The long awaited appointment with my oncologist was this morning. I was very fortunate to have Paul, Maggie and Ben with me. Overall, we feel it was pretty good news, or at least better than we were imagining. My CA125 remains at 30. The PET scan did show a 2 cm tumor in an abdominal lymph node, which is larger than a previous scan. He’s 95% certain that it’s a return of the ovarian cancer, but will need to do a needle biopsy to be absolutely certain. I’ll have this done by a radiologist within the next week or so. If it’s confirmed as ovarian, then I’ll begin on the same chemo routine as before, every three weeks for six sessions and yes, I’ll lose my hair again, damnit!
The bad news is that this particular tumor has situated itself nicely between my abdominal aorta and my kidney, which makes it virtually inoperable. Way too risky to be wielding a scalpel on and around my aorta. The good news is that the cancer responded very well to the chemo before so no reason to think otherwise this time.
Long term, I’ll just continue to have it scanned probably twice a year and most likely, will need to have chemo on again off again indefinitely. Who knows, perhaps my hair will come back straight next time?
Another great Bernie Siegel quote:
“Even if what you most hope for-a complete cure-doesn’t come to pass, the hope itself can sustain you to accomplish many things in the meantime. Refusal to hope is nothing more than a decision to die.”
My heart is continually refilled with hope from all of the love and support from each and every one of you.
Love you all,
Big Giant Nysh
