Results

Well, the results came back and things are looking fairly good. The radioactive glucose will light up any cancer that is just less than 1cm or larger on the PT scan. Fortunately, nothing really lit up--even in my breast where the large tumor originally was. My CA-125 number also went from 100 to 91. The scans also showed some fluid still in my chest cavity. The PT scans are not 100% accurate, and because my CA-125 levels are still over 35, it does indicate that there are still cancer cells somewhere in my body, they're just not sure where at this point. I was also able to go yesterday to see Dr. Reading, the breast surgeon, for a consultation. Both she and my oncologist feel that a mastectomy is a good direction to go at this stage. I am scheduled for this on May 4th, and, at this point, am thinking it will be a double--although this could possibly change. Dr. Prystas was only able to give me the one chemo drug last Friday, because the risk of a severe allergic reaction to the other was just too high. So, the side effects haven't been too awful the past 5 days--I am just extremely tired and sleepy most days. They also didn't send me home with the Neulasta shot (that's the one that causes the severe body aches) because they are giving me a "chemo vacation" for a bit. I'll go in a few weeks for a chest x-ray and a CA-125 blood test, then possibly have them "tap" the chest cavity again to drain the fluid and test it for cancer cells; then we head in for surgery at the beginning of May. Chemo has been suspended for the time being, and we'll see whether I will need more after the surgery. It's a little scary to think that they won't be putting any cancer-killing drugs into me for a while, but both Dr.'s assured me that it's okay to take a "chemo vacation" at this point. Dr. Prystas would have made me take it regardless of whether or not I was able to have the surgery. The fact that I have both ovarian and breast cancer has (and will) really complicate treatment, and I was quite nervous that Dr. Reading wouldn't agree to do the mastectomy with the ovarian cancer possibly still being there, but was so relieved when she didn't hesitate to say she thought it was the right thing at this point in time. I feel very blessed to have these two remarkable women as my physicians. They are both mothers themselves, and completely understand my desire to be here for my children. They don't sugarcoat things, but also express hope & confidence in my future. I feel every day that my being here 6 months later is the direct result of the faith and prayers that have been offered on my behalf. I am grateful to my Heavenly Father for allowing me to still be here--and to be feeling pretty good most days. Life is wonderful--my heart is full of thanksgiving! Love to you always, Kim