday was a huge day for celebration; the news is good, I continue in Remission, 3 months and counting. YEAH!!! My CA 125 remains at 9. It is awesome I have remained at 9 without upward movement. Treatment is definitely working. I receive treatment approximately every 3 weeks through July 2010.
After my last writing, some were/are confused on what remission means for me. I will try and explain. Remission for me means the cancer is not active. I will always have cancer; PPC is not a curable cancer. However, the cancer can be dormant for an extended period of time; perhaps as long as 10 years. I/we are hopeful and prayerful for the long term. If anyone has questions, please ask me. I know Don and I are diligent about asking plenty of questions to the doctors and will be happy to share our knowledge.
On the crazy side of reality, things are getting back to some sense of normal. My hair is growing back faster than most that have gone through extensive chemo therapy. Although the hair is still very short, the color is dark with a few grey hairs and so far straight. I find the straight hair different than the curlier hair I used to have, the texture is softer. However, it is too short to call it straight for the long term. My eyebrows, wow…they are growing thicker and they came in like Brooke Shields. Hahahahaha. Too funny, I just had my eyebrows waxed and whew, it hurt like it did the very first time I had a wax. Ouch!
Last weekend, we (Don, Sean and I), drove to Ft. Campbell, Kentucky to see Jonathan, Jessie and Adrianna. Adrianna, our 8th grandchild, celebrated her 1st Birthday. Jessie parents and grandparents were also there. We had a blast and went on post and visited the museum, and PX (great shopping deals). Adrianna had her own birthday cake and destroyed the cake within seconds. Thank goodness my brother Larry and my sister-in-law Donna were there to save the day by bringing their camera along, because Nana and Papa forgot and had to purchase a disposable camera at the PX. All in all everyone had a good time and we all loved seeing everyone and enjoyed our visit. Jonathan will be deploying to Afghanistan within 6 months. I will keep all of you posted on when he deploys.
Don and I also participated in 2 yard sales and got rid of a lot of accumulated junk over the last 30 plus years. It feels good to go through and weed out the closets, garage, attic and basement. Don really worked hard along with Maureen to get things put together to sell and throw out. Next, the kids are coming over to go through some Christmas items I no longer use to put at their houses and out of mine. Ahh it feels good to have the house cleaned out and in order. Now, we just need to work on the office…it is like a black hole; things go in but never come out.
Enjoy Halloween with all the little trick or treaters.
That is the news for now.
Keep in touch and I will write again in November.
Love, Margie
Hi Everyone;
Six weeks since I last wrote and more test and lab work. Yesterday was a huge day for celebration; the news is good, I continue in Remission, 3 months and counting. YEAH!!! My CA 125 remains at 9. It is awesome I have remained at 9 without upward movement. Treatment is definitely working. I receive treatment approximately every 3 weeks through July 2010.
After my last writing, some were/are confused on what remission means for me. I will try and explain. Remission for me means the cancer is not active. I will always have cancer; PPC is not a curable cancer. However, the cancer can be dormant for an extended period of time; perhaps as long as 10 years. I/we are hopeful and prayerful for the long term. If anyone has questions, please ask me. I know Don and I are diligent about asking plenty of questions to the doctors and will be happy to share our knowledge.
On the crazy side of reality, things are getting back to some sense of normal. My hair is growing back faster than most that have gone through extensive chemo therapy. Although the hair is still very short, the color is dark with a few grey hairs and so far straight. I find the straight hair different than the curlier hair I used to have, the texture is softer. However, it is too short to call it straight for the long term. My eyebrows, wow…they are growing thicker and they came in like Brooke Shields. Hahahahaha. Too funny, I just had my eyebrows waxed and whew, it hurt like it did the very first time I had a wax. Ouch!
Last weekend, we (Don, Sean and I), drove to Ft. Campbell, Kentucky to see Jonathan, Jessie and Adrianna. Adrianna, our 8th grandchild, celebrated her 1st Birthday. Jessie parents and grandparents were also there. We had a blast and went on post and visited the museum, and PX (great shopping deals). Adrianna had her own birthday cake and destroyed the cake within seconds. Thank goodness my brother Larry and my sister-in-law Donna were there to save the day by bringing their camera along, because Nana and Papa forgot and had to purchase a disposable camera at the PX. All in all everyone had a good time and we all loved seeing everyone and enjoyed our visit. Jonathan will be deploying to Afghanistan within 6 months. I will keep all of you posted on when he deploys.
Don and I also participated in 2 yard sales and got rid of a lot of accumulated junk over the last 30 plus years. It feels good to go through and weed out the closets, garage, attic and basement. Don really worked hard along with Maureen to get things put together to sell and throw out. Next, the kids are coming over to go through some Christmas items I no longer use to put at their houses and out of mine. Ahh it feels good to have the house cleaned out and in order. Now, we just need to work on the office…it is like a black hole; things go in but never come out.
Enjoy Halloween with all the little trick or treaters.
That is the news for now.
Keep in touch and I will write again in November.
Love, Margie
Tuesday, September 1, 2009
1 Sept 2009
Hi Everyone;
How time flies when you are having fun! It is Sept. 1st already and hard to believe it was seven months ago when I was diagnosed with Primary Peritoneal/Ovarian Cancer (PPC) Stage III C. Although there is no current cure, remission can last a very long time. As I have reported previously, this is like living with any chronic disease like Diabetes, heart disease, etc. This will be a lifelong battle.
Last Wed. I had my first blood and Lab tests since remission was declared. I must say, it was a nagging few days in waiting for results of the CA 125. That is the cancer indicator. Normal is 35 or below…On Friday, the results came back as 9…YIPEEEEE still in remission. I will have to go through this every month for the next year and then every 3 months thereafter. Currently, I have treatments every 3 weeks for the next year of Avastin or Placebo; we (Doctors, Nurses and Don and I) strongly believe I am receiving Avastin the drug. The main side effect is high blood pressure and I have that as mine previously was always on the low side.
At the same time the lab test were being done last week, my back and sciatica (painful back pain that radiates down the leg). I had no idea what caused the trouble. I did not lift or do anything unusual, well, not that I can think of at the time. Don and I were a bit hesitant and nervous, thinking the cancer had spread. The Doctors sent me to get a spine x-ray on Friday and given some medication and steroids to manage the pain. Today we found the results out. Lumbar 1 and 2 have advance arthritis. To verify this further, I will be going to my regular physician in a couple of weeks and then to a MRI if necessary. My back is still very sore but manageable on the medication. This is a good indicator the pain management medication is working. If it was cancer, the pain would not decrease as much.
All in all health is good. J It is a bit nerve racking at times. On the funny side of things, my hair is growing back. This is faster than most; it usually takes 3 to 6 months. My grand kids love to touch my bald head. When my hair started growing back it feels very prickly. Maeve, 4 years old (Michelle oldest) and Fiona, 2 years old (Michelle 2nd) both were touching my head and Maeve said, “Nana hair feels like Daddy’s Beard”. We all had a good laugh because Maeve is right; my hair feels like a beard. Now it is getting softer. Not sure of the color or texture (curly or straight) just yet, it is too early to tell but I will let you know at my next update.
On the job situation, I have not heard back on the complaint I filed under the American with Disability Act (ADA) (cancer is a disability) with Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC). My previous employer had 40 days to respond. I contacted my EEOC assigned investigator today and left a message. I hope I hear something in September. When I do, I will write and let everyone know if EEOC thinks I have a case. We as many people we have spoken to believe we do have a case, let’s hope so.
Otherwise, August was a busy month as we had celebrated 5 of the 8 grand children’s Birthdays; 2 more birthday celebration will be next Sunday and then another in October. Whew this is where Nana and Papa can go broke…hahahahaha but we love it!
That is the news for now.
Keep in touch and I will write again in October or sooner.
Love, Margie
Hi Everyone;
How time flies when you are having fun! It is Sept. 1st already and hard to believe it was seven months ago when I was diagnosed with Primary Peritoneal/Ovarian Cancer (PPC) Stage III C. Although there is no current cure, remission can last a very long time. As I have reported previously, this is like living with any chronic disease like Diabetes, heart disease, etc. This will be a lifelong battle.
Last Wed. I had my first blood and Lab tests since remission was declared. I must say, it was a nagging few days in waiting for results of the CA 125. That is the cancer indicator. Normal is 35 or below…On Friday, the results came back as 9…YIPEEEEE still in remission. I will have to go through this every month for the next year and then every 3 months thereafter. Currently, I have treatments every 3 weeks for the next year of Avastin or Placebo; we (Doctors, Nurses and Don and I) strongly believe I am receiving Avastin the drug. The main side effect is high blood pressure and I have that as mine previously was always on the low side.
At the same time the lab test were being done last week, my back and sciatica (painful back pain that radiates down the leg). I had no idea what caused the trouble. I did not lift or do anything unusual, well, not that I can think of at the time. Don and I were a bit hesitant and nervous, thinking the cancer had spread. The Doctors sent me to get a spine x-ray on Friday and given some medication and steroids to manage the pain. Today we found the results out. Lumbar 1 and 2 have advance arthritis. To verify this further, I will be going to my regular physician in a couple of weeks and then to a MRI if necessary. My back is still very sore but manageable on the medication. This is a good indicator the pain management medication is working. If it was cancer, the pain would not decrease as much.
All in all health is good. J It is a bit nerve racking at times. On the funny side of things, my hair is growing back. This is faster than most; it usually takes 3 to 6 months. My grand kids love to touch my bald head. When my hair started growing back it feels very prickly. Maeve, 4 years old (Michelle oldest) and Fiona, 2 years old (Michelle 2nd) both were touching my head and Maeve said, “Nana hair feels like Daddy’s Beard”. We all had a good laugh because Maeve is right; my hair feels like a beard. Now it is getting softer. Not sure of the color or texture (curly or straight) just yet, it is too early to tell but I will let you know at my next update.
On the job situation, I have not heard back on the complaint I filed under the American with Disability Act (ADA) (cancer is a disability) with Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC). My previous employer had 40 days to respond. I contacted my EEOC assigned investigator today and left a message. I hope I hear something in September. When I do, I will write and let everyone know if EEOC thinks I have a case. We as many people we have spoken to believe we do have a case, let’s hope so.
Otherwise, August was a busy month as we had celebrated 5 of the 8 grand children’s Birthdays; 2 more birthday celebration will be next Sunday and then another in October. Whew this is where Nana and Papa can go broke…hahahahaha but we love it!
That is the news for now.
Keep in touch and I will write again in October or sooner.
Love, Margie
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